Game guide · JXLGGC
Your guide to Go Fish
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.
One thing to notice as you play
Check the rule below as you play. A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock. The game area remains available above the explanation.
What you are aiming for
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Making your moves
- 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 use the controls
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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
An example before you play
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 common point of confusion
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
Questions that come up during play
During a round, what is the aim of Go Fish?
Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. The controls work with mouse or touch.
For this game, how do the controls work?
Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, can you show an example?
Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, 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.
During a round, 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. No download or player account is required.
How many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
What is a book?
All four cards of the same rank, such as the four kings. The instructions above use these same rules.
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.
When I start, 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 instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, can I ask for any rank?
Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.