Game guide · SXSMQZJ
Go Fish: rules and examples
Take a moment to check the current turn. 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.
An idea for your next attempt
A careful first move helps you understand the round. A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
What you are aiming for
Check the rule below as you play. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
One way to understand the rules
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A useful caution
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. You cannot request a rank absent from your hand. One pair is not a book; a book contains all four suits of one rank.
If you are unsure
What is the aim of Go Fish?
Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. A new round resets the current game.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
For this game, can you show an example?
Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, 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. No download or player account is required.
When I start, 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. No download or player account is required.
On this page, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
What is a book?
All four cards of the same rank, such as the four kings. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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.
When I start, 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 controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, can I ask for any rank?
Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.