History has made the best board games for two players indisputable. Yes, many classic board games fit the bill — backgammon, checkers, chess, go, mancala, and shogi are only some examples. However, there are also many board games for two players that are more modern, like Guess Who? and Battleship. Games like this can sometimes be underrated or underrepresented because party games — such as Cards Against Humanity — that are open to many players are often more well-known and well-loved.

For tiny households or couples, two-player board games can be life-changing. Imagine having board games that you can’t play unless people come over — it would be annoying and honestly something that would put someone off collecting board games. While party games are definitely important and will always have their place on every board game shelf, a few two-player games — hopefully including one cooperative one — are needed to complete every shelf like this. Whether you're ready to do some serious strategizing or just looking to pass the time, you won't regret checking up our roundup of the best board games out there right now. From Jalpur to Blockbuster and Chill to Monopoly Rivals Edition, you will find yourself spoilt for choice, though even so, you can still dip your toes into each one of these listings. Most board game enthusiasts don’t prioritize two-player games when it comes to trying them out or purchasing them for their game shelf. It likely has something to do with how to make game nights easier to manage. After all, most people would agree that games open to as many players as possible would be more enjoyable — not to mention more inclusive. Games like Cards Against Humanity are popular because of this way of thinking.

However, games should not just be about satisfying the most number of people. For some game enthusiasts, enjoying is more about game quality and uniqueness of gameplay. Some types of gameplay are best served by a two-player framework, as there is potentially greater intimacy in a board game made for only two players versus a board game designed for more than two players.

Codenames: Duet may not have the depth as a Risk-type board game. However, it is no less thrilling and fun to play.

Monopoly Rivals Edition doesn’t break any ground, but it is a perfect option for two players wanting solid Monopoly action.

However, some consumers assert that production value can’t replace innate replayability. As a whole, Aqualin games can get very repetitive. Players may want to compete in back-to-back games, but only because they enjoy using the beautiful tiles — not because they enjoy the gameplay. It’s a curious case. Because gameplay can be repetitive, the more you play Aqualin, the less you will enjoy the game.

Overall, Kahuna is a family-friendly game that’s ideal for board game nights. It’s a great addition to any board game shelf. Kahuna’s excellent visual design and high-quality wooden pieces add to the enjoyment of playing the game, too.

Unlike most board games for two players, Blockbuster and Chill is a cooperative party game and not a strategy game. This makes the game more relaxing for everyone, and may even encourage spectating or participating in the discussion without actually being part of the game. Players don’t compete with each other and instead work together to reach a single goal. This game, along with the main game Blockbuster, is an excellent board game choice for people who like films. Blockbuster and Chill, in particular, is ideal for those who want to try board games but don’t like competing.

The artwork for this new edition is by Vincent Dutrait. The typography is also bolder and easier to read than its counterpart in the first edition — however, it doesn’t come with the collectible metallic coin. People who can’t see well may want to buy this edition to increase their comfort in playing Jaipur.

While Blokus Duo games can be fast-paced, players often take their time on their moves — similar to playing chess or Scrabble. However, when players take their time, they not only encourage healthy activity in their brain but also make it less possible to play back-to-back games that can get boring. Younger players may even enjoy playing with Blokus Duo pieces alone — in fact, this may be an ideal way for them to build a strategy for later two-player games. In this way, Blokus Duo can be a welcome addition to home activities — especially for young children who would otherwise by looking at a TV or tablet screen.

Another element that makes Patchwork so family-friendly is the fact that losing often doesn’t hurt a player’s emotions. While the game is points-driven, a player’s focus is often split between wanting to win and wanting to create a beautiful quilt. As long as they thoroughly enjoy the quilt-making aspect, winning or losing could be a secondary concern.

Apart from being a thrilling strategy game, 7 Wonders Duel can also be an inspiration for players to explore ancient history. In this way, it can actually be a teaching tool — especially for young players that may eventually encounter ancient history in school. The engaging gameplay can help make ancient history more interesting for those that typically find it boring to read or learn about the past.

Guess Who? is an ideal indoor activity for children because it encourages cognitive and sensory activity while keeping players glued to one area where the game’s set up. However, the number of separate pieces makes it not very portable. Parents and guardians should not allow Guess Who? to be played outdoors because the pieces may get lost or dirtied.

Many consumers say that Mandala is an excellent two-player game because it doesn’t succumb to the common pitfall of having only one approach that guarantees a win almost every time. Again, like Jaipur, a player’s strategy can adapt and change to the specifics of each game. Board game enthusiasts may compare Mandala’s gameplay to the push and pull of Battleline or even simple poker, as it involves managing two hands at once and juggling several variables.

Another great element of Battleship is that older adults often know how to play it, again similar to chess or checkers. This makes the game a great family bonding activity, especially among grandparents and grandchildren — however, the small parts may be difficult for older grandparents to handle, and younger grandchildren may choke on them. That’s why it’s always important to follow a game’s age recommendations. Children younger than seven years may also not have the attention span to dedicate 15 minutes to a single game.

Do Modern Board Games for Two Players Measure Up to the Classics?

In fact, most classic board games are often for two players only. Games like chess and shogi are like Battleship and Blokus Duo, with only two sets of pieces and specific game boards that only support two players. In this aspect, modern board games and classic board games are mostly the same.

However, the nostalgia that’s built into playing classic board games is difficult to measure up to — there’s always going to be something about playing checkers or mancala that’s going to be more satisfying than trying out a new game like Aqualin or Kahuna. This nostalgia is also what may make classic board games more preferable for older adults who don’t want to waste time learning new rules of new games, and therefore more preferable for family game nights.

Can Some Two-Player Board Games Possibly Include More Players?

In general, if a board game is marketed as a two-player game, it can’t be played by more than two players. There are some exceptions, of course. For example, Blockbuster and Chill is a two-player board game but could be combined with the main game, Blockbuster, to create a party game for multiple players. However, the vast majority of branded two-player board games, which includes many of those in this guide, will not be able to be played by more than two players. Although, spectation is always a possibility! Of course, being a spectator is more fun with some games than others. For instance, Risk would be a much more fun game to spectate over compared to Codenames: Duet, which involves a lot of silence.

There’s also the implementation of house or alternate rules to allow for more than two players. An easy way to do this, if there’s an even number of players, is to create two teams and have each team move as one. The only problem with this change in gameplay is the potentially long turns as team members take the time to consult each other before moving their pieces. Adding a turn time period and using a timer would help mitigate this issue.

FAQ

Q: Is Dungeons & Dragons good for two players?

Setting aside the fact that Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop game, rather than a board game, it is not ideal for two players. As one player has to be the dungeon master constructing the challenges and environment for the players, doing so for one player might require a more novice approach to world-building, which wouldn't be as fun as the comradery that can be had with four or more players.

Q: How long should a board game last?

The duration of any given game will depend on the game in question. However, a good rule of thumb is that a particular game lasts anywhere from 30-60 minutes. Any shorter and it may not have been worth playing, and any longer, and it starts to drag or it will feel necessary to continue at a later date when the flow of the action will have been halted indefinitely.

Q: Why isn't traditional Monopoly suitable for two players?

Simply put, the original Monopoly has too many moving parts and is too complex to play with just two players. Between the pace of buying up properties and the randomness of which spaces you land on, the game could last quite a while if limited to only two players. Fortunately, there are alternatives.

Q: Can Risk be played with two players?

Although traditionally played by more than two players, Risk can indeed be played by two players. But like anything else, it requires some changing of the rules, including starting with more armies.

Q: What card games are good for two players?

While board games are often more in-depth and gimmicky, there are some great card games fit for two players. For instance, Uno is always a solid time for two players. And further, solitaire and spider solitaire can also provide tons of entertainment for two.