Learn how to play the Go Fish card game! Simple rules, winning strategies, and FAQs explained. Perfect for kids and families.
What Is Go Fish?
Go Fish is a simple and fun card game for all ages. It can be played by 2 to 10 players and usually lasts between 5 to 15 minutes. The goal is to collect sets of four matching cards, called books.
- Number of Players: 2 to 10
- Deck Used: Standard 52-card deck (Jokers optional)
- Objective: Collect the most books to win
How to Play Go Fish
The Setup
- Shuffle a 52-card deck.
- Deal 7 cards each if playing with 2-3 players, or 5 cards each for 4-5 players.
- Place the remaining deck face down as the stock pile.
Game Rules
- The player to the left of the dealer goes first.
- They ask a specific player for a rank they already have in hand. Example: “Do you have any kings?”
- If the asked player has the cards, they must give all of them to the requester.
- If they don’t have any, they say “Go Fish!” The requester then draws a card from the stock.
- If a player collects four of a kind, they place the set on the table.
- The turn continues until a player fails to make a match, then it moves clockwise.
- The game ends when all 13 books are completed. The player with the most books wins.
Card Ranking
- Cards rank from Ace (high) to Two (low).
- Suits don’t matter – only the numbers are important.
Winning Strategies
- Pay attention to requests: Track which cards players ask for to guess what they have.
- Bluff strategically: Ask for cards you might not have to confuse opponents.
- Use the stock wisely: Fishing from the stock can sometimes help complete a book.
FAQs
How many cards do you start with in Go Fish?
- 2-3 players: Each gets 7 cards.
- 4-5 players: Each gets 5 cards.
Do you have to hold 7 cards in Go Fish?
No, your hand size changes as you collect or give away cards.
Is Go Fish the same as Rummy?
No. While both involve collecting sets, Rummy uses melds and sequences, while Go Fish focuses on books of four matching cards.
Go Fish is a great card game for kids and families. It’s easy to learn and can be played anytime. Try it today.
Love card games? Check out more guides and lists: Traditional Card Games, How to Play Solitaire, Best Free Solitaire mobile games.