Go Fish! (1997) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Go Fish! is a classic card game that has been enjoyed by children and families for decades. It was first released in 1997 by Fisher Price and Mattel, Inc. The game is designed for 2-4 players and is suitable for ages 3 and up. Go Fish! is known for being a fun and easy-to-learn game that helps children develop memory and matching skills.

Game Components of Go Fish!

Deck: A standard 52-card pack (French deck) or variations with Jokers.

Cards: Each card ranks from Ace (high) to Two (low), with suits being irrelevant.

Stock Pile: The remaining cards after dealing, placed face down.

How To Setup Go Fish!

To set up Go Fish!, the dealer shuffles the cards and deals them clockwise. The number of cards dealt varies: seven cards for two or three players, and five cards for four or five players. The player to the left of the dealer receives the first card. The remaining cards form the stock pile.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Objective: To collect the most “books” of cards, where a book is four cards of the same rank.

Player’s Turn: A player asks another player for a specific rank of card (e.g., “Do you have any Kings?”). The player must have at least one card of the requested rank in their hand.

Card Exchange: If the asked player has the requested cards, they must hand them over. If not, they say “Go Fish!” and the requesting player draws a card from the stock pile.

Forming Books: When a player gets four cards of the same rank, they lay down the book face up.

Game End: The game ends when all thirteen books have been collected. The player with the most books wins.

Player Experience

Go Fish is a straightforward and enjoyable game that is easy to learn and play. It is particularly suited for children due to its simple rules and relatively short playing time. The game enhances matching and memory skills as players need to remember which cards have been asked for and who might have specific cards.

Pros

Easy to Learn: Simple rules make it accessible to all ages.

Improves Memory: Players must remember which cards have been asked for.

Quick Gameplay: Games typically last between 5-15 minutes.

Social Interaction: Encourages interaction among players.

Cons

Luck Element: The game involves a significant element of chance, particularly when drawing from the stock pile.

Repetitive: Some players might find the repetitive nature of asking for cards boring.

Limited Strategy: The game does not require complex strategy, which might make it less appealing to experienced gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Go Fish!

Go Fish is an excellent game for families and young children due to its simplicity and educational value. It helps in developing memory and matching skills while providing a fun and interactive way to spend time together. However, for more experienced gamers, the game might lack the depth and complexity they seek.

We are supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, at no extra cost for you. Learn more.