Game guide · HBCYGSL
Go Fish: from controls to your first round
A careful first move helps you understand the round. 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. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Two-player, seven-card opening, standard 52-card pack. No betting or prizes. Refreshing starts a fresh deal.
Something to practise
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.
Understand the aim
A careful first move helps you understand the round. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
How to proceed
- 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.
Making selections and moves
Check the rule below as you play. Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A useful example
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
A common point of confusion
Use the controls beside the game rather than guessing the rules. You cannot request a rank absent from your hand. One pair is not a book; a book contains all four suits of one rank. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Helpful answers for players
What is the aim of Go Fish?
Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. The game is played locally in your browser.
For this game, how do the controls work?
Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
How many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
What is a book?
All four cards of the same rank, such as the four kings. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
When I start, why did my turn continue after drawing?
You drew the rank you had asked for, so you may request again. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
On this page, 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. You can start a new round from the game controls.
Can I ask for any rank?
Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. A new round resets the current game.
