Rules for Go Fish

Go Fish is a simple card game that works well for the whole family. It's ideal for 2–5 players and usually takes 10–20 minutes. All you need is a standard 52-card deck without jokers.

The goal is to collect as many books as possible. A book is a set of four cards of the same rank. The player with the most books at the end wins. The game is easy enough for children as young as 6, and enjoyable for all ages.

Each player is dealt 7 cards. The remaining cards are placed face down in the center. This is the ocean.

Spread the cards in the ocean out loosely so they look like waves. The cards should be scattered and disorganized.

To decide who goes first, draw cards (highest starts) or agree on any method you like.

Turns move clockwise around the table. On your turn:

1. Ask for a card: Ask one other player for a specific rank. You may only ask for a rank you already have in your hand.
2. Example: If you have a Jack, you can ask: "Do you have any Jacks?"
3. If the player has the card: 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 draw a random card from the ocean. Your turn then ends.

A book is a set of four cards of the same rank, for example four Jacks or four Sevens.

Important: As soon as you collect four cards of the same rank, you must place them face up in front of you straight away. This applies 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: All of their 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 there's a tie, the victory is shared.

Some tips for doing well in Go Fish:

• Remember what others ask for: If someone asks for Queens, they have at least one Queen
• Ask strategically: Target players 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 ranks you already hold

Some 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
• 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 children may be allowed to play with their cards visible for help