Game guide · CTCPX
River Crossing Puzzle: how a round works
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. Start a new round when you are ready to try again. 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.
Give this approach a try
Take a moment to check the current turn. Cross alone or take someone on the same bank as the farmer. Unsafe crossings are rejected before the state changes.
The objective of a round
Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Follow these playing steps
- 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.
How to use the controls
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Choose Cross alone, Take Wolf, Take Goat or Take Cabbage. Buttons for passengers on the other bank are unavailable. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Put the rules into context
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Check this before moving on
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. 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
What is the aim of River Crossing Puzzle?
Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, 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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, which mistake should I avoid?
The farmer sometimes must bring a passenger back. Only moving forward is not enough to solve the puzzle. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, 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 controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
Can the farmer travel alone?
Yes. Cross alone moves only the farmer and boat to the opposite bank. The game is played locally in your browser.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, can I carry two passengers?
No. The boat holds the farmer and at most one passenger. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, how many crossings are needed?
The shortest solution uses seven crossings, including return trips. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.