What is Sharks and Fishes
Sharks and Fishes is a strategic card game for 2-4 players. It is played with a deck of 54 playing cards, including the Ace, King, Queen, Jack, 10, 9, 8, 7, and 2 of each suit. The objective of the game is to be the first player to get rid of their cards.
Setup
Sharks and Fishes is best played with four players. To begin, each player should be dealt 13 cards. The remaining two cards should be placed in the middle of the table, face down. The two cards in the middle are referred to as the ‘shark’ and the ‘fish’.
Objective
The objective of the game is to be the first player to get rid of all their cards. The players must use strategy and skill to get rid of their cards while preventing their opponents from doing the same.
How to Play
Once the cards have been dealt, the player to the left of the dealer begins the game. On each turn, the player must draw a card from either the deck or the discard pile. The player can then either discard a card or lay down a valid set.
Valid Sets
A valid set is a group of three or four cards with the same rank, or a group of three or more cards in sequence of the same suit. A group of two cards is not considered a valid set.
Discarding a Card
If a player chooses to discard a card, they must place it face up on the discard pile. The next player must then draw a card from either the deck or the discard pile.
Laying Down a Set
If a player has a valid set, they may lay it down on the table in front of them. The player must then discard a card to the discard pile. The next player must then draw a card from either the deck or the discard pile.
The Shark and the Fish
At any point during the game, a player may choose to pick up the ‘shark’ and ‘fish’ from the middle of the table. If a player does this, they must immediately discard one of their cards. The player then has the option of laying down a valid set with the shark and fish. If the player does this, the set can be used as a wild card.
Ending the Game
The game ends when one player has discarded all their cards. The player with the fewest cards remaining in their hand is the winner.
Variations
Two Player Variation
In a two-player game, each player is dealt 15 cards. The remaining two cards are placed in the middle of the table, face down. The player to the left of the dealer begins the game.
Three Player Variation
In a three-player game, each player is dealt 11 cards. The remaining two cards are placed in the middle of the table, face down. The player to the left of the dealer begins the game.
Four Player Variation
In a four-player game, each player is dealt 13 cards. The remaining two cards are placed in the middle of the table, face down. The player to the left of the dealer begins the game.
Tips for Winning Sharks and Fishes
- Pay Attention to Your Opponents: Pay attention to what your opponents are doing, and try to anticipate their moves. This will help you plan your own strategy and stay one step ahead of your opponents.
- Keep an Eye on the Discard Pile: Keep an eye on the discard pile and look for opportunities to pick up cards that will help you make sets. This is especially important if you are playing with more than two players.
- Watch Out for Sets: Look out for sets on the table. If you can’t match any of the sets on the table, you may be able to take advantage of them by discarding a card that will prevent your opponents from making sets with it.
- Use the Shark and Fish Wisely: The shark and fish can be very powerful cards. Use them wisely, and you can turn the tide of the game in your favor.
Conclusion
Sharks and Fishes is a fun and exciting game that can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. It is a strategic game that requires players to be attentive, plan ahead, and think on their feet. With the right strategy and a bit of luck, anyone can be the winner.