Description
You play against Maya, Leo and Ava, three computer opponents who use the same public information you do. Clear, step-by-step turns show each request, answer and draw, giving you time to follow what happened.
The record of play helps you catch up between asks, while Holds chips show ranks an opponent has asked for. Optional tips explain the actions as you learn, so you can settle into the game at your own pace.
Instructions
Collect books: all four cards of one rank. A book is laid down the moment you have all four.
On your turn, tap a card to ask for its rank, then tap the player you want to ask. You can only ask for a rank you hold, and only a player who has cards.
If they have that rank, they give you every one of them and you go again.
If not, they say “Go Fish” and you draw one card from the pond. If it is the rank you asked for, you show it and go again. Otherwise it is the next player’s turn.
If your hand is empty at the start of your turn, you draw a card and carry on. If the pond is empty too, you are out for the rest of the game.
If nobody else has cards when you ask, you draw a card and play passes on.
Play goes clockwise: you, Maya, Leo, then Ava.
The game ends when all 13 books are made. Most books wins; equal top scores share the win.
Strategy and Tips
Follow the asks
An opponent who asks for a rank holds at least one card of it. If you hold that rank too, their request gives you a useful lead for your next turn. Check the Holds chips beneath opponents: they show ranks those players have asked for until they give the cards away or complete the book.
Keep information fresh
A player who says Go Fish did not have that rank at the time. That answer can help you choose someone else, but it is not permanent evidence. They may draw the rank later, and their draws stay hidden. Think about what has happened since the answer before relying on it.
Chase a nearly complete book
When you hold three cards of a rank, you need just one more to make its book. Look for an opponent whose asks suggest they hold the missing card. These ranks are worth chasing first, especially when you have a clear lead from a Holds chip or the record of play.
Notice what your ask reveals
Every request tells the table that you hold the rank you name. Think about that information when choosing between possible asks. You cannot keep every rank secret while collecting books, but you can favour requests supported by what you have observed rather than revealing another rank without a useful lead.
Read the record of play
Before asking, check the record for everything that has happened since your last ask. Follow requests, answers and transfers to work out where cards have gone. A rank you remember at one seat may have moved to another, so use recent events alongside the Holds chips.
Make another useful ask
A successful request keeps your turn going. After receiving cards, look again for an ask you are confident of, using your updated hand and the information on screen. You also continue if your pond draw matches the requested rank. A draw completing a different book does not keep your turn going.
Watch the pond late on
When the pond is small or empty, pay close attention to known ranks and recent transfers. With an empty pond, an unsuccessful ask passes play on without a draw. Choose opponents who still have cards, and use the evidence available to help find the cards needed for your remaining books.
Check the Holds chips
Check the Holds chips for a rank you also hold. An opponent’s earlier ask can point you towards useful cards.
Check recent play
Read the record of play before asking. It may show that cards have changed hands since you last checked.
Chase your fourth card
Look at ranks where you hold three cards first. One more card completes that book.
Keep answers in context
Treat a Go Fish answer as information about that moment. The player may have drawn the rank since.
Keep a successful turn going
After a successful ask, check for another request supported by what you know. You get another turn.
Change or cancel your choice
Tap your selected card again to cancel, or tap another rank to change your choice. Tapping an opponent makes the request immediately.
Open the rules
Use the Rules button whenever you need a reminder. It is available at any time.
Choose whether to use tips
Switch the optional tips off once you know the actions. They start on, and each tip stops after you have done its action twice.
Choose whether to use sound
Turn sound effects on if you would like them. Sound starts off, and your sound and tips choices are remembered.
Play with the keyboard
For keyboard play, Tab to a card and press Enter to choose its rank. Press Enter on an opponent to ask, or Escape to cancel.
Frequently asked questions
How many cards does each player get?
Each player gets five cards from a standard 52-card deck. The remaining cards go face down in the middle as the pond.
What happens if the player I ask has the card?
They must give you every card they hold of that rank. You then take another turn.
What happens if I draw the rank I asked for?
You show the card and take another turn. If you draw a different rank, play passes on, even if that card completes a different book.
What happens when my hand is empty?
At the start of your turn, you draw one card from the pond and carry on. If the pond is also empty, you are out for the rest of the game.
What happens when the pond runs out?
You can still ask a player who has cards for a rank you hold. If nobody has that rank, play passes on without a draw. A player whose hand is empty at the start of their turn is out if the pond is also empty.
When does the game end, who wins, and can it be a tie?
The game ends when all 13 books have been made. The player with the most books wins. Players tied for the most books share the win.
Do the computer players cheat or see my cards?
No. Maya, Leo and Ava cannot see your cards or the order of the pond; they use only public information from asks and answers. They remember that information, but sometimes forget or make a less-than-best ask.
What are the Holds chips?
They show ranks an opponent has asked for, telling you that player holds at least one card of those ranks. They remain until the player gives those cards away or completes the book.
What is the record of play?
It lists everything that has happened since your last ask. You can check it to follow the requests, answers and movement of cards.
How do I turn tips or sound on and off?
Use the game’s tips and sound options to switch them on or off. Tips start on and sound effects start off; your choices are remembered. Each tip stops once you have done that action twice.
Can I play with a keyboard?
Yes. Tab to a card, press Enter to choose its rank, then press Enter on an opponent to ask. Press Escape to cancel.
Who goes first?
You start the first game, with play moving clockwise through Maya, Leo and Ava. The starting player moves round one place each new game.