The Best Board Games That Can Be Enjoyed With Just 2 Players

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Whether you're looking for something to do with your date after a romantic dinner, hoping to find a fun way to share some quality time with one of your children, or spending an evening with a friend, board games are always a great go-to activity. Most board games are best enjoyed with a group of people though, which means that finding one for a more intimate setting can be a bit of a challenge.

We spoke with two board game experts to put together a list of the best two-player board games and give you some insight into exactly what you should be looking for before you order one for yourself.

Ivan Marusic, game expert and founder of Game Taco, says that everyone should have at least one two-player game in their home because of the way they create "an intimate and engaging gaming experience."



Of course, you don't need to limit yourself to games that are only playable with two players (like the classic game of chess) but instead can pick a game that offers multiple playing options (like Alchemists, something that offers an online game playing component that gives the traditional board game concept a glow-up).

Choose from any of these 15 two-player board games to take your next game night to a whole new level.

Carcassonne Board Game

Most games that involve strategizing are best played with multiple players, but Carcassonne can actually be enjoyed with as few as two players. That's why Marusic says this is one of his top picks. "This classic game is easy to learn but has a lot of strategic depth," he explains, sharing how players get to take turns placing tiles on the board, each of which features a different landscape feature.

"As the game progresses, players score points for the different features they have created." This game is good for players as young as seven and can be completed in about 45 minutes.

The Lunar Dial Game

For those who love everything spooky there's The Lunar Dial. This lightweight strategy game is inspired by the true crime podcast "Morbid" and offers players a chance to harness the powers of the zodiac while casting cards and collecting moons.

Touted as the perfect game for those who enjoy stories from the likes of "Dr. Death," "SmartLess," and "My Favorite Murder," this game is best enjoyed by those ages 14 and up.

7 Wonders Duel Board Game

Marusic calls this a fast-paced card game in which players compete to see who can build the most impressive civilization. "Each player has a deck of cards that they use to construct buildings, wonders, and armies," he explains.

Players are allowed to try and thwart their opponent's progress along the way so that they can be the first one to create a thriving civilization. Designed for players 10 and up with an average game time of 30 minutes.

Charlie Acrylic Chess Set

There's a reason why classic games like chess have continued to be popular decades after their creation. Not only does this strategic game — which requires opponents to slowly capture one another's game pieces as they each try to be the first to take out the other one's king — have fairly clear cut rules, but it can also be completed as quickly as you can figure out a way to be the first to yell out "check mate!"

We love this version from Nordstrom for its sleek and modern look.

Patchwork: Americana Edition

Chad Montgomery, board game enthusiast and co-founder of Parent Intel, loves sitting down to play Patchwork with his wife. "A very simple and quick playing game about making a quilt — it's more fun than it sounds," he explains. "It has virtually no setup so you can play it in a quick timeframe as well."

Quick indeed! Some reviewers wrote that they were able to complete a round in as little as 20 minutes. This game appears to be best for those aged 14 and up.

Hive Board Game

If you like the basic concept of chess and aren't grossed out by creepy crawlies, you might want to check out this strategic tile game.

Instead of using game pieces like knights and bishops, Hive is played with members of the insect world. Each person battles to keep control of their own hive by using the unique playing capabilities of their solider ant, beetle, and spider pieces. The winner is declared when one person captures the other person's queen bee. Ideal for ages 8 and up.

Jaipur Board Game

This is a quick and elegant game in which players trade goods in the bustling market of Jaipur, according to Marusic. "Players score points by buying and selling goods, and by completing sets of cards."

The one who ends up with the most riches is the winner who gets bragging rights and a collectible metallic coin. Best played by those aged 10 and up with a game time of approximately 30 minutes.

Inhuman Conditions: A Game of Cops and Robots

Want a chance to show off your acting chops? This short game (some reviewers have said they can complete a round in around 10 minutes) is played with one investigator and one suspect. Each investigator is given a pair of stamps and a topic of conversation that they'll need to interrogate their suspect.

It's up to the suspect to try and convince the investigator that they're human and not a robot by navigating some specific "malfunctions" they'll be forced to play through. This game promises a lot of laughs for those ages 14 and up!

Lost Cities Card Game

If you like the idea of taking your gameplay to new and adventurous heights, you may like Lost Cities. Marusic says players of this game will get a chance to embark on expeditions to discover hidden treasures in this exciting card game. "The balance between risk and reward keeps players on their toes," he continues. "It's like a thrilling adventure in a compact box."

The game comes with a two-sided board to allow for bigger adventures and includes 6 expeditions. Best played with an opponent aged 10 and up.

Boop Board Game

Cat lovers rejoice! This two player game is designed just for you (and a friend). Players compete to get three cats in a row by taking turns placing a kitten on the bed. Unfortunately for each player, every time they add a cat it goes "boop," which means it pushes all the other cats on the board one space away.

This challenging and abstract game is great for players ages 10 and up and can be completed in 20 minutes.

The Fox in the Forest

Another game that requires players to think on their feet, The Fox in the Forest is a game that requires both strategy and imagination. Players are given 13 cards from a 33-card deck with the goal of playing the card that has the highest value.

Only things aren't that simple, since some cards have tricks that can modify the game, allowing you to switch up the play. Similar to games like Hearts and Spades, this game requires a mix of strategy and dumb luck to come out on top.

Playtime runs around 10 minutes and is meant for ages 10 and up.

Alchemists

While not strictly just for two players, Alchemists can be played with as little as two. "We play this a lot when we've got more time," Montgomery says of the game which can take around two hours to play. "It's a deduction game about science and potions with great artwork," he continues, adding that it's currently his most played game.

This is a great option for those who like to add a bit of technology to their game night since you'll need to download a free app to turn your smart phone or tablet into an ingredient card reader.

Best for players ages 13 and up.

Actually Curious Card Game: Curiosity Edition

Need a good game idea for date night? Look no further than Actually Curious. This is a game that involves using the card prompts to get to know the other player (and yourself) a little bit better. With questions like "what is guaranteed to bring you happiness," you're sure to learn something new with every round!

While there are no actual winners and losers in this game, both players will come out of the game play with the satisfaction of having spent quality time with the other person.

Dungeon Petz

Another pick from Montgomery that has the option to add more players in, Dungeon Petz allows you to tap into your nurturing side to show furry beasts some love. "In Dungeon Petz you take care of your cute monsters to breed and sell," he explains. "They each have their own needs that need balancing as well."

This game allows you to become a pet store owner for the types of pets you'd find in a fantasy novel. Feed them, clean up after them, and watch them grow all while trying to ensure you're keeping yourself and the local townspeople safe from the unusual pets you have in your care.

Good for players ages 13 and up and can be played in 90-120 minutes.

Actually Curious Card Game: Culture Edition

Want to play a game that feels more like scrolling your social media feed? Enter Actually Curious Card Game: Culture Edition. This game offers prompts for each player to answer about their favorite cultural touchstones, whether it be that one television scene that rocked them to their core or their favorite guilty pleasure.

While this is another game with no winner or loser, it's a great way to spend an afternoon or evening with a friend.

What to look for when shopping for 2 player games

Finding the perfect two player game doesn't have to be a challenge in and of itself when you use Marusic's tips for what to look for.

✔️ Length of play: First, he says you need to consider how long you have set aside to play, and more importantly, how much time you want to spend on a game. "Do you want a quick game that you can play in 30 minutes or less, or are you looking for a longer game that you can sink your teeth into?" he asks. While playing board games is supposed to be a fun activity, it can quickly lose its appeal if it drags on longer than you'd like it to.

✔️ Complexity: Next, you'll want to pick a game that won't be too complex for both you and your opponent to enjoy, especially if you're playing with someone younger. He says that while some games can be "very simple," there are those that are "quite complex."

✔️ Theme: Of course you'll also want to consider the theme and mechanics of the game. "What kind of theme are you interested in? There are two-player games set in all sorts of different worlds, from historical to fantasy to sci-fi," he continues, adding that you'll also need to consider just how competitive you really want to be with the other player.

"Some two-player games are cooperative, while others are competitive," he says. For example, the Actually Curious games won't pit you against your opponent whereas games like chess and Boop do.

✔️ Longevity: Lastly, you'll want to ensure you're springing for a game that you'll want to play again and again. "Look for games with high replay value. A variety of gameplay options, alternate strategies, and unpredictable outcomes ensure you won't tire of the game quickly."

Of course, most importantly, you'll want to have fun. If a game sounds boring, too complex, or has a component the gives you the creeps (we're looking at you, Hive), then it's best to pick something more appealing. With 15 games on our list, we're sure you'll find the perfect one for your game night.

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