Game guide · CXCWGS
The Go Fish playbook
Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. 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.
Practice beyond the first move
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock.
What you need to achieve
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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.
Start here and follow along
- 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.
Input guidance
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.
Put the rules into context
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn.
Check this before moving on
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Answers about the rules and controls
During a round, what is the aim of Go Fish?
Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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.
During a round, can you show an example?
Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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 instructions above use these same rules.
On this page, 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. A new round resets the current game.
When I start, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, why did my turn continue after drawing?
You drew the rank you had asked for, so you may request again. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, 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.
Can I ask for any rank?
Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. Use the labelled controls for your next action.