How to Play Go Fish (A Go-To Game to Banish Boredom)

Ready to kick it old school with a game that’s epic for everyone? Whether it’s a crazy family game night, a chill evening with your crew, or just a no-rules kind of hangout, Go Fish is your go-to card game.

This isn’t your grandma’s card game (unless she’s cooler than we thought); it’s a total blast for grown-ups too, mixing just the right amount of luck and strategy to keep things crazy fun.

This game is so simple, even a goldfish could play it (if it had thumbs). Plus, it sharpens your memory and strategy skills, so you can pretend you’re doing something educational.

Read to learn more? Of course you are!

How to Play Goldfish (Step-by-Step)

Objective of the Game: Catch Those Books

The goal is to collect the most “books”. A book is a set of 4 cards of the same rank. A mini-library, but way more fun. The player with the most books at the end of the game wins. Easy, right? Well, there’s a bit more to it.

Getting Your Game On: Setting Up Go Fish

Before you can start fishing, you need to set up your game. Here’s how to get everything ready:

1. Gather Your Players: Go Fish is best played with 2 to 6 players. If you’ve got more friends than that, congratulations on being popular, but you’ll need to split into groups.
   
2. Grab a Deck: You’ll need a standard 52-card deck. No jokers allowed—this isn’t a circus.
   
3. Deal the Cards:

• For 2-3 players, deal 7 cards each.
• For 4-6 players, deal 5 cards each.

Create the Fishing Pond: Place the remaining cards face down in the center of the table. This is your “fishing pond.”

How to Play: The Nitty-Gritty

1. Start Fishing: The player to the left of the dealer goes first. Look at your hand and decide which card you need to make a book – or at least to position yourself to getting a book. Then, ask any other player if they have that card. For example, “Do you have any 3s?”
   
2. Responding: If the player has the card, they have to hand over all cards of that rank. If they don’t, they say, “Go Fish,” and you draw a card from the fishing pond.
   
3. Making Books: If you draw the card you asked for, show it off like a boss and take another turn. If not, your turn ends. If not, your turn ends, and the next player goes.
   
4. Laying Down Books: When you have a book, lay it down in front of you. Feel free to gloat a little. This keeps the game honest and lets everyone see how everyone else is doing in the game.

What Happens When the Draw Pile is All Gone?

When the fishing pond runs dry, keep playing until all cards are matched into books. The game ends when no more cards can be drawn.

Winning the Game

The game ends when all books have been made. The player with the most books wins. If there’s a tie, the player with the most cards left in their hand loses. Simple as that.

Strategies and Tips for Go Fish

Alright, listen up, card sharks! If you want to dominate Go Fish, you need more than just luck. You need strategy. Here’s how to play like a pro and leave your opponents crying in their fishbowls.

1. Pay Attention: Keep track of what cards other players are asking for. If you notice someone asking for sevens, and you’ve got a seven, you know who to target next.
   
2. Memory Techniques: Use mnemonics or just plain old brainpower to remember who has what. If you’ve got the memory of a goldfish, you’re gonna struggle. Try associating cards with people’s faces or actions.
   
3. Bluffing: Sometimes, ask for a card you don’t need to throw off your opponents. Just don’t get caught. If you’re too obvious, you’ll be the one getting fished out.
   
4. Selective Questioning: Don’t just ask anyone for a card. Choose your targets wisely. If you know someone has a card you need, go for it. If not, ask someone who’s been quiet. They might be hiding something good.
   
5. Adaptability: Be ready to change your strategy based on the game’s flow. If you’re not getting the cards you need, switch it up. Maybe start targeting a different rank or player.
   
6. Poker Face: Keep your emotions in check. If you get excited every time you get a card you need, you’re giving away too much. Stay cool, even if you’re on a roll.
   
7. Clearing Your Hand: The faster you clear your hand, the more chances you have to win. Don’t hold onto cards hoping for a miracle. Make those books and move on.

Variations (a.k.a. How to Keep Go Fish Interesting for Adults and Teens)

Bored of the same old Go Fish? Spice things up with these variations. They’ll keep the game fresh and other players on their toes.

1. Go Fish Deluxe

This one’s for the pros. You play with a standard 52-card deck plus two Jokers. Deal 7 cards to each player. Any pairs in players’ hands are put face up on the table immediately. Here’s the twist: pairs count, not sets of four.

• Pairs on the Table: Any pairs you form are placed face up on the table, not face down. Show off your pairs like trophies.
• Replenish Your Hand: If you run out of cards, draw 7 from the stock to replenish your hand. Keep the game going.
• Jokers: The pair of Jokers counts as 2 points. Collect all four cards of the same rank, and the second pair gives you 2 extra points.

2. Split

For 2-4 players. Each player gets 7 cards. The goal is to get 3 of a kind, 3 times.

• Three of a Kind: Play until someone has 3 of a kind, 3 times. When there are no cards left in the pile, you have to ask each other for cards.
• End Game: The game ends when someone has 3 of a kind, 3 times. Simple, but intense.

3. Open Pond

Spread the draw pile out so players can pick any card. Adds a bit of chaos, which is always fun.

• Chaos Mode: Players can pick any card from the spread-out pile. It’s like a free-for-all.
• Strategic Picking: Choose cards wisely. Sometimes the obvious choice isn’t the best one.

4. Using Jokers or Special Decks

Throw in some jokers as wild cards or use a themed deck to spice things up.

• Wild Cards: Jokers can be used as any card. Adds an element of surprise.
• Themed Decks: Use decks with special themes or rules. It keeps the game interesting.

5. Tens Go Fish

In this twist on the classic game, go fishing for pairs that add to 10.

• Pairs Add to 10: Remove the tens and face cards from a standard deck. Deal five cards to each player. Lay down any pairs that add to 10.
• Fishing: Ask for cards that will help you make pairs adding to 10. If you have an 8, ask for a 2.

What’s Up	Cool Stuff	Not So Cool Stuff	Just a Heads Up	Who’s Gonna Love It?
Classic Go Fish	Easy to learn, fun for all ages	Can get repetitive	Watch out for cheaters	Kids, families, casual gamers
Go Fish Deluxe	More points, more strategy	Can be confusing	Keep track of pairs	Competitive players, strategy lovers
Split	Quick and intense	Less strategic depth	Might end too quickly	Younger kids, quick game lovers
Open Pond	Adds chaos and excitement	Harder to strategize	Cards can get messy	Adventurous players, chaos lovers
Joker Wilds	Adds a twist	Can be confusing	Explain rules clearly	Fans of surprises, experienced players
Tens Go Fish	Educational, fun twist	Requires basic math skills	Explain the rules to younger kids	Kids learning math, parents, teachers

Want More?

Check out the helpful guide below and get ready to play hard, laugh harder, and maybe—just maybe—win the bragging rights at your next family showdown!”

Card Game	Description
Spoons	Grab a spoon or lose your cool! This frenetic game isn’t just about matching cards; it’s about outmaneuvering your pals to snatch up those precious spoons. Be quick, or be spoonless and sorry!
Slapjack	Fast hands and sharp eyes win the game. If you’re not slapping jacks like a ninja, you’re just watching others snatch the glory. So, slap it or nap it—there’s no in-between.
Cheat (I Doubt It)	Also known as “I Doubt It”, this is the game where liars thrive and the honest get a reality check. Con your way to victory, just don’t get caught or you’ll eat the deck.
Crazy Eights	Ditch your cards like bad habits in Crazy Eights, where the wilder the play, the better your day. It’s chaos in the palm of your hand, and every card you drop is a plot twist.

Your Turn

Okay, so which version of Go Fish do you think you’re family (or friends) would get a kick out of? Why? Let me know in the comments below. I’m all ears.