Official Go Fish! Rules

Last Updated on July 19, 2025 by The Official Game Rules Team

Go Fish! is a classic and simple two player card game perfect for players of all ages. The objective is to collect the most sets of four matching cards. This page provides a clear breakdown of the rules, guiding you through the asking, matching, and set collecting that define this timeless game.

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How to Play Go Fish!

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Objective

The goal of Go Fish is to collect the most books—sets of four cards of the same rank (e.g., four Kings or four 7s).

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What You Need

• A standard 52-card deck
• 2 to 6 players

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Setup

1. Deal cards:
   • 2–3 players: Deal 7 cards to each player.
   • 4–6 players: Deal 5 cards to each player.
2. Place the remaining cards face down in a draw pile (the “ocean” or “pool”).
3. Players look at their cards and organize them by rank.

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Gameplay

Taking a Turn

1. On your turn, ask one specific player for a card rank you already have at least one of.
   • Example: “Do you have any threes?”
2. If the other player has one or more cards of that rank:
   • They must give you all of them.
   • You take those cards and continue your turn.
3. If the other player does not have any cards of that rank:
   • They say, “Go fish.”
   • You draw the top card from the pool.
   • If the card you draw is the rank you asked for, you show it and take another turn.
   • If not, your turn ends.

Making Books

• Whenever you collect all 4 cards of the same rank, lay them down in front of you as a book.
• You may form a book either from drawing or by receiving cards from others.

Play continues clockwise.

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Winning the Game

• The game ends when all 13 books have been completed.
• The player with the most books wins.

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Notes/Variations

• Ask anyone: In some versions, players can ask any opponent, not just the next in turn.
• Memory strategy: Pay attention to what others ask for—it can give clues about their hand.
• Pay close attention to the cards being played throughout the game. This helps you remember which cards other players might have.
• Prioritize asking for cards you need to complete sets.
• If you have many unmatched cards, consider drawing a card by saying “Go Fish!” This can improve your chances of getting a needed card.

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Go Fish! is a fun and easy game that’s a great choice for players of all ages. Enjoy playing!