Game guide · SXLANJU
Understand the basics of River Crossing Puzzle
Read the position before choosing your next action. Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. Everyone starts on the near bank. The farmer rows and can take at most one passenger.
The classic single wolf–goat–cabbage puzzle, with one-passenger boat and seven-crossing optimal solution. No claim of a large level collection.
Take a closer look while playing
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Cross alone or take someone on the same bank as the farmer. Unsafe crossings are rejected before the state changes. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
The goal to keep in mind
Check the rule below as you play. Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended.
Work through the instructions
- Everyone starts on the near bank. The farmer rows and can take at most one passenger.
- The wolf cannot stay with the goat without the farmer. The goat cannot stay with the cabbage without the farmer.
- Cross alone or take someone on the same bank as the farmer. Unsafe crossings are rejected before the state changes.
- Bring all four across. Use Undo or Restart to explore another sequence.
Keyboard and screen controls
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Choose Cross alone, Take Wolf, Take Goat or Take Cabbage. Buttons for passengers on the other bank are unavailable. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
See how the rules apply
Take a moment to check the current turn. Taking the goat first leaves the wolf with the cabbage, which is safe. Taking the wolf first would leave the goat with the cabbage and is refused. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Notice this detail
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. The farmer sometimes must bring a passenger back. Only moving forward is not enough to solve the puzzle. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Read these answers for extra help
On this page, what is the aim of River Crossing Puzzle?
Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Choose Cross alone, Take Wolf, Take Goat or Take Cabbage. Buttons for passengers on the other bank are unavailable. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, can you show an example?
Taking the goat first leaves the wolf with the cabbage, which is safe. Taking the wolf first would leave the goat with the cabbage and is refused. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, which mistake should I avoid?
The farmer sometimes must bring a passenger back. Only moving forward is not enough to solve the puzzle. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
What rules and limits are used here?
The classic single wolf–goat–cabbage puzzle, with one-passenger boat and seven-crossing optimal solution. No claim of a large level collection. The game is played locally in your browser.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
On this page, can the farmer travel alone?
Yes. Cross alone moves only the farmer and boat to the opposite bank. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, why was my crossing refused?
It would leave the wolf with the goat or the goat with the cabbage without the farmer. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, can I carry two passengers?
No. The boat holds the farmer and at most one passenger. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
For this game, how many crossings are needed?
The shortest solution uses seven crossings, including return trips. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
