Game guide · ITCGT
Know the goal in 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. Both players receive seven cards. The remaining cards form the stock.
Two-player, seven-card opening, standard 52-card pack. No betting or prizes. Refreshing starts a fresh deal.
Bring this focus to a round
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Aim for this result
The example and rules describe the same game you can play above. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. The game area remains available above the explanation.
How a round unfolds
- 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.
Getting comfortable with the controls
Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request.
Work through an example
Read the position before choosing your next action. 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.
Notice this detail
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. You cannot request a rank absent from your hand. One pair is not a book; a book contains all four suits of one rank. The game area remains available above the explanation.
If you are unsure
When I start, what is the aim of Go Fish?
Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, 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.
On this page, can you show an example?
Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
For this game, 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. The controls work with mouse or touch.
During a round, 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. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
On this page, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. Keep the current game state in view while applying this rule.
During a round, what is a book?
All four cards of the same rank, such as the four kings. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
During a round, why did my turn continue after drawing?
You drew the rank you had asked for, so you may request again. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
During a round, 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.
On this page, 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.
