Objective
Make as many books as you can. A book is all four cards of one rank: four 7s, four queens, four aces. There are 13 books in the deck, and the game ends when every one of them has been made. Whoever holds the most books wins.
The game teaches matching, counting and a little memory, which is why it is so often the first card game children learn. Adults can enjoy it too once they start keeping track of who asked for what.
Setup
Shuffle and deal the cards one at a time. With two or three players, deal seven cards each. With four or more, deal five each. Spread the rest face down in a loose pile in the middle of the table. This is the pond.
Everyone looks at their own cards and keeps them hidden. If anyone is dealt all four cards of a rank, they lay that book face up in front of them right away.
| Players | Cards each |
|---|---|
| 2 or 3 | 7 |
| 4 to 6 | 5 |
How to play
The player to the dealer’s left goes first. On your turn, choose one player and ask them for a rank, such as “Do you have any 8s?” You must already hold at least one card of that rank.
If they have any 8s, they must hand over all of them, and you take another turn. You may ask the same person again or someone new.
If they have none, they say “Go fish.” Draw one card from the pond. If it is the rank you asked for, show it and take another turn. If not, keep it, and play passes to the left.
Whenever you complete a book, lay it face up in front of you.
- 1Ask one player for a rank you already hold
- 2Take every card of that rank they have, then ask again
- 3When told “Go fish,” draw one card from the pond
- 4Lay down each book of four as soon as you complete it
Winning
There are no points. The game ends when all 13 books are on the table. Count your books, and the player with the most wins. With three or more players a tie is possible; most families simply call it a shared win.
Variations
Pairs: make books of two instead of four. This is the easiest version for very young children, and it moves quickly.
Ask for an exact card: ask for a specific card, such as the queen of hearts, rather than a whole rank. This is close to Authors, which has its own page on our list.
Happy Families: the same asking game played with a special deck of illustrated family cards instead of standard playing cards.
Tips from the table
Remember who asked for what. If a player just asked for 5s, they hold at least one 5. On your next turn, if you have a 5, ask them for it.
Ask for ranks where you already hold two or three cards. You are closer to finishing those books, and one good answer can complete them.
Ask the same player again after a hit. They may have picked up cards you want from someone else’s asks.
With young players, help them hold their cards in a fan and remind them they can only ask for a rank they already have.
Video Guides Are on the Way
We’re filming Game Guides that walk through full hands at the table, from the deal to the score.
Frequently asked
Can I ask for a rank I don’t have?
No. You must hold at least one card of the rank you ask for. That rule keeps the asking honest and gives clues to everyone else.
Do I have to hand over all my cards of that rank?
Yes, every one of them, not just one.
Do I go again if I fish the card I asked for?
Yes, at most tables. Show it to prove it, then take another turn.
What is the difference between Go Fish and Authors?
In Authors you ask for one exact card and the whole deck is dealt out, so there is no pond. Go Fish asks for a whole rank and sends you fishing when you miss.
New rules every month
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