Rules for Go Fish

Go Fish is a simple and fun card game that’s perfect for the whole family! The game is ideal for 2–5 players and usually takes 10–20 minutes to play. All you need is a standard 52-card deck (without jokers).

The goal of the game is to collect as many "books" as possible – sets of four cards of the same rank. The player with the most books at the end of the game wins! It’s easy enough for children as young as 6, but fun for all ages.

Each player is dealt 7 cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in the center – this is the “ocean.”

Important: Spread the cards in the ocean out messily so it really resembles waves in a real sea. The cards should lie disorganized and scattered.

To choose the starting player, draw cards (highest starts) or agree on any method you like.

Turns move clockwise around the table. When it’s your turn:

1. Ask for a card: You must ask one other player for a specific rank. You may only ask for a rank that you already have in your hand.
2. Example: If you have a Jack, you may ask: “Do you have any Jacks?”
3. If the player HAS the card(s): They must give you ALL cards of that rank. You keep your turn and may ask again.
4. If the player DOESN’T have it: They say “Go Fish!” and you must draw a random card from the ocean. Your turn then ends.

A “book” is a set of four cards of the same rank (e.g. four Jacks or four Sevens).

Important rule: As soon as you collect four cards of the same rank, you must immediately place them face up in front of you as a book. This must be done even if it’s not your turn.

Suit (♠️♦️♣️♥️) does not matter – only the rank counts. Four Jacks are worth the same as four Twos.

The game ends when one of the following happens:

• A player runs out of cards: This occurs when all of a player’s cards have been laid down as books
• The ocean dries up: All cards in the ocean have been drawn

When the game ends, each player counts their books. The player with the most books wins! If tied, the victory is shared.

Here are some useful tips to succeed in Go Fish:

• Remember what others ask for: If someone asks for Queens, they have at least one Queen
• Ask strategically: Target players who you think have the cards you need
• Be observant: Keep track of how many cards other players have – few cards could mean many books
• Vary your questions: Don’t always ask for the same card – other players will notice
• Follow the rules: You may only ask for cards you already have in hand

There are several ways to adapt the game:

• Fewer cards: For younger children, start with 5–6 cards instead of 7
• Shorter game: Play until the first player collects 3 books instead of playing to the end
• Points game: Play multiple rounds and track total books to find the overall winner
• Team play: With many players, divide into teams of 2–3
• Open hands: Younger kids may be allowed to play with their hands visible for help