High spin states in 196 Hg were populated in the 198 Pt(α, 6n) reaction at 65 MeV and γ -γ coincidence measurements were performed using the AFRODITE array at iThemba LABS. The level scheme was extended and new rotational bands were observed. A new dipole band was found. The previously reported dipole band was linked to other known states. Excitation energies, spins, and parities of all bands were determined. The bands were assigned nucleon configurations based on cranked shell model calculations.