Keep an eye on every card your opponent draws. This is critical. Try not to feed them cards that will complete sets. Second, keep cards like the Penguin Colony, Shoal of Fish, The Captain or Lighthouse that allow opponents to rack up multiple points at once. Be mindful of swimmers, sharks and jellyfish (in play in the expansion set) as these pairs will allow opponents to steal your cards or limit your play.

Try to collect cards of the same color. If your opponent calls Last Chance and you do not have the points to best their score, you may still earn some points as a result of a color matched collection.

Save the mermaids! Four mermaids at the same time will win the entire game not just the round. It is possible and has been done.

Use the STOP call to limit opponents who are near the final total needed. You may drown their chance to win.