The Objective
Go Fish is a classic card-matching game where players collect sets of four cards of the same rank by asking opponents for specific cards. Quick to learn and packed with fun, Go Fish is all about matching wits, playful tricks, and happy moments together.
What You Need
A standard deck of 52 playing cards
2 to 6 players (best with 3-5 players)
For younger children, you can use a smaller deck or Go Fish themed cards
Setup
Dealing Cards
For 2-3 players: Deal 7 cards to each player
For 4-6 players: Deal 5 cards to each player
Place the remaining cards face down in the center as the "fishing pond" or "ocean"
Players look at their cards but keep them hidden from others
How to Play
Starting the Game
If any player has four cards of the same rank in their opening hand, they immediately place that set face down in front of them and announce it (e.g., "four 7s").
Taking Turns
The player to the left of the dealer goes first
On your turn, choose another player and ask them for a specific rank of card: "Do you have any 5s?"
You can only ask for a rank if you have at least one card of that rank in your hand
If They Have It
If the asked player has one or more cards of the requested rank, they must give all of them to you. You then get another turn and can ask the same player or a different player for cards.
If They Don't Have It
If the asked player doesn't have the requested rank, they say "Go Fish!" You must then draw one card from the fishing pond. If the drawn card is the rank you asked for, show it to the other players and take another turn. If not, your turn ends.
Making Sets
Whenever you collect all four cards of the same rank, place them face down in front of you as a completed set. Announce your set to the other players (e.g., "Four Kings!").
Running Out of Cards
If you run out of cards during the game, draw 5 cards from the fishing pond on your turn (or as many as are left if there are fewer than 5). If the pond is empty, you sit out the rest of the game but keep any sets you've already made.
Winning
The game ends when either:
All 13 sets have been made, OR
The fishing pond is empty and no player can make any more moves
The player with the most sets of four wins!
Strategy Tips
Remember which cards other players have asked for
Pay attention to which players "go fish" and what cards they draw
Try to ask for cards from players who are likely to have them
Keep track of which sets have already been completed
Sometimes it's strategic to hold onto cards rather than asking for the fourth one immediately
Ask for your most needed cards when you have multiple cards of that rank
Variations
Go Fish with Pairs: Instead of collecting sets of four, players only need to make pairs (two cards of the same rank). First player to make the most pairs wins.
Team Go Fish: Play in teams where partners can share information and strategy (but not show each other their cards).
Memory Go Fish: Place all cards face down in a grid. On your turn, flip two cards. If they match, keep the pair. If not, flip them back over.
Speed Go Fish: Set a time limit for each turn (e.g., 10 seconds) to keep the game moving quickly.
Go Fish Rummy: When asking for cards, you can ask any player, not just one. The first player who has the card must give it up.
Point Go Fish: Award different points for different ranks (e.g., Aces worth 15 points, face cards worth 10, number cards worth face value).
Tips for Playing with Children
Use themed Go Fish decks with pictures for younger children
Reduce the hand size to 3-4 cards for very young players
Allow children to ask a parent or helper for strategy advice
Celebrate all completed sets enthusiastically
Focus on fun rather than winning
Let younger children use card holders if they have trouble holding cards