How to play Go Fish

The objective

Your goal is simple: ask for matching ranks and collect more sets than anyone else. This guide uses the most common beginner-friendly rules. Families and groups may agree on variations before starting.

What you need

A standard 52-card deck.

How to set up

1. Deal seven cards for two players or five cards for three or more.
2. Place the remaining cards face down as the fishing pond.

How to play: step by step

1. Ask one player for a rank already in your hand.
2. They give you every card of that rank or say Go fish.
3. Draw from the pond after Go fish.
4. Lay down sets of four. Most completed sets wins.

Beginner strategies

• Remember what other players ask for.
• Ask again after receiving the rank you requested.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Requesting a rank you do not hold.
• Giving only one matching card instead of all of them.

Frequently asked questions