So a while back I wrote a post about the best 2 player games, and I’ve randomly had a bunch of requests for an updated list. I’m honestly not sure how I went from monopoly is life to being a board game influencer but here you go. These are my favorite two-player games—those perfect for quiet nights in, post-dinner coffee shop hangs, or even when you’re snowed in and need to do something besides doom-scroll. So, I thought I’d resurrect the blog and share our favorite games for two! Whether you want something strategic, competitive, or just plain fun, there’s something here for everyone.
Disclaimer: Please try to support your local game stores. I know Amazon makes it super easy and honestly cheaper to buy games, but your local game stores are the heart of the board game community—they host events, recommend hidden gems, and keep the spirit of gaming alive. Plus, nothing beats getting expert advice from someone who’s just as passionate about games as you are! Almost all these are personalized recs for our local Brooklyn and/or Providence game stores.
Hive
- Players: 2
- Ages: 10+
- Playing Time: 30-60 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium
Hive is like chess with bugs. Instead of knights and pawns, you’re moving spiders, ants, and beetles in a strategic dance to encircle your opponent’s queen. It’s simple enough that a kid could pick it up, but it’s also maddeningly addictive for adults (especially competitive ones like me). If I’m honest I can’t play with G anymore because he absolutely crushes me every time, but maybe you are a better human than I am. The best part is that this is a super travel friendly.
Play When: You need a mental workout and want a break from your phone.
Jaipur
- Players: 2
- Ages: 10+
- Playing Time: 15 minutes
- Difficulty: Superduper simple
This is a fast, engaging card game where players trade goods in a bustling market and compete to collect high-value sets. The goal? Get rich off spices, gems, and yes—camels. There’s strategy involved, but it’s also just fun to race for the best combos. That being said, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the overly “exotic” theme, which feels straight out of an outdated movie scene. But if you can get past the stereotypical setting, Jaipur is one of the most engaging two-player games out there.
Play When: You want a quick, competitive game that doesn’t require a lot of setup.
7 Wonders Duel
- Players: 2
- Ages: 10+
- Playing Time: 1 hour
- Difficulty: Medium
This is the ultimate “civilization-building” card game for two. You and your opponent build up cities through military, scientific, and cultural advances, all while trying to outsmart each other. There are three stages to get through, and you’ll need to strategize like a pro to dominate. The first time you play, it may take a while to learn the rules, but once you do, you’ll be hooked.
Play When: You’re tired of the real world and want to create your own empire.
Battleline
- Players: 2
- Ages: 12+
- Playing Time: 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium
Battleline is essentially capture the flag meets war, with a dash of gin rummy. Players set out ten flags and then duel by placing cards on their side of each “flag” to form sequences and beat their opponent’s hand. To win, you must capture either three adjacent flags or any five flags. It’s easy to learn and surprisingly strategic—it’s also the game that solidified my love of two-player card games with G.
Play When: It’s rainy outside, and you’re feeling nostalgic for recess.
Sky Team
- Players: 2
- Ages: 14+
- Playing Time: 40 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium
In Sky Team, you and your co-pilot must work together to land a plane—without speaking. One person controls the left side of the cockpit, the other controls the right, and together you must manage tasks like deploying landing gear, balancing fuel, and adjusting altitude. Every second feels like a scene out of a high-stakes movie. It’s stressful in the best possible way.
Play When: You’re ready to test your communication skills (and your relation/friend-ship).
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