Game guide · CQMELISSA
A practical guide to Go Fish
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Keep the goal in mind before your next move. 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.
A small practice goal
Take a moment to check the current turn. A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock. Keep the goal in mind before your next move.
Aim for this result
Read the position before choosing your next action. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand.
The steps to 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.
Choosing and moving on screen
Keep the goal in view while choosing a move. 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.
Follow the example
Check the rule below as you play. Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
Notice this detail
A careful first move helps you understand the round. You cannot request a rank absent from your hand. One pair is not a book; a book contains all four suits of one rank.
Game-specific help
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
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. The instructions above use these same rules.
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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
When I start, 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. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
How many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The game is played locally in your browser.
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.
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. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, can I ask for any rank?
Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. Use the labelled controls for your next action.