How to Play Go Fish
Go Fish is one of the most beloved card games for children — a memory and luck game where you ask opponents for cards to build sets of four (called 'books') and 'go fish' from the draw pile when they don't have what you need. Simple to learn, endlessly replayable.
Objective
Collect the most books — sets of all four cards of the same rank (all four 3s, all four Kings, etc.) — by asking opponents for cards and drawing from the stock pile.
Setup
Players: 2–6
Deck: Standard 52-card deck
Dealing:
- 2 players: 7 cards each
- 3–6 players: 5 cards each
Remaining cards form the ocean (the draw pile) face-down in the centre.
How to Play a Turn
On your turn, pick any opponent and ask them for a specific card rank:
'Do you have any 7s?'
Rule: You must already have at least one card of that rank in your hand before you can ask for it.
If they have the card(s): They must give you all cards of that rank they hold. You take them and get another turn.
If they don't have it: They say 'Go Fish!' — you draw one card from the ocean pile. Your turn ends (unless the card you drew is the one you asked for — in many versions, this earns another turn).
Completing a book: When you collect all four cards of a rank, lay them face-up on the table. This is a book, and it scores a point at the end.
Ready to play Go Fish? Our recommended casinos offer fair games and great bonuses.
Claim Your Welcome Bonus →18+ · Play responsibly · T&Cs apply
Ending the Game
The game ends when either:
- All 13 books have been completed, OR
- The ocean pile runs out
The player with the most books wins.
Strategy Tips
Remember what others ask for. When an opponent asks for 8s, they have at least one 8. Remember this — you can ask them for 8s later when you have one too.
Ask players who have recently drawn. They're more likely to have a variety of cards.
Prioritise ranks you have 2–3 of. You're closest to completing books with these — ask opponents specifically for those ranks.
In 2-player Go Fish, memory is everything. Track every card asked and fished throughout the game.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a book in Go Fish?
All four cards of the same rank (e.g. all four Aces, all four 6s). Completing a book scores one point.
Can you ask for a card you don't have?
No — you must hold at least one card of the rank you're asking for.
What happens when the draw pile runs out?
The game ends immediately and players count their books. The player with the most wins.
How old do you need to be to play Go Fish?
Go Fish is suitable from around age 4 upwards. It's one of the best introductory card games for young children.