Game guide · LZWEIDAO
The River Crossing Puzzle playbook
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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. Everyone starts on the near bank. The farmer rows and can take at most one passenger. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The classic single wolf–goat–cabbage puzzle, with one-passenger boat and seven-crossing optimal solution. No claim of a large level collection.
Practice beyond the first move
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.
What you are aiming for
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.
From the start of a round
- 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.
Controls
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. Choose Cross alone, Take Wolf, Take Goat or Take Cabbage. Buttons for passengers on the other bank are unavailable.
See how the rules apply
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
An important reminder
Read the position before choosing your next action. The farmer sometimes must bring a passenger back. Only moving forward is not enough to solve the puzzle. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Clarifying the way this game works
During a round, what is the aim of River Crossing Puzzle?
Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
For this game, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, 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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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.
Can the farmer travel alone?
Yes. Cross alone moves only the farmer and boat to the opposite bank. A new round resets the current game.
Why was my crossing refused?
It would leave the wolf with the goat or the goat with the cabbage without the farmer. The controls work with mouse or touch.
Can I carry two passengers?
No. The boat holds the farmer and at most one passenger. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, how many crossings are needed?
The shortest solution uses seven crossings, including return trips. No download or player account is required.