Game guide · WWJSMY
Go Fish: learn through an example
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. 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.
One thing to notice as you play
Read the position before choosing your next action. A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
The challenge in front of you
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.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
Using the playing area
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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Try this example
Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Notice this detail
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your 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.
Questions about this game
What is the aim of Go Fish?
Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. The instructions above use these same rules.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, can you show an example?
Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, 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. A new round resets the current game.
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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
For this game, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
What is a book?
All four cards of the same rank, such as the four kings. The game is played locally in your browser.
On this page, why did my turn continue after drawing?
You drew the rank you had asked for, so you may request again. The instructions above use these same rules.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
Can I ask for any rank?
Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. You can start a new round from the game controls.
