Go Fish glossary: A complete reference of Go Fish terminology, from basic terms every beginner should know to advanced vocabulary used by competitive players.

B

Book — A complete set of four cards of the same rank (e.g., four Queens). Collecting books is the goal of Go Fish. The player with the most books wins.

D

Deal — Distributing cards to players at the start of the game. With 2-3 players, deal 7 cards each; with 4-6 players, deal 5 each.

Draw pile — The face-down stack of remaining cards in the center of the table. Also called the fish pond, ocean, or stock. When told “Go fish,” you draw from this pile.

F

Fish pond — Another name for the draw pile. The central stack of face-down cards that players “fish” from.

G

Go fish — The response given when you don’t have the rank requested by another player. The asking player must then draw one card from the draw pile.

H

Hand — The cards a player holds, hidden from other players.

M

Match — When the card you draw from the fish pond is the same rank you just asked for. In most rules, you show the card and take another turn.

O

Ocean — Another informal name for the draw pile.

R

Rank — The denomination of a card (Ace, 2, 3, …, 10, Jack, Queen, King). Go Fish groups cards by rank, not suit.

S

Set — Another term for a book (four cards of the same rank).

Stock — Another name for the draw pile.

T

Turn — A player’s opportunity to ask for cards and potentially draw. Turns continue clockwise around the table.

Play Go Fish for free on Rare Pike and put what you’ve learned into practice.