Game guide · GSAZJC
An introduction to playing Go Fish
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
Two-player, seven-card opening, standard 52-card pack. No betting or prizes. Refreshing starts a fresh deal.
Practice with a purpose
Read the position before choosing your next action. A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock.
Aim for this result
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Making your moves
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
An example before you play
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Pay attention to this rule
Read the position before choosing your next action. You cannot request a rank absent from your hand. One pair is not a book; a book contains all four suits of one rank. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Answers about the rules and controls
On this page, what is the aim of Go Fish?
Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
When I start, how do the controls work?
Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
Can you show an example?
Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, 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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. No download or player account is required.
During a round, what is a book?
All four cards of the same rank, such as the four kings. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, why did my turn continue after drawing?
You drew the rank you had asked for, so you may request again. The game is played locally in your browser.
During a round, 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. No download or player account is required.
For this game, can I ask for any rank?
Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. No download or player account is required.