Game Rules
Go FishAsk and collect quadruplets
Ask fellow players for card values and collect quadruplets – a timeless children's classic.
Players2 – 6
Duration10 – 15 min
Deck52 Cards · 1 Deck
DifficultyEasy
I · Game Idea
Ask directly
for the card
I
Go Fish is quite simple: players ask each other for specific card values to complete their own quadruplets (all four cards of a value).
If the asked player doesn't have the card, they say "Go Fish!" and the asking player draws from the face-down pile instead.
II · Preparation
Before the
game begins
II
1
Deal cards
For 2–3 players: 7 cards each. For 4+ players: 5 cards each.
2
Remaining pile
Forms the "ocean" – face down in the middle.
3
Sort hand
Sort cards by value to identify existing pairs.
III · Card Values
How to
ask and collect
ask and collect
III
A
Ask
For a value
Ask a fellow player for a specific card value that you already have at least once yourself.
G
Go Fish!
Draw from the ocean
If the asked player doesn't have the card: the asking player draws a card from the face-down pile.
4
Quadruplet
Lay down complete
Four cards of the same value: lay them down face up, counts as one point.
✓
Ask again
If successful
If you get the requested card: you may ask again before the next player's turn.
IV · Gameplay
Round by
round
IV
1
Ask fellow player
Ask a player for a card value that you possess yourself.
2
Receive card or Go Fish
If successful: get card and ask again. Otherwise: draw from the ocean.
3
Lay down quadruplet
If you have all four cards of a value: lay them down face up.
4
Next player
If you had to say Go Fish or have finished asking: it's the next player's turn.
5
End of game
When all cards are dealt or laid down: the player with the most quadruplets wins.
V · Variants
Variants
V
Go Fish is widespread as a children's game worldwide.
3
Triplets instead of quadruplets
Simplified variant: collect only three identical cards instead of four.
T
Themed Go Fish
With special decks on animals or other themes instead of standard cards.
∅
No asking again
Stricter variant: after each question, it's automatically the next player's turn.
L
Large round
With more players and accordingly fewer hand cards per person.
Berlin Hold'em · Matching Decks
Get the matching deck
Go Fish is a timeless classic for the whole family – even more beautiful with colorful cards.
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