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LYGXJD

RULES & PRACTICE

How to Play Go Fish

Play Go Fish ↗

Game guide · LYGXJD

Go Fish: rules and examples

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. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.

Two-player, seven-card opening, standard 52-card pack. No betting or prizes. Refreshing starts a fresh deal.

An idea for your next attempt

A careful first move helps you understand the round. A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.

What the game asks you to do

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.

A walkthrough of the rules

  1. Both players receive seven cards. The remaining cards form the stock.
  2. Choose a rank that you currently hold. The opponent gives you every card of that rank.
  3. A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock.
  4. If the drawn card matches the requested rank, ask again. Otherwise the turn passes.
  5. 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.
  6. The game ends when all thirteen books are collected. The player with more books wins.

Making selections and moves

The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request.

One way to understand the rules

The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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.

Notice this detail

Read the position before choosing your next action. You cannot request a rank absent from your hand. One pair is not a book; a book contains all four suits of one rank.

Clarifying the way this game works

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. A new round resets the current game.

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. The game is played locally in your browser.

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. The controls work with mouse or touch.

How many people can play here?

You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.

On this page, what is a book?

All four cards of the same rank, such as the four kings. Use the labelled controls for your next action.

During a round, why did my turn continue after drawing?

You drew the rank you had asked for, so you may request again. The controls work with mouse or touch.

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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.

Can I ask for any rank?

Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. The game is played locally in your browser.

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