Go Fish Rules
Go Fish is a simple matching game for two to six players. The aim is to collect the most books, sets of four cards of the same rank.
🐟 Play it now: open Go Fish with 2 to 4 players.
Cards and deal
- One 52-card pack. Suits do not matter, only ranks.
- With two or three players, deal seven cards each. With four or more players, deal five each.
- Put the rest of the pack face down in the middle. This is the pond (or stock).
- If anyone is dealt all four cards of a rank, they lay that book down straight away.
Taking a turn
- Choose another player and ask for a rank you hold: "Do you have any Queens?" You must hold at least one card of that rank.
- If that player has one or more cards of that rank, they must hand them all over, and you take another turn.
- If they have none, they say "Go Fish!" and you draw the top card of the pond.
- If the card you draw is the rank you asked for, show it and take another turn. Otherwise your turn ends and play passes to the left.
Books
Whenever you hold all four cards of a rank, put the book face up in front of you. Books are safe from the other players.
Running out of cards
If your hand becomes empty, draw cards from the pond (up to a full starting hand) on your next turn. If the pond is empty, you are out of the game, and the others carry on until all 13 books are made.
Winning
The player with the most books when all 13 are made wins. A tie is possible with an even number of players.
Example: You hold two 9s and ask Priya for 9s. She has one 9, hands it over, and you ask again. You now hold three 9s and ask Rahul. He has none: "Go Fish!" You draw a 9 from the pond, completing the book, and go again.
Strategy tips
- Remember who asked for which rank. They are holding it.
- Ask for ranks you hold several of, because they get you closer to a book.
- Do not ask for the rank you just asked about unless you know the player drew it; otherwise it wastes the turn.
Variations
- Pairs Go Fish: collect pairs instead of books of four, which makes shorter games for small children.
- Cards-in-hand variant: some play that you must ask for the card by suit too, which is harder.
FAQ
Can I ask the same player again?
Yes, as long as you have a rank to ask for. After a successful ask you must ask again; after a Go Fish your turn ends.
What if the pond runs out?
Players keep asking each other for cards. A player whose hand is empty and cannot draw is out, and the others continue until the books are all made.
Is Go Fish a good game for children?
Yes. It teaches ranks, memory and turn-taking, and there is no reading involved.