Go Fish Rules

Go Fish: A Classic Card Game for Children

Go Fish is a popular card game that is easy to learn and fun to play. Originating in the mid-19th century, it is a simple yet engaging game that is often thought of as a children's game. This article provides a comprehensive guide to Go Fish, including its history, setup, rules, scoring, common variants, and where to find the game.

Game Overview

Go Fish originated in Britain as Spade the Gardener, a game where players collect families of five cards, later evolving into Happy Families, which consists of four cards per family. In the USA, the game of Dr. Busby and Authors were published in 1843 and 1861, respectively. The game we know as Go Fish today is a variation of these early games.

Go Fish is best played with 3-6 players, although it can also be played with two. A standard 52-card deck is required.

Objective

The objective of Go Fish is to collect sets of four cards of the same rank, known as "books." The player with the most books at the end of the game wins.

Setup

The dealer deals 5 cards to each player (7 each for 2 players). The remaining cards are placed face down to form a stock. The player to the dealer's left starts the game.

How to Play

A turn consists of asking another player for a specific rank of card that the player already holds at least one of. For example, if it's your turn, you might say, "Mary, please give me your jacks." If Mary has jacks, she must give them to you. If she does not, she says "Go fish!" and you draw the top card from the stock. If the drawn card is the rank you asked for, you show it and take another turn. If it's not, you keep the card and play passes to the next player to the left.

As soon as a player collects a book of 4 cards of the same rank, they discard it face down. The game continues until either someone has no cards left or the stock runs out.

Scoring and End of Game

At the end of the game, players count the number of books they have collected. The player with the most books is the winner.

Common Variations

There are several variations of Go Fish. Some players ask for a specific card instead of a rank, while others allow asking for a card you already hold in your hand. In some versions, the game continues until all the cards have been made into books, and in others, a player who runs out of cards draws a new hand from the stock. The scoring methods also vary.

Where to Get the Game

jeu de cartes enfants 52 cartes on Amazon

Beginner Mistakes to Avoid

1. Asking for a card you don't already have: Remember, you must already have at least one card of the rank or specific card you're asking for.
2. Failing to ask for cards strategically: Pay attention to the cards other players have and ask for cards that will help you complete your books.
3. Not discarding books: Remember to discard books of four cards of the same rank as soon as you collect them.

FAQ

1. Q: Can I ask for a card I already have? A: It depends on the version you're playing. Some versions allow it, while others do not.

2. Q: What happens if I draw the card I asked for from the stock? A: You get another turn.

3. Q: Can I ask for more than one card at a time? A: No, in most versions, you can only ask for one card at a time.

4. Q: What happens if I run out of cards and the stock is empty? A: In some versions, you draw a new hand from the stock. In others, the game ends.

5. Q: Can I trade cards with other players? A: No, trading cards is not allowed in Go Fish.