Game guide · 2COPE
River Crossing Puzzle: learn through an example
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Give this approach a try
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Cross alone or take someone on the same bank as the farmer. Unsafe crossings are rejected before the state changes. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Your objective
Read the position before choosing your next action. Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. The game area remains available above the explanation.
How to proceed
- 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. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
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.
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. The game area remains available above the explanation.
More answers before you play
When I start, what is the aim of River Crossing Puzzle?
Carry the wolf, goat and cabbage across the river without leaving an unsafe pair unattended. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
How many people can play here?
Solo. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, 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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, can I carry two passengers?
No. The boat holds the farmer and at most one passenger. You can start a new round from the game controls.
For this game, how many crossings are needed?
The shortest solution uses seven crossings, including return trips. The instructions above use these same rules.