Guard and Inmates River Crossing Puzzle | MindYourLogic River Crossing Puzzle

In this River Crossing Puzzle, three guards need to transport four inmates across a river using a boat that can carry a maximum of two people at a time. The critical constraint is to ensure that the number of guards is always enough to prevent any escape attempts by the inmates. To solve this puzzle, you need to plan the boat trips strategically so that all guards and inmates are transported safely across the river without any breaches in security.

First Trip:
Two guards cross the river.
State: Two guards on the far side; one guard and four inmates on the starting side.

Second Trip:
One guard returns with the boat to the starting side.
State: One guard on the far side; two guards and four inmates on the starting side.

Third Trip:
Two inmates cross the river.
State: One guard and two inmates on the far side; two guards and two inmates on the starting side.

Fourth Trip:
One inmate returns with the boat to the starting side.
State: One guard and one inmate on the far side; two guards and three inmates on the starting side.

Fifth Trip:
Two guards cross the river.
State: Three guards and one inmate on the far side; no guards and three inmates on the starting side.

Sixth Trip:
One guard returns with the boat to the starting side.
State: Two guards and one inmate on the far side; one guard and three inmates on the starting side.

Seventh Trip:
Two inmates cross the river.
State: Two guards and three inmates on the far side; one guard and one inmate on the starting side.

Eighth Trip:
One inmate returns with the boat to the starting side.
State: Two guards and two inmates on the far side; one guard and two inmates on the starting side.

Ninth Trip:
The last guard and one inmate cross the river.
State:Three guards and three inmates on the far side; one inmate left on the starting side.

Tenth Trip:
One guard returns with the boat to the starting side.
State: Two guards and three inmates on the far side; one guard and one inmate on the starting side.

Eleventh Trip:
The last inmate crosses the river with the guard.
State: Three guards and four inmates on the far side; no one left on the starting side.

Conclusion:
All three guards and four inmates are safely transported across the river without any security breaches, ensuring that the number of guards is always sufficient to prevent any escape attempts.