Game guide · NEW61
A practical guide to Go Fish
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. Both players receive seven cards. The remaining cards form the stock. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Two-player, seven-card opening, standard 52-card pack. No betting or prizes. Refreshing starts a fresh deal.
Something to practise
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Your objective
Check the rule below as you play. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand.
Start here and follow along
- Both players receive seven cards. The remaining cards form the stock.
- Choose a rank that you currently hold. The opponent gives you every card of that rank.
- A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock.
- If the drawn card matches the requested rank, ask again. Otherwise the turn passes.
- Four cards of one rank are removed as a completed book. An empty hand draws one stock card at the start of its turn if possible.
- The game ends when all thirteen books are collected. The player with more books wins.
Making selections and moves
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. The game area remains available above the explanation.
One way to understand the rules
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Notice this detail
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. You cannot request a rank absent from your hand. One pair is not a book; a book contains all four suits of one rank. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Common questions
During a round, what is the aim of Go Fish?
Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, can you show an example?
Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. The controls work with mouse or touch.
On this page, which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot request a rank absent from your hand. One pair is not a book; a book contains all four suits of one rank. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, what rules and limits are used here?
Two-player, seven-card opening, standard 52-card pack. No betting or prizes. Refreshing starts a fresh deal. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. No download or player account is required.
What is a book?
All four cards of the same rank, such as the four kings. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
For this game, why did my turn continue after drawing?
You drew the rank you had asked for, so you may request again. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, what happens when my hand is empty?
On your turn you draw one card if the stock still has cards. With an empty stock, an empty hand sits out. The instructions above use these same rules.
On this page, can I ask for any rank?
Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. A new round resets the current game.
