Go Fish Card Game Rules

The game Go Fish is super enjoyable when you’re with friends. Learning Go Fish card game rules doesn’t take long! You can play with 2 to 6 people, aiming to collect sets of four cards of the same kind. Be the first to lay down all your cards to win! There are exciting ways to switch things up with each hand, making sure you never get tired of this timeless card game.

Getting Started With Go Fish

As per the Go Fish card game rules, getting started is pretty simple, just follow these 4 simple steps and you’ll be good to go.

• Choose someone to shuffle and deal the cards for the first round. Go Fish is versatile, and playable with as few as 2 players or up to 6 players. The dealer could be the person with the upcoming birthday, the previous game-winner, or anyone else you select. Rotate the dealer role to ensure everyone gets a turn.
• Have the dealer shuffle and distribute cards to each player. For 2-3 players, deal 7 cards each; for 4 or more players, distribute 5 cards per person. Remove jokers from the deck before shuffling. Players can view their cards but keep them hidden from others.
• Place the remaining cards face-down in the middle to create the “fishing pond.” Keep all cards face-down to prevent peeking. If space is limited, stack the cards face-down for easy access when someone needs to “go fish.”
• Let the person to the left of the dealer start the game. Rotating the dealer role ensures everyone gets a chance to take the first turn!

Go Fish Card Game Rules | What Are the Rules of Go Fish?

1. Each player gets 5 cards (7 in games with 2 players).
2. The dealer starts and picks a player to ask for a specific card rank.
3. If the asked player has those cards, they give them to the asker. If not, they say “Go Fish,” and the asker draws a card from the deck.
4. Play moves clockwise.
5. When a player collects four cards of the same rank, they place them face-up on the table.
6. The game ends when all cards are matched up.

Playing Your Turn

In this game, each player takes a chance in the order of the players sitting in a circle (moving to the left).

When it’s your turn, you ask another player if they have a specific number of cards. For instance, you might ask Kathy if she has any nines. If Kathy does have any nines, she has to give them all to you. But if she doesn’t, she’ll say “go fish”.

When someone says “Go fish,” you’re allowed to pick any card from the pool.

If you get the cards you asked for from the pool or from Kathy, you get to take another turn.

If you collect all four cards of the same rank, like having all four nines, then you can show them to everyone by placing them face up in front of you. For example, if you already had the nine of hearts, clubs, and spades, and you pick up the nine of diamonds, you can put all the nines together in front of you. Plus, you’ll get to have another turn.

Also Read: Playing Card Symbolism

A Step-By-Step Guide on How to Play Go Fish as Per The Go Fish Card Game Rules:

How To Play Go Fish

• The youngest player starts the game.
• Player A chooses another player and asks for a specific card, like, “Player C, do you have a four?”
• The other player (Player C) must be honest. If they have the requested card, they give it to Player A. If not, they say, “Go Fish!”
• If told to “Go Fish,” the player draws a random card from the centre and adds it to their hand.
• When a player collects four cards of the same rank, they show the set to everyone.
• After being told to “Go Fish” and drawing a card, the turn ends. If they get the requested card from another player, they get another turn.
• The game goes on until one of the players runs out of cards.

How Does Scoring Work As Per The Go Fish Card Game Rules?

• The Go Fish score is based on the number of four-of-a-kind sets each player has at the end of the game.
• Each set is worth one point.
• The player with the most sets wins the round.

How To Win In Go Fish?

• Step 1: Lay down sets of four cards of the same rank to reduce your hand.

• • Lay down sets of four cards immediately once you have them. You can’t keep these sets in your hand. It’s best to show them to everyone as soon as you collect them. Some versions of Go Fish reward the first person to get rid of all their cards.

• Step 2: Keep playing after laying down a set.

• • After laying down a set, your turn continues. This gives you a chance to start forming your next set before others can take your cards.

• Step 3: Win the game…

• • Win the game when you have no more cards in your hand. The first person to get rid of all their cards wins. Optionally, the remaining players can continue for second or third place.

Alternate: Try continuing the game until all cards from the deck and players’ hands are laid down. The player with the most sets wins!

• Step 4: End the game when the deck is empty, even if no one has “won.”

• • Optionally, end the game when the deck is empty for a fast-paced finish. You can determine a winner based on the most sets collected, or it can be a draw. Alternatively, keep playing without the deck, taking turns trying to collect cards from opponents without drawing from the deck.

Strategy Tips for Playing Go Fish:

• Observing your opponents is key in Go Fish.
• Try to keep your cards hidden and only ask for specific ones when you’re sure others have them.
• If you can, try counting the cards.
• It’s okay to keep asking for the same cards to make others draw from the deck.
• Clearing your hand quickly gives you more chances to win.
• Keep a straight face, especially in games with many players.

Go Fish Card Game Rules FAQs