Go Fish
Go Fish can be played with as little as 2 players, but is better suited for 3 to 6 players. It uses a standard deck of 52 playing cards. There are also some specially designed cards aimed toward the younger crowd that feature various fish and sea creatures. Some of these specialty decks also simplify the game so that only pairs are matched rather than 4 of a kind. If playing with younger children one of these decks may be the best option.
what You'll Need
- A standard deck of 52 playing cards or a deck designed specifically for this game.
- Two or more players
Setting Up he Game
Shuffle the cards thoroughly. Deal 5 cards face down to each player. If playing with only 2 players deal 7 cards to each. Place the remaining cards in a stack face down between the players.
Playing Go Fish
The player to the left of the dealer starts by asking another player for a specific card. For example, they would ask another player
"Do you have a seven?". The player asking must already hold at least one card of the requested rank, in this case the seven. If the player who was asked has cards of the requested rank they must give all of them to the person who asked for them. That player then gets another turn. They may now ask any player for any rank card as long as they hold at least one card of that rank. If the person asked does not have any of the cards asked for, they will say "Go Fish!". The person who asked then draws a card from the top of the deck. If the card is of the rank asked for they show it to the other players and receive another turn. If it is not a card of the requested rank they keep the card and it is now the turn of the person who said "Go Fish!".
Winning the Game
Once a player collects a set of all four cards of the same rank, they place them face down on the table. The game continues until a player is out of cards or the stock deck is gone. The player with the most sets is the winner.
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