Twenty-six tactics puzzles aboard the boat, hung on three ladders — every one a forced mate, verified move by move before it was hung. You always play White. Climb rung by rung: Deckhand mates in one, River Rat mates in two, Captain mates in two and three.
The Ladder's rule, printed on the door: attempts are free, forever. Solve a rung and the Café pays — 5 Dough on the Deckhand rungs, 10 on the River Rat rungs, 15 on the Captain rungs — the first time you solve it. Miss, and the Ladder teaches you the idea behind the puzzle; that rung then locks until tomorrow, but it waits for you at the Practice Table, where replaying is always free and nothing is ever at stake. The Daily Mate below pays 20 Dough, once a day. Your Dough can only go up.
The Practice Table
Every puzzle you have solved — and every one you missed today — docks here. Replay them as often as you like: the ideas are printed, the board is free, and no Dough ever rides on practice.
