How many people can play Go Fish?
It plays best with 3 to 6 players, but two can play too.
Go Fish, every question answered
Short, exact answers to the questions people really ask about Go Fish. Each one has its own link, so you can send a friend straight to the answer. For the full story in order, read the step-by-step guide.
Setting up
4 answersHow many cards do you get in Go Fish?
5 cards each, or 7 each when only two people play. The cards left over go face down in the middle as the pond (called the stock).
Who goes first in Go Fish?
The player to the dealer’s left.
What cards do you need for Go Fish?
An ordinary 52-card deck. No jokers, no special deck.
Taking a turn
6 answersWhat do you ask for in Go Fish?
On your turn you pick one player and ask for one rank, for example “Do you have any sevens?”
7♥♥7♠♠
Two sevens in your hand: ask for sevens.
Can you ask for a card you do not have?
No. You must already hold at least one card of the rank you ask for. This is what makes the question tell the others something about your hand.
What happens if they have the card?
They must hand over all their cards of that rank. You then take another turn, and may ask anyone for any rank you hold.
What does “go fish” mean?
If the player you asked has none of that rank, they say “Go fish!” and you draw the top card of the pond.
What if I draw the card I asked for?
Show it, and you get another turn. If the card you drew is something else, you keep it and the turn passes to the player on your left.
Do you have to say what you drew?
Only when it is the rank you asked for. Otherwise you keep the card to yourself.
Books and winning
5 answersWhat is a book in Go Fish?
A book is four cards of the same rank. As soon as you hold one, show it and put it face down in front of you.
9♥♥9♦♦9♠♠9♣♣
Four nines: one book.
How do you win Go Fish?
The player with the most books wins.
When does Go Fish end?
When someone has no cards left in their hand, or the pond runs out.
What if I run out of cards but the pond still has some?
By the basic rule the game ends. Many families play a variation instead: you draw a fresh hand of 5 cards (or whatever is left in the pond) and carry on. Agree which before you start.
What happens if two players tie?
The rules do not settle it. Most groups just call it a draw or play another round.
More
1 answerIs Go Fish good for kids?
Yes. The rules are short: ask, collect, make books. Start with five cards each.
Where these answers come from
Every answer on this page was checked against the sources below, and against our own step-by-step guide.
