Go Fish

Computer players2

Play with friends

Make a private room and share the link, or join one with its code. Everyone plays on their own phone; add computer players to fill seats.

Collect books of four. Most books wins.

Ask for the cards you need, collect books of four, and tell everyone else to go fish. Play against the computer, then read the rules.

Players
2–6
Time
10 min
You need
1 deck
To win
Most books of four

Go Fish rules

Setup

  • One standard 52-card deck, two to six players.
  • Deal seven cards each for two or three players, five each for four or more.
  • Spread the rest face down in the middle: that's the pond.

Taking a turn

  1. Ask any player for a rank you already hold: "Sam, do you have any 7s?"
  2. If they do, they must give you all of them, and you ask again.
  3. If they don't, they say "Go fish!" and you draw a card from the pond.
  4. If you fish the rank you asked for, show it and go again. Otherwise the turn passes to the left.

Books and winning

When you have all four cards of a rank, lay them down as a book. The game ends when all 13 books are made, and the player with the most books wins.

Tips for winning

  • Listen. If a player asks for 9s, they have at least one 9. Ask them for it later.
  • Ask for the rank you hold the most of: you're closer to a book.
  • When someone takes your cards, they now hold that rank. Ask for it back when you draw another.

Go Fish for little kids

Play with pairs instead of books: lay down any two cards of the same rank. It's quicker, and children who are learning numbers find it easier to follow. Picture decks with fish or animals work the same way.

More classic games: play Golf, or learn Speed and Spoons.

Frequently asked questions

How many cards do you deal in Go Fish?

Seven cards each with two or three players, five cards each with four or more.

Do you have to have the card to ask for it?

Yes. You can only ask for a rank you already hold at least one of.

What happens if you draw the card you asked for?

In the most common rules, you show it and take another turn. Some families just move on; agree before you start.

What is a book in Go Fish?

All four cards of one rank, like four 7s. Lay it face up in front of you. Whoever has the most books at the end wins.

What if you run out of cards?

Draw a card from the pond on your turn and keep playing. If the pond is empty too, you're out for the rest of the game.

When does Go Fish end?

When all 13 books have been made. Some families stop as soon as one player runs out of cards.