Go Fish table reference
Standard-deck teaching profile · print-friendly reminder.
Keep it beside the table
This sheet uses 52 cards and four-card books. It names the repeat-turn condition and continues to all thirteen books. It is a reminder for this site’s stated profile, not a universal rulebook.
Check your setup
The separate sixteen-card printable has its own mini-round starting deal and four total books. Use the appropriate instructions rather than mixing the deals or ending conditions.
Use your browser’s print preview. The card sheet is designed for A4 portrait. Print layout may vary by browser.
Ask. Catch. Collect a book.
52 cards, no jokers. Deal7 each for2–3 players;5 each for4–5. Rest face down as stock. Player left of dealer starts.
- Ask one opponent for a rank you hold. Any held rank is allowed; suits do not change the request.
- Receive all cards of that rank. A successful request continues your turn.
- “Go fish!” means draw one. Show a requested-rank catch and continue. Keep a different rank and pass left.
- Show and set aside four of one rank. A completed book leaves your hand; it is not a basis for another ask.
- Empty hand at the start of your turn? Draw one if stock remains; otherwise skip. With cards but no stock, a failed request passes left.
- Finish when all13 books are collected. Most books wins; equal highest counts share the result in this profile.
A non-requested stock draw passes left even if it completes another book. Other versions can differ: agree the profile first.
Full guide: https://gofish-in.com/how-to-play/
References: bicyclecards.com/how-to-play/go-fish/ and pagat.com/quartet/gofish.html
The16-card printable is a different teaching setup with four total books. Its custom mini round starts with three cards each. Do not mix the deals or ending counts.