Game guide · JK-TJ
The essentials of playing Go Fish
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. 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.
Two-player, seven-card opening, standard 52-card pack. No betting or prizes. Refreshing starts a fresh deal.
Give this approach a try
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The purpose of your moves
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
The playing sequence
- 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.
How to interact with the game
Check the rule below as you play. 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.
A useful example
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
A useful caution
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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 game area remains available above the explanation.
A few questions answered
What is the aim of Go Fish?
Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, 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 controls work with mouse or touch.
Can you show an example?
Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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.
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.
During a round, what is a book?
All four cards of the same rank, such as the four kings. You can start a new round from the game controls.
During a round, why did my turn continue after drawing?
You drew the rank you had asked for, so you may request again. The game is played locally in your browser.
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 game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, can I ask for any rank?
Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. The controls work with mouse or touch.
