Game guide · ZGHEHE
The essentials of playing Go Fish
Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. The game area remains available above the explanation. Both players receive seven cards. The remaining cards form the stock. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Two-player, seven-card opening, standard 52-card pack. No betting or prizes. Refreshing starts a fresh deal.
Give this approach a try
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The challenge in front of you
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
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.
How to use the controls
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A useful example
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A useful caution
The board gives you the information needed for the 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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Further help with the game
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, can you show an example?
Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, 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 game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, 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 instructions above use these same rules.
How many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
During a round, what is a book?
All four cards of the same rank, such as the four kings. No download or player account is required.
On this page, why did my turn continue after drawing?
You drew the rank you had asked for, so you may request again. No download or player account is required.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
Can I ask for any rank?
Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. The game is played locally in your browser.