Go Fish Card Game With Rules

Introduction

Go Fish, also called Fish, is a popular card game. Its simplicity and accessibility make it a favourite choice for players of all ages.

A standard 52-card deck is used to play the game. Some cards are dealt while the rest form the stockpile. The goal is to make more books, which are nothing but any four of a kind.

If you are a new or experienced player, this guide will give you insights about the game. You will also learn step-by-step instructions on the gameplay and essential tricks and tips to improve your skills.

What is the Go Fish Card Game?

Go Fish is a classic card game, typically played with 2-6 players. The objective of this game is to collect sets of four cards of the same rank or four of a kind, called ‘Book’. 

Players take turns asking each other for specific cards to complete their sets. If the opponent has the requested card, they must give it to the asking player. If not, the asking player draws a card from the deck.

The game continues until all sets have been completed, and the player with the most books at the end wins.

Objective

The objective of this game is to collect sets of four cards of the same rank or four of a kind, called ‘Book’. The winner is the player who has collected the most books or groups of four cards by the end of the game.

How To Play Go Fish Card Game?

Here are the three main steps to play the Go Fish card game:

Step 1: Dealing the cards

• A player needs to shuffle and deal with the cards.
• All the Joker cards must be removed from the deck before shuffling and dealing the cards.
• The game is played between two players up to six players.
• For two to three players, each player receives seven cards.
• In case of four or more players, each player gets five cards.
• The dealer is chosen randomly.
• Being a dealer, turn-wise is preferred so that every player gets to be a dealer.

Step 2: Place the remaining cards on the table

• The rest of the cards are placed face-down on the table, creating a “fishing pond.”
• If players want to “go fish,” they can pick the top card from the deck.

Step 3: Taking the first move

• The player sitting to the dealer’s left makes the first moves. This is why all the players should take turns acting as a dealer.

Step 4: Asking for cards

• Players take turns asking opponents for specific ranked cards to match those already in their hands.
• Players can only ask for one card and one player during their turn.
• If a player gets the cards they requested, they can keep taking consecutive turns.
• A player can ask the same player for another card, or they can ask another player.

Step 5: Responding to requests

• If the opponent has the requested card(s), they must hand them over.
• If not, they reply, "Go fish," and the player draws a card from the deck.
• For example, if another player requests a Jack and a player holds two Jacks, then they have to give both the Jacks.
• They can’t hold back and lie as well.

Step 6: Pick cards from the pond when you ‘Go Fish’

• Whenever a player says, ‘Go Fish’, they must pick up a card from the pile of cards called fishing pond. 
• It can be a good thing to pick up the card in the early phases of the game.

Step 7: Completing books

• When a player collects a set of four cards of the same rank forming a four-of-a-kind, they lay the set face up on the table.

Step 8: End of the game

• The game continues until all four-of-a-kind have been formed.
• The player with the most sets at the end wins.
• In some variants, the player who gets rid of all their cards first wins the game.

Go Fish Card Game Rules

The primary rule of ‘Go Fish’ is to form as many groups of four of a kind as you can. Here are some other rules:

• Players must ask for a specific rank on the card.
• If a player receives the card they asked for, they get another turn.
• Players keep their turn if they draw the card they asked for from the deck.
• If a player runs out of cards in their hand, they draw five new cards from the deck.

Go Fish Card Game Process

• Shuffle the cards: The group decides on an individual who shuffles the deck without trying to peek through the cards.
• Deal the cards: The same individual who shuffled the cards now evenly distributes them among the players. In the game of 2 players - we offer seven cards to each player, while as the number of players increases, we offer five cards to each player.
• Place the cards face-down: Once the dealer distributes the cards, he puts the remaining cards face-down on the table.
• Start playing: Now that all the players have cards in their hands, they can play. The game continues until no card is left with the players.

Example Play

Players: Players A, B and C

Cards Dealt: 7 cards each to all the three players

Deck Setup: Jokers removed; remaining cards placed face-down as the fishing pond

Dealer: Player C

First Turn: Player A (sitting to the left of the dealer)

Round 1: Player A's Turn

Player A’s Hand: 5♦, 5♠, Q♣, 9♦, 2♠, 7♥, 7♣

• Player A asks Player B: "Do you have any 5s?"
  
  

1. Player B gives 5♣
   
   
2. Player A now has three 5s
   
   

• Player A asks Player C: "Do you have any 5s?"
  
  

1. Player C gives 5♥
   
   
2. Player A now has all four 5s → lays down a book of 5s
   
   

• Player A asks Player B: "Do you have any 7s?"
  
  

1. Player B says, “Go fish.”
   
   
2. Player A draws 2♣ from the pond (not a 7) → Turn ends.
   
   

Round 2: Player B's Turn

Player B’s Hand: K♠, K♥, 3♣, 9♣, 7♦, 2♥

• Player B asks Player C: "Do you have any Kings?"
  
  

1. Player C gives K♣
   
   
2. Player B now has three Kings.
   
   

• Player B asks Player A: "Do you have any Kings?"
  
  

1. Player A says, “Go fish.”
   
   
2. Player B draws K♦ from the pond → completes a set of four Kings.
   
   
3. Player B lays down a book of Kings.
   
   
4. Since they drew the card they asked for, they continued.
   
   

• Player B asks Player C: "Do you have any 3s?"
  
  

1. Player C says, “Go fish.”
   
   
2. Player B draws 8♠ (not a 3) → Turn ends
   
   

Round 3: Player C's Turn

Player C’s Hand: 4♠, 4♣, 6♦, J♥, J♠, 8♦

• Player C asks Player A: "Do you have any Jacks?"
  
  

1. Player A gives J♦
   
   
2. Player C now has three Jacks.
   
   

• Player C asks Player B: "Do you have any Jacks?"
  
  

1. Player B says, “Go fish.”
   
   
2. Player C draws J♣ → completes a set of four Jacks.
   
   
3. Player C lays down a book of Jack.
   
   
4. Since they drew the card they asked for, they continued.
   
   

• Player C asks Player A: "Do you have any 4s?"
  
  

1. Player A says, “Go fish.”
   
   
2. Player C draws Q♠ → not a 4 → Turn ends
   
   

Game Status After 3 Rounds

• Player A: 1 book (5s)
  
  
• Player B: 1 book (Kings)
  
  
• Player C: 1 book (Jacks)
  
  

Depending on future turns, Player A may complete another book (such as 7s) later in the game.

End of Game & Winner

Assuming Player A collects the 7s later:

• Player A: 2 books (5s, 7s)
  
  
• Player B: 1 book (Kings)
  
  
• Player C: 1 book (Jacks)
  
  

Winner: Player A (most books)

Strategy

Here are some strategies you can use to win the game:

• Pay attention to the cards opponents request and the ones they receive. It helps them remember which cards are likely to be in their hands and which are safe to ask for.
• Use strategic bluffing to mislead opponents about the cards you possess. It can involve asking for cards you already have or pretending to have a specific card to trick opponents into giving you the cards you need.
• Prioritize collecting sets of four cards of the same rank. It increases your chances of winning by earning more points.
• Observe the number of cards opponents draw when they "go fish." If they draw multiple cards of the same rank, it indicates they may be collecting a set.

Frequently asked question

How do you play the card game Go Fish?

To play Go Fish, each player starts with a hand of cards. Players take turns asking opponents for specific cards to match those in their hands.

If the opponent has the requested card, they must give it to them. If not, the player draws a card from the deck. The goal is to collect sets of four cards of the same rank.

Is Go Fish 5 or 7 cards?

Go Fish can be played with 5 or 7 cards for each player. For four or more players, five cards are dealt to each player.

Is Go Fish the same as rummy?

No, Go Fish and Rummy are different card games. Go Fish focuses on creating sets of four cards, whereas Rummy involves forming pure and impure sequences and sets with the cards in hand.

Do you keep 7 cards in Go Fish?

Yes, In Go Fish, each player gets seven cards at the beginning of the game when two to three players are playing. In case of four or more players, each player receives five cards.

Conclusion

Go Fish is a timeless and fun card game that combines strategy, memory, and a bit of luck, making it ideal for players of all ages. With simple rules and engaging gameplay, it’s easy to learn yet offers enough depth to keep the gameplay exciting. Players can significantly improve their chances of winning by mastering basic game procedures, like forming books, strategically asking for cards, and observing opponents. Whether you are a beginner or a professional enthusiast, Go Fish provides a fun, social, and educational gaming experience.