Go Fish is a classic card game for 2-6 players where players ask opponents for specific card ranks to complete ‘books’ (sets of four matching cards). Here is a complete guide to the rules, from setup to scoring, so you can start playing right away.

What Is Go Fish?

Go Fish is one of the simplest and most popular card games in the world. Players ask each other for specific cards to collect complete sets of four (books). If the asked player doesn’t have the card, they say “Go fish!” and the asking player draws from the pile.

Go Fish is perfect for children, families, and casual play. A standard game takes 10-15 minutes.

What You Need

  • Players: 2-6 (best with 3-5)
  • Deck: Standard 52-card deck (no jokers)
  • Goal: Collect the most books (sets of four matching cards)

Setting Up

  1. Shuffle the deck
  2. Deal cards to each player:
    • 2-3 players: 7 cards each
    • 4-6 players: 5 cards each
  3. Place the remaining cards face-down in the center — this is the draw pile (also called the fish pond or ocean)
  4. Players look at their own cards but keep them hidden from others

How to Play

On Your Turn

  1. Ask any other player for a specific rank: “Do you have any Kings?”
  2. You must already hold at least one card of the rank you’re asking for
  3. If they have it: They must give you all cards of that rank. You get another turn.
  4. If they don’t have it: They say “Go fish!” You draw one card from the draw pile.
    • If the drawn card matches what you asked for, show it and take another turn
    • If it doesn’t match, your turn ends

Making Books

When you collect all four cards of the same rank (e.g., four 7s), immediately place them face-up in front of you as a book. This is worth one point at the end.

Ending the Game

The game ends when:

  • All 13 books have been collected, OR
  • The draw pile is empty and a player runs out of cards

The player with the most books wins.

Quick Rules Summary

Step Action
Setup Deal 5-7 cards per player, remaining cards form draw pile
Ask Request a specific rank from any player (must hold at least one)
Get cards If they have them, they give all of that rank; you go again
Go fish If they don’t have them, draw from the pile; turn ends (usually)
Books Collect all 4 of a rank → place as a book
Win Most books when all 13 are collected

Special Situations

Running Out of Cards

If your hand is empty:

  • Draw pile has cards: Draw one card and continue on your next turn
  • Draw pile is empty: You’re out — you can’t ask or draw. Wait for the game to end.

Last Card

If you play your last card into a book, draw from the pile (if available) and continue.

Ties

If two players have the same number of books, the game is a tie. Some house rules break ties by counting total card values in books.

Tips for New Players

  • Remember what others ask for — if someone asks for 8s, they have at least one 8
  • Ask the player most likely to have what you need based on what they’ve asked for
  • Don’t hold cards too long — ask for ranks where you have 2-3 cards to maximize your chances
  • Pay attention to “Go fish” responses — knowing who doesn’t have a card is valuable information too

Why Go Fish Is Great

Go Fish teaches fundamental card game skills:

  • Memory — tracking who has what
  • Deduction — inferring information from questions and responses
  • Turn-taking — basic game etiquette
  • Number matching — recognizing ranks

It’s the perfect gateway card game for children learning to play cards, and it remains fun for adults in casual settings.

Ready to play? Try Go Fish for free on Rare Pike — no download needed.