Go Fish is a simple card game where players try to collect sets of four cards of the same rank (e.g., four 7s, four Kings). Here's how to play:
Setting Up the Game
- Players: 2-6 players.
- Deck: A standard 52-card deck.
- Dealing:
- If 2-3 players, deal 7 cards to each player.
- If 4-6 players, deal 5 cards to each player.
- Remaining Cards: Place the remaining cards face down in a pile in the center. This is the "fishing pond" or stock pile.
Gameplay
- Taking Turns: Players take turns asking other players for cards.
- Asking for a Card: On your turn, choose a player and a rank (e.g., "Do you have any 8s, John?"). You must hold at least one card of the rank you are asking for.
- The Asked Player's Response:
- If the player has any cards of that rank: They must give you all of them. You then get another turn.
- If the player has no cards of that rank: They say "Go Fish!".
- "Go Fish!" If you are told to "Go Fish!", you draw one card from the stock pile.
- If you draw the card you asked for: Show the card, add it to your hand, and you get to take another turn.
- If you draw a different card: Your turn ends, and the next player takes their turn.
- Making a Book: If, at any time during your turn, you have four cards of the same rank (a "book"), immediately show the book, place it face up in front of you, and discard those four cards.
Winning the Game
The game ends when all books have been made (i.e., all cards have been formed into sets of four) or when the stock pile is empty. The player with the most books wins.
Example Turn
Let's say it's Sarah's turn, and she has a 7 in her hand. She asks John, "John, do you have any 7s?".
- Scenario 1: John does have 7s. John must give Sarah all of his 7s. Sarah takes the 7s, and because she received cards she asked for, she gets to go again.
- Scenario 2: John does not have 7s. John says "Go Fish!". Sarah must draw a card from the stock pile. If she draws a 7, she shows the card, adds it to her hand, and goes again. If she draws any other card, her turn ends.
Important Notes
- Be polite and respectful when asking for cards.
- Pay attention to what cards other players are asking for.
- Try to remember which players have which cards.
- Don't show your hand to other players.
