The classic card game Go Fish was actually the first card game I learned as a child. It’s extremely easy and fun, so it makes for a great card game for kids of all ages. Here’s a simple guide to how to play Go Fish.
Number of players: 2+
Objective: To get as many sets of 4 cards of the same number.
How to play Go Fish:
First, remove any jokers from the deck of cards.
Each player is dealt 7 cards per player. The remaining cards are placed faced down in a deck.
Players take turns on each round selecting another player to ask for a card they would need to complete the set of 4. The player must have at least one card of the same number requested.
For example, Player 1 asks, “Do you have any Fours?”
- If the other player has cards of that number, he gives them all. Since the player has succeeded, they get another turn.
- If the player does not have any cards of that number, he or she says: “Go fish.” The player who asked takes a new card from the deck and completes his or her turn. If the player actually picks up the card they were asking for and make a set, they get another turn.
When a player has 4 cards of the same number, he takes them and leaves them in a pile. Make a new pile for each group of cards.
If a player has run out of cards, they can take cards from the deck to replenish their hand. This counts as one turn as well.
How to Win at Go-Fish
When all the cards have been played, the points are counted. Count 1 point for each pile of 4 cards of the same number.
The player with the most points at the end of the round wins. If 2 players have the same number of cards, a TIE is declared.
Now, here’s a trick to winning at Go-Fish. Pay attention to the cards other players ask for. For example, imagine if Player A asks Player B for fives and Player B says, “Go-Fish.” Then Player C will know to ask Player A for fives and gets all of the cards in his or her hand! Score!
See Also: 21 Old School Games For The Whole Family
