Game guide · MIBDF
Rules, controls and help for River Crossing Puzzle
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The classic single wolf–goat–cabbage puzzle, with one-passenger boat and seven-crossing optimal solution. No claim of a large level collection.
A focus for your next round
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Understand the aim
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. 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.
Your inputs
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
A closer look at one example
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
A common point of confusion
Take a moment to check the current turn. The farmer sometimes must bring a passenger back. Only moving forward is not enough to solve the puzzle. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Questions about this game
What is the aim of River Crossing Puzzle?
Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. You can start a new round from the game controls.
When I start, 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 worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, 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.
For this game, which mistake should I avoid?
The farmer sometimes must bring a passenger back. Only moving forward is not enough to solve the puzzle. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, how many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
Can the farmer travel alone?
Yes. Cross alone moves only the farmer and boat to the opposite bank. No download or player account is required.
On this page, why was my crossing refused?
It would leave the wolf with the goat or the goat with the cabbage without the farmer. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, can I carry two passengers?
No. The boat holds the farmer and at most one passenger. The instructions above use these same rules.
On this page, how many crossings are needed?
The shortest solution uses seven crossings, including return trips. Use the labelled controls for your next action.