8 In A Raft

Challenge

Move the four pegs on the right side to the left side using only certain moves

Supplies

• • Large “8 Men in a Raft” Puzzle board

  • 8 pegs

What to do

• • Set the puzzle up with four red pegs on one side and four white pegs on the other with one open space in the middle.

  • Invite visitors to solve the puzzle by getting all of the red and white pegs to switch sides using the following rules:

    • • You can only move one peg at a time

      • You can move a peg “forward” one space if the next spot is open or you can jump one peg of the other color if the open space is on the other side.

      • You can not move backwards

Whats happening?

This is a fun puzzle which requires that you not take the obvious move. There are only two moves you can make at any time. One of those moves is the correct move, the other will usually line up two of the same color. If two of the same color meet in the middle of the board/raft the other color will not be able to get past and you lose. Once you understand the pattern of moves required, it is fast and easy to solve the puzzle. Have fun.