Go Fish at a glance
Go Fish turns a simple question into a memory game: who holds the rank you need? Collect all four cards of a rank to make a book. Requests are public, so every turn gives the table new information.
- Players
- 2–6 · Individual
- Deck
- 52 cards
- Book
- Four of one rank
- Goal
- Most books
How to play Go Fish online
Play free in your browser, with no download or account required. Choose the kind of table you want to join.
Practice with computers
Choose Play with computers and a pace: Relaxed, Friendly, or Quick. Use Hint when you need help finding a move.
Invite your friends
Choose Invite friends and share Copy invite or the room code. Friends join through Have an invite? The host can fill empty seats with computers.
Find an online opponent
Choose Find online players to look for other people. If no matching players are available, you can practice with computers instead.
Computer games also need an internet connection. The table handles dealing, legal moves, and scoring. These rules describe the version played here; other tables may use different house rules.
Rules of Go Fish
Players, deal, and pond
Use fifty-two cards. Deal five per player, or seven each for two players. The remaining cards form the pond.
Asking and fishing
Select a rank you hold and ask another player for it. They give you all matching cards, and you ask again. If they have none, draw from the pond; drawing the requested rank gives another turn.
Scoring and winning
Books and the end of play
Every four-of-a-kind is removed as a book worth one point. When any player’s hand becomes empty, the game ends and the most books wins. Ties are shared wins.
When the pond is empty
With an empty pond, an unsuccessful request just passes the turn. The table records public requests, but keeps private hands hidden.
How to get better at Go Fish
Listen to requests
Players can only ask for ranks they hold. Their questions tell you something useful even when it is not your turn.
Follow the cards
If someone receives cards you need, remember the recipient. This is more useful than guessing.
Complete your books
With three of a rank, one well-aimed request can turn those cards into a point.
Watch small hands
An empty hand ends this version. Compare completed books before helping an opponent reach their last card.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards are dealt?
Two players receive seven each. With three to six players, each receives five.
Can I ask for a rank I do not hold?
No. You must hold at least one card of that rank.
Do I get another turn after fishing?
Yes, if you draw the requested rank. A successful request that receives cards also lets you ask again.
Must all thirteen books be made?
No. This table ends when any player’s hand is empty. The highest book count wins, with shared wins for ties.
Can I play Go Fish against computers?
Yes. Choose Play with computers at the table and select a computer pace. Private tables can also mix friends with computers. An internet connection is required.
How do I invite friends to Go Fish?
Choose Invite friends, then use Copy invite in the waiting room. Friends can open that link or enter the room code in Have an invite? The host can fill empty seats with computers.
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