Game guide · XINHENGEST
A practical guide to Go Fish
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. The game area remains available above the explanation. Both players receive seven cards. The remaining cards form the stock. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Two-player, seven-card opening, standard 52-card pack. No betting or prizes. Refreshing starts a fresh deal.
Something to practise
The board gives you the information needed for the next action. A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Your objective
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
Start here and follow along
- Both players receive seven cards. The remaining cards form the stock.
- Choose a rank that you currently hold. The opponent gives you every card of that rank.
- A successful request gives you another turn. If the opponent has none, draw one card from the stock.
- If the drawn card matches the requested rank, ask again. Otherwise the turn passes.
- Four cards of one rank are removed as a completed book. An empty hand draws one stock card at the start of its turn if possible.
- The game ends when all thirteen books are collected. The player with more books wins.
Input guidance
Read the position before choosing your next action. Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. Try the rule on the board, then read the next instruction.
See how the rules apply
Begin with the basic rule, then follow the result of your action. Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. The game area remains available above the explanation.
Notice this detail
A careful first move helps you understand the round. You cannot request a rank absent from your hand. One pair is not a book; a book contains all four suits of one rank. Start a new round when you are ready to try again.
A few questions answered
When I start, what is the aim of Go Fish?
Collect more four-card books than the computer by asking for ranks already in your hand. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
On this page, how do the controls work?
Tap an Ask for button. Your hand is displayed below; books and stock size are updated after every request. The controls work with mouse or touch.
Can you show an example?
Holding two kings lets you ask for kings. Receiving the other two completes a book and keeps your turn. The worked example offers another way to follow the rule.
Which mistake should I avoid?
You cannot request a rank absent from your hand. One pair is not a book; a book contains all four suits of one rank. Scores here do not represent cash or prizes.
For this game, what rules and limits are used here?
Two-player, seven-card opening, standard 52-card pack. No betting or prizes. Refreshing starts a fresh deal. A new round resets the current game.
For this game, how many people can play here?
You vs computer. This is local browser play, not internet matchmaking. The controls work with mouse or touch.
When I start, what is a book?
All four cards of the same rank, such as the four kings. The instructions above use these same rules.
Why did my turn continue after drawing?
You drew the rank you had asked for, so you may request again. Use the labelled controls for your next action.
When I start, what happens when my hand is empty?
On your turn you draw one card if the stock still has cards. With an empty stock, an empty hand sits out. No download or player account is required.
During a round, can I ask for any rank?
Only ranks already present in your hand are available as buttons. You can start a new round from the game controls.