Overview
Go Fish is a matching card game. This guide uses a straightforward common ruleset and notes where versions often differ.
Objective
Collect more complete books of four equal-ranked cards than the other players.
What You Need
- Standard 52-card deck
- 2–6 player(s), as appropriate
- A clear table or playing area
Setup
Deal 7 cards each for a small game or 5 each for a larger group. Put the remaining cards face down as the fishing pond.
How to Play
- Ask one opponent for a rank that you already hold.
- If they have cards of that rank, they give all of them to you and you continue.
- If not, they say “Go Fish” and you draw from the pond.
- Whenever you collect all four cards of one rank, place the completed book face up.
- When play ends, count completed books.
Scoring / Winning
Each completed book is worth one. The player with the most books wins.
Worked Example
If you hold a 6, you may ask another player for 6s. If they have two, both are handed over; otherwise you draw one card.
Strategy Tips
- Remember ranks other players ask for.
- Ask strategically for ranks you have seen revealed.
- Keep completed books clearly separated from your hand.
Common Mistakes
- Asking for a rank you do not hold.
- Giving only one matching card instead of all cards of that rank.
- Forgetting to lay down a completed book.
Variations & House Rules
Some versions use pairs instead of books, especially with younger players or reduced decks.
FAQ
Do I keep asking after a successful request?
Commonly yes; your turn continues after receiving the requested rank.
What if I draw the rank I asked for?
Many versions let you continue; agree before starting.
Score Card
Open the CS17 fillable Go Fish Game Sheet to enter names and results on screen, then print it or save it as a PDF.