Game guide · XDSTMALL
Understand the basics of Go Fish
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. 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.
Practice with a purpose
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. 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.
The objective of a round
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
The order of play
- 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 your actions work
Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
One way to understand the rules
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Check this before moving on
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
During a round, how do the controls work?
Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, can you show an example?
Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
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.
During a round, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The instructions above use these same rules.
When I start, what is a book?
All four cards of the same rank, such as the four kings. A new round resets the current game.
During a round, why did my turn continue after drawing?
You drew the rank you had asked for, so you may request again. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, 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 controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, can I ask for any rank?
Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. No download or player account is required.