27 Best Board Games for 2 Players in 2023 [According to Experts & Players]

Are you looking for the best board games for 2 players?

What are the Best Board Games for 2 Players? I love playing board games with 4 or 5 of my friends during game nights.But as much I love it,  it is not always easy to get together and organize those nights as people are busy with their own lives.

At home, it is pretty much the same. When the whole family doesn’t agree on a night to play, I often end up playing either with my wife or with one of my kids. On those occasions, I like to play one of my favorite 2 players board game.

What is the best Board Games for 2 Players? In this list of board games for 2 players, the only criteria I followed was to find games that were specifically created to be played by 2 players only.

There are exceptions I could have made. For example, I was tempted to put on the list Santorini or  Star Wars Rebellion, which are  advertised to be 1 to 4 players but really play so well with  players only. Star Wars  Rebellion is a fantastic 2 player board game, with an asymmetrical  play (the Rebels against the Empire) and a strong theme and should really get mentioned in that list.

But let’s not lose time anymore. Let’s see the list of the 23 best board games for 2 players  I have compiled for you.

And don’t forget to leave a comment at the end of the post.

Twilight Struggle

 

Twilight Struggle

One of my favorite 2 player board game is Twilight Struggle: The Cold War, 1945–1989. As the title indicates, the theme of Twilight Struggle is the 45 year long era of conflict between  the Soviet Union and the United, known as the the Cold War .

Twilight Struggle is strategy card game design specifically for 2 players. It is probably not aimed primarily at casual players as even though the game play is quite easy, it can take a while to get through the rule book at first and probably one or two games before you can get the full beauty of this game.

But don’t let this deceive you. Twilight Struggle is the highest ranked two players board  game on BoardGameGeek since 2010. Twilight Struggle is a game that really manage to recreate the tension of the Cold War, and every decision you make during the game feels a bit like life or death.

Overall, this is a fantastic  2 player board game that you really, really  need to try.  The theme is exceptional, ambitious and well treated: conquest of space, nuclear threat, influence on each of the continents … everything is there.If you are interested in this particular history period, I think you will definitly love this board game.

The cards are well written, the mechanics are easy … and playing the right event , at the right time, really create such an incredible tension. For me it is the creme de la creme of what modern board game can offer.

And in case you wonder why the game is called Twilight Struggle,  the game takes its title from John F. Kennedy’s inaugural address:

“Now the trumpet summons us again, not as a call to bear arms, though arms we need; not as a call to battle, though embattled we are – but a call to bear the burden of a long twilight struggle…”

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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 120-180 min 13+

Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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7 wonders Duel

Released in 2015, 7 Wonders Duel is the 2 players version of the great card drafting game 7 Wonders.

Two players compete against each other to built the most powerful civilization and complete wonders.On their path to victory, they gather cards that will give them  resources, or advance their military and scientific development.

It plays much better than the original 7 Wonders with 2 players. At the start of each Ages, the cards are placed down according to a specific pattern: some cards are placed face down, others face up and they are slightly overlapping themselves. The players can only take a card that is not covered by another card. So the 2 players have to make difficult choices during their turn: take a card for yourself, or to prevent the opponent from having it,  take a card that will benefits you  but by doing so also reveal a card that will give an edge to your opponent even more!

7 Wonders Duel is great 2 player adaptation of the original 7 Wonders game. It is a fast (around 30 minutes for a game), tense, strategic game without being complex. Will suit the casual players, but 7 Wonders Duel strategic depth will also satisfy more demanding players. Great to play with my 10 year old who loves it as well. And now you can get the 7 Wonders: Duel Pantheon Expansion that allows players to recruit patron gods and goddesses for their cities. It makes it even better!

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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 30 min 10+

Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Splendor Duel

Splendor Duel is a 2 player board game released in 2022 ,co-designed by Bruno Cathala  that teamed up with  Marc André, the original designer of Splendor.

 Of course it was already possible to play the original game of Splendor with two player, but Splendor Duel  has some new mechanisms and twists that makes it even better to play with 2-players.

In Splendor Duel, players take on the roles of wealthy merchants in the Renaissance era, collecting valuable gems and using them to purchase development cards Those development cards provide bonuses and attract nobles to your side. The game includes resource chips representing different gem types, as well as development cards with varying costs and point values.  The two players must strategically manage their resources, aim for efficient purchases, and work towards attracting nobles to achieve victory.

Spendor Duel new mechanics and its  great decision-making aspect makes it one of the best board game for  two players.

The game is easy to learn but provides depth through its resource management and tactical choices, making it accessible to a wide range of players. The short playtime allows for quick and rewarding game sessions, and the components, including the gem chips and cards, are of high quality, adding to the game’s overall appeal. “Splendor Duel” is known for offering a balanced and competitive experience for two players, which is why it has become one of my favorite among my group of friend. If you are looking for a satisfying and strategic game to enjoy with your partner or friend, just go for it.

Splendor Duel  is a great 2 player board game, very fun to play.The box is more compact than the original game thus more portable, and the extra rules makes  the  2 player game more diverse. I would highly recommend Splendor Duel , especially if you like the original opus of the game but not only.

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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 30 min 10+

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Undaunted: Normandy

Undaunted: Normandy is a  two player deck-building war game released in 2019 and published by Osprey Games.

The game place you and your opponent in command of American or German forces, fighting through a series of missions critical to the outcome of World War II. Use your cards to seize the initiative, bolster your forces, or control your troops on the battlefield. Strong leadership can turn the tide of battle in your favor, but reckless decisions could prove catastrophic as every casualty you take removes a card from your deck. Take charge amidst the chaos of battle, hold fast in the face of opposition, and remain undaunted.

Undaunted: Normandy is by far the best 2 player  war game  I have played for a long time. It is such surprise, the game is simple to play and easy to understand, it is also intuitive and has very smart mechanics, smooth game play and nice pace. Great to introduce war game to a teenager or younger players. The components are sturdy and excellent quality, the art on the cards looks stunning and really add to the WWII atmosphere.

So believe me, Undaunted: Normandy  is an excellent 2 player war game that deserve you to try it!

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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 40-45 min 14+

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Raptor

Raptor really deserves to be on this list of best 2 players board games. Raptor is a 2 players board games from Matagot games, it plays in about 30 mn and is for age 10+.

The story is held in present days, in an Island isolated in the Pacific Ocean. Rumors have been confirmed that dinosaurs still exist. A female Velociraptor has escaped from her run and laid her eggs in the park. There are 5 eggs in total and the team of scientists mission is to capture at least 3 of those eggs and neutralize the mother Raptor  before they run wild into the forest.

Raptor is a card driven board game with tactical play and some double guessing. The 2 players will take on the roles of either the raptors or the scientists.Players use their cards to move their pawns (scientists on one side, Mother and baby raptors on the other) on the board. The player that control the Raptor family can with by removing all the scientists from the board or by allowing 3 of the baby raptors to take shelter deep into the jungle where they won’t be found.The player that plays the scientist must neutralize the mother or capture 3 babies Raptor.

Every round, the player who played the lowest ranked card can use the corresponding action, while his opponent has movement / attack points equal to the difference between the two cards values. The scientists can use fire, can move by jeep on the tracks, and can even call for reinforcements, while the mamma raptor can hide in the bushes, yell to frighten the scientists, and call for her babies.

Raptor is a truly enjoyable 2 players board game. It looks beautiful, it is easy to learn and teach but there is a good degree of strategic depth in the game.Each games are all different as the terrain are randomized, so replay ability is high. I love the two asymmetric sides with different win conditions and very different actions they can performed. Great theme as well, as I am a big fan of Jurassic Park!

Definitely of the est two players board game out there at the moment!!

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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 30 min 10+

Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Android: Netrunner

Android: Netrunner is a 2 players Living Card Game (living Card  Game) designed by Richard Garfield and Lukas Litzsinger, released in 2012. The action takes place in the dystopian, cyberpunk future where monolithic megacorps own and control the vast majority of human interest. While the corporation players try to score points by advancing their agendas, they have to guard their intellectual properties from elites and subversive hackers known as netrunners, who attempt to access and to steal those agendas.The first player to seven points wins the game, but not likely without first suffering some brain damage or bad publicity.

This game is absolutely fantastic. Hordes of fans are meeting all over the major cities around the world to play  tournaments.

Now, the sad point is that in June 2018, the publisher Fantasy Flight Games announced that they will stop selling Android: Netrunner, one of the all-time best card games, starting on October 22nd, 2018.

But as lead developer Michael Boggs ,Just because we won’t be printing it anymore doesn’t suddenly turn it into a game that’s not worth playing.

The game is beautiful and cleaver, interesting, very tactical, strategic, intense and diverse with a huge play again value.

Android: Netrunner is aimed at players 14 +, so wouldn’t really recommend it for younger players as the rules are fairly complex and the theme might not be as appealing for a 10 year old.

This is a huge game, and I think it truly deserves to be at the top of the best 2 player board games list.

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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 45 min 14+

Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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The Fox in the Forest

Fox in the Forest” is a popular two-player card game designed by Joshua Buergel and published by Renegade Game Studios. The game was released in 2017, and it has since gained a dedicated following among board gamers. It is designed specifically for two players and typically takes about 30 minutes to play, making it an ideal choice for couples, friends, or anyone looking for a quick and engaging gaming experience.

In “Fox in the Forest,” players assume the roles of fairy tale characters, competing to win tricks in a classic trick-taking card game format. The deck consists of 33 cards, featuring various suits and values. Players aim to collect the most points by winning tricks, but there’s a twist – if you win too many tricks or too few tricks, you’ll suffer point penalties. To add even more depth to the gameplay, the game includes special abilities tied to certain cards, making it a strategic challenge to manage your hand and your tricks effectively.

“Fox in the Forest” has received acclaim for several reasons, making it one of the best board games for two players. First, it combines the familiarity of traditional card games with unique, fairy tale-themed mechanics, adding an element of storytelling to the gameplay. Its quick playtime and simplicity make it accessible to both casual and seasoned gamers, allowing for multiple rounds in a single game session. The game’s asymmetrical scoring system, where players need to strike a balance in trick-taking, adds an intriguing layer of strategy and depth that keeps players engaged. The art and theme of the game are also charming, making it visually appealing. Overall, “Fox in the Forest” is loved for its blend of strategy, storytelling, and accessibility, making it a top choice for couples and friends looking for a fun and immersive two-player gaming experience.

 

Players Playing time Recommended for
2 30 min 10+

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Patchwork

The game was designed by the Uwe Rosenberg, also known for his card game Bohnanza and the great strategy farming game Agricola.

In Patchwork, two players compete to build the most aesthetic (and high-scoring) patchwork quilt on a personal 9×9 game board. Players take it in turns to either buy a patch and place in on their board at the cost of coins or pass their go to gain coins. Players must navigate and get to the centre first to gain extra coins but you also lose coins if you finish and have blank spaces on your patchwork quilt, so you have to balance speed with a beautiful quilt, making the game more strategic than it may first appear.

Patchwork is a great 2 player family game. It is really a game for all ages. The rules are simple, the theme is original and elegant, the games are quick and always different. There is enough strategy and depth in Patchwork to suit all type of players.

Patchwork is truly a little gem of a game. You should definitely give it a try. You won’t regret it.

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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 15-30 min 8+

Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Star wars: x-wing miniatures game

In this two-player game of dramatic, high-speed dogfights, kids can battle head-to-head for the fate of the galaxy. It takes just minutes to learn the rules, but the game’s expansions and rules for squad building ensure there’s plenty of Star Wars action that kids can explore and enjoy for years to come!

X-Wing is an epic space combat game that take place in the universe of Star Wars. Players take control either of the Resistance or the First Order TIE fighters. Each side have their squads equipped with a wide range of pilots, special weapons and improvements. The 2 players will then try to blow off their opponent’s fighters!

This box contains everything that 2 players need to get started very quickly with X-Wing: incredibly detailed and well made painted plastic ships, special dice, cards, markers and a rule book. You’ll also find advanced rules and special missions that will give a completely different tactical dimension to the game.

Beyond the pleasure of building up your squadron, and the game theme many times revisited, but which still works, this game is excellent for new players that are not necessarily experienced board gamer. The quick game setup, accessible and relatively simple rules, allow to quickly grasp the game concept and also allow a rapid immersion into the game.

You will soon discover how addictive Star Wars: X-wing can be. There will no room for boredom during those fights! Definitely one of the best two player board game out there.
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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 30-45 min 14+


Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Memoir ’44

Memoir ’44 is a unique historical 2 player board game design by Richard Borg, the great game designer also known for other games with the same mechanics but different themes: Commands & Color: Ancients (Ancient Theme), Battle Cry (American Civil War theme) or BattleLore (Fantasy theme).

If you like complex Wargames with figurines with intricate rules that take quite a bit of learning curve (like Axis & Allies for instance), Memoir ’44 might not be a game for you. Memoir ’44 is certainly a Wargame with little plastic figures, a battlefield board map but that’s it, the similarity stops there.

Memoir 44 is a 2-player wargame that has simple rules, easy to learn and fast to play. The luck factor of the dice rolls and card deck has a certain influence on the course of the game. Strategic players might not win every time. This is what makes Memoir ’44 a great family board game and probably explains its success. Memoir’44 contains 17 Unique Historical Scenarios mimic the historical terrain, troop placements and objectives of each army. It is such a great way to introduce WWII History to a 10-year-old while having hours of fun by playing this game.

The publisher has released a very large number of Memoir’44 expansion, that expand even further the choices of scenarios to choose from. And with Memoir ’44 Overlord scenarios, players can use multiple boards and up to 8 players to conduct large scale operations, experiencing the challenges of troop coordination and military chain of command on a large scale battlefield

To sum up, if you are looking for an excellent 2 player wargame that doesn’t require hours of studying rules, and that will give you almost instant enjoyment, this is the game for you.

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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 30-60 min 8+

Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Onitama

Onitama is the 2016 UK Games Expo Best Abstract Game Winner. It is a two-player abstract startegy board game, where each players takes on the role of a Master, guiding its monk followers, in an attempt to defeat their opponent.The games has a random starting set-up. On a 5×5 board, both players start with five pawns on their side, with the main pawn in the middle.The goal of the game is to defeat the opponent’s master or get your master into to the other player’s throne/chair/colored space.

There really is a chess-like feel to Onitama. But unike chess, Onitama is very easy game to learn, but still quite hard to master. Each player has two open cards that each display a possible move for any of his pieces. There is a fifth card that cannot be used by either player. On a player’s turn, he chooses one of his cards, moves one of his pieces according to the chosen card, then replaces the card he used with the fifth card. The other player then chooses one of his cards, moves accordingly, and exchanges that card with this fifth card — which is, of course, the card the first player just used.

Moving onto one of the opponent’s pawns removes that pawn from the game. Taking the opponent’s main pawn, or moving your main pawn into your opponent’s main pawn’s starting space, wins you the game.

With multiple moves to make every game unique, the speed, the grace, and the unique play style of Onitama truly makes this an essential  2 player board game for any gamer’s collection!
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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 15-20 min 8+

Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Star Realms

Star Realms is a spaceship combat deck building game designed by Magic Pro Tour Champions and Hall of Famers Darwin Kastle and Rob Dougherty (developer and co founder of the Ascension Deck Building Game). Star Realms offers all the thrills of traditional trading card game style combat, combined with the fun of a deck building game. Play powerful ships, destroy enemy bases or blast your opponent directly on your way to victory!

Star Realms is a very fun and addictive 2 player card game, fast and easy to play. Rules can be grasped in minutes. Again, this is the perfect family card game, that you will be able to play with your wife\husband or your kids. Star Realms is a great deck-building game with a high replay-ability for a very low price. You really can’t go wrong with Star Realms.

Star Realms definitely deserve to be on this list of best 2 player board games.

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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 20 min 12+


Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Backgammon


Backgammon is a great traditional game datting back thousands of years. Backgammon that is really fun to play with friends and family. It involves a combination of strategy and luck and can be played by kids as well as adults.

It is one of the oldest game out there. In 2004, Excavations in Shahr-e Sūkhté[The] Burnt City” in Iran have shown that a board race game existed nearly 5000 years ago.

Rules are not difficult,  but you will only get better by playing ,you will be able to improve your strategy by practising. Note that there are some backgammon opening moves that it is good to know from the start. It will definitly help

Please have a look at this article covering the complete backgammon rules for beginners.

Are you tempted yet? just go for it.

Players Playing time Recommended for
2 30 min 8+

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Paths of glory

Paths of Glory is a 2 player Wargame with a card driven mechanic designed by Ted Raicer. The action in the game is set during the First World War. One player taking the Central Powers (Germany, Austro-Hungary and Turkey) and the other player taking the Allies (Britain, France and Russia).

Path of Glory is seen by many as a classic 2 player Wargame. It is not exactly a game for newbies wargamers as it requires patience, commitment, and a good bit of learning before you will be able to adopt a winning strategy.

You are probably looking at 6 to 8 hours of playing time, with a lot of tension during the game and probably exhaustion at the end of it! But as far as card driven game, Path of Glory is, my view, one of the best 2 player card driven board game.

Players Playing time Recommended for
2 480 min 14+


Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Combat Commander:europe

Combat Commander is a card-driven 2 player board game release in 2006 by GMT games. The game is  covering tactical infantry combat in the European and North African Theaters of World War II. One player takes the role of the Axis (Germany in this first game; Italy and the Axis Minors in later installments) while another player commands the Allies (Russia and America here; Britain France and the Allied Minors in future expansions).

This first game of Combat Commander includes units cards and historical scenarios depicting the American German and Russian forces. The second game in the series will provide cards counters and historical scenarios for British French and Italian forces. Each game includes 6-12 historical scenarios as well as a roll your own scenario system that provides an almost unending variety of map configurations force structures and combat situations.

Replayability value for Combat Commander is very high. A game of Combat Commander has no strict sequence of play. Each turn is divided into a variable number of Player Turns each of which may consist of either: the active player expending one or more Fate cards from their hand for their Actions; or passing which allows the discarding of one or more Fate cards. Players redraw up to their maximum hand size at the end of each of their own Player Turns. Additionally Reactions may be played by either player at any time so long as the prerequisite listed is met.

Combat Commander is really a pure Waregame. Even if a game can last more than two hours, you never get bored. Turnarounds, tactics and strategies, and a lot of fun … all the ingredients of a modern Wargame. This is a board game for 2 player that are waragame fanatics! fans of Advanced Squad Leader will appreciate.

Players Playing time Recommended for
2 60-180 min 12+


Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Jaipur

Jaipur is one of that I always take with me, wherever I go.  It is a two players card game that also feature in my list of best games for traveling. In Jaipur, players are hoping to become the Mahraja’s personal trader by getting more money than you opponent at the end of each round. For that, players have to collect different goods (diamonds, gold, silver, cloth, spices and leather) and try to sell them at the market. When it is your turn, you can either take a card or or sell a card. You will get more money if you sell gold than if you sell leather.If a player manage to sell more than two of the same goods (cards) together, for example 4 cards of spices, you get a bonus token.

You also have camel cards in the game and you can choose to take them at the market rather than goods. The player that has the most camels at the end of the round gets a 5 token bonus. Each round is pretty tight so every decision is important.

If you are looking for a 2 player board game that is easy to play and transport, quick to play, fun  but also requires some strategy, Jaipur is definitely for you. This is a great 2 player board game for kids or casual gamers. My kids age range 7 to 11 often play this game together. I found also that the final phase of counting your tokens to see how many points you have is good for their mathematical skills.

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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 30 min 8+


Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Go

Go is a game for two players that play on a 19 by 19 grid board. Players place in turns, either black or white stones in the board. Once the stones are on the board, you can’t move them, but they can be captured by completely surrounded them. The ultimate goal of the game is to control more than 50 % of the board.

There is no place for luck in Go, it requires great strategy and carefully plotted campaigns to achieve an impregnable position, block enemies from lines of communication and win a series of battles.

Go is incredibly popular in Asia but has also an increasing number of players in the western World.

If you want to know what is the game go , check out the category about traditional board games on this website.

Players Playing time Recommended for
2 30-180 min 8+


Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Hanamikoji

Hanamikoji is a beautiful and elegant game for two players, both restaurateurs vying for the favor of the seven graceful and adored geisha. Compete to earn the favors of more geisha masters to increase your business, by collecting essential items and giving away those less important. Featuring incredible artwork, fluid gameplay, and a quick 15-30 minute playtime, dive into Japanese culture and curry favor with the greatest number of geisha to make your restaurant the most revered of them all!

Hanamikoji is an absolutely beautiful 2 player game, easy to learn and teach, quick  and fun to play. Please check out our Hanamikoji review to have a better idea how great is this 2 player game.

Players Playing time Recommended for
2 15 min 10+


Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Battlelore (second edition)

Prepare for fantasy battles beyond your wildest imagination with the onslaught of BattleLore Second Edition! Set in the fantasy realm of Terrinoth, BattleLore Second Edition is a two-player board game focused on squad-based battles between the noble Daqan Lords and the ferocious, demon-worshiping Uthuk Y’llan. Whichever side you choose, you must strategically command your troops and use the power of lore to tip your battles in your favor.

You will create new maps and scenarios in every game before mustering an army, so you have the opportunity to tailor your army to whatever play style you choose. You can command armies of fearsome warriors and deadly creatures, or you can focus on solid defenders and the tactical options afforded by lore as you lead your forces against the enemy in this intense game of warfare and military strategy. Seize victory points by conquering key battlefield objectives and eliminating enemy units and raise your banners over the borderlands of Terrinoth!

BattleLore Second Edition comes with a game board, ninety-two detailed figures, forty-three map overlay pieces, more than one-hundred fifty cards, rules, four custom dice and everything else you need to win the borderlands of Terrinoth!

BattleLore is another great 2 player board game fom Richard Bork, the designer of Memoir’44. For those who like a fantasy theme based game, rather than a pure historical theme (like Memoir’44), BattleLore is the game for you.

The game is quite simple to understand with well oiled rules, the plastic figures are beautiful especially if you take time to paint them. The scenarios and map are different for each game you play.

BattleLore will provides hours of fun for those who like tactical combats.

Players Playing time Recommended for
2 45-90 min 14+


Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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YINSH

Yinsh is an abstract game for 2 player where each player tries to line up 5 of his markers. Do you think that it is easy? Well, I can tell you it is not as easy as it seems, because markers can change color, which complicates everything.

In order to align his markers, each player start with five rings on the board. Every time  a player moves one of his ring, it leaves a marker behind. Markers are white on one side and black on the other. When markers are jumped over by a ring they must be flipped, so their color is constantly changing.

Each time you make an alignment, you score one point (first player to  reach 3 points wins) and you have to remove one of your ring, which reduces future possibilities of movement. This is a very good idea that tends to balance the parties.

Yinsh is really a great  two-player abstract strategy  game. The game has a playing time of approximately 20 minutes and will suits kids from 8+. best 2 player board games

Will you be able to keep your head cool to align your markers before your opponent changes their color?

Players Playing time Recommended for
2 30-60 min 8+


Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Targi

Targi is an amazing worker placement game for 2 players. Worker placement is a game mechanism where a player place one of his meeple  (“workers”) on station (border square) that provide various defined actions. That station is not available to the other player for the turn.

Unlike in other cultures, the desert Tuareg men, known as Targi, cover their faces whereas women of the tribe do not wear veils. They run the household and they have the last word at home in the tents. Different families are divided into tribes, headed by the ‘Imascheren’ (or nobles). As leader of a Tuareg tribe, players trade goods from near (such as dates and salt) and far (like pepper), in order to obtain gold and other benefits, and enlarge their family. In each round there new offerings are made. Cards are a means to an end, in order to obtain the popular tribe cards.

The board consists of a 5×5 grid: a border of 16 squares with printed action symbols and then 9 blank squares in the centre onto which cards are dealt. Meeples are placed one at a time on the spaces at the edges of the board (not including corner squares). You cannot place a meeple on a square the opponent has a meeple on already, nor on a square facing opponent’s meeple. Once all meeples are placed, players then execute the actions on the border squares the meeples are on and also take the cards from the centre that match the row and column of the border meeples.

The game is predominantly scored and won by playing tribal cards to your display. These give advantages during the game and victory points at the end. Usually cards are played (or discarded) immediately once drawn. A single card can be kept in hand but then requires a special action to play it (or to discard it to free the hand spot for another card). Each card has a cost in goods to play. Goods are obtained either from border spaces or from goods cards.

The display (for scoring) consists of 3 rows of 4 cards that are filled from left to right and cannot be moved once placed (barring some special cards). There is also a balance to be found between the victory point score on the cards themselves (1-3 VP per tribal card) and in the combinations per row (a full row of 4 identical card types gets you an additional 4 VP, and a full row of 4 distinct card types gets you 2 VP).

The winner at the end of the game is the player with the most victory points.

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Players Playing time Recommended for
2 60 min 12+


Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Fields of Arle

Fields of Arle is another excellent worker placement, 2 player board game (you can also play solo) designed by Uwe Rosenberg and released in 2014. Uwe Rosenberg that you probably start to know by now as he is the designer of two other games that feature on my list of best board games for 2 players: Patchwork and Agricola.

Fields of Arle is a resource management game with a farming theme where the 2 players will try to develop their farm and must take care of numerous tasks: dehydrate the moot, plow the farmland, and breed the animals. Improving your craftsmanship in the village and constructing the appropriate buildings will be invaluable. Turn by turn, assign various tasks to the members of your family while keeping an eye open for the changing seasons. Use your vehicles to trade resources with others and upgrade your goods. The fields of Arle await you.

Fields of Arle could almost be described as an autobiographic board game. Arle, located in the north of Germany near the Holland border, is the village in which Uwe’s father was born. Field of Arle playing time is 60 to 120 min, the rules are not complicated but the amount of possibilities in the game are such (so many things you can do) that it could be a bit overwhelming for the players. Agricola, another game from Uwe Rosenberg might be more accessible for casual gamer. Of course, if you already know Agricola and you want to step up, you won’t be disappointed with Fields of Arle.

Players Playing time Recommended for
1-2 60-120 min 13+

Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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1960: The making of the president

1960: The Making of the President” is a two-player board game designed by Christian Leonhard and Jason Matthews and published by GMT Games. It was first released in 2007 and has since gained recognition for its deep strategy and historical theme. As the title suggests, the game is specifically designed for two players and is known for its longer playtime, typically lasting around 2-3 hours.

In “1960: The Making of the President,” players take on the roles of the two major candidates in the historic 1960 United States presidential election, John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon. The game is set against the backdrop of the intense political campaign leading up to the election. It’s a card-driven game where players strategize to secure electoral votes by campaigning in various states, participating in debates, and managing their resources effectively. The game features a balance between strategic decisions and thematic elements, and players must navigate the dynamic ebb and flow of a political campaign.

The game is well-regarded for several reasons, making it one of the best board games for two players. First, it provides a historically immersive experience, allowing players to relive the 1960 presidential election. The gameplay is deeply strategic, requiring players to make tough decisions about where to campaign, how to allocate resources, and when to play their event cards. The game is praised for its balance and replayability, as different strategies and card combinations can lead to varied outcomes. The historical theme, attention to detail, and the inclusion of iconic events and personalities from the election make it appealing to history enthusiasts and fans of political strategy games. “1960: The Making of the President” is favored for its engaging and challenging gameplay that captures the spirit of a pivotal moment in American political history.

Players Playing time Recommended for
2 90 min 12+

Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Arkham Horror: The Card Game

Arkham Horror: The Card Game is a cooperative, living card game (LCG) designed by Nate French and Matthew Newman and published by Fantasy Flight Games. It was first released in 2016 and has been continuously expanded with various campaigns and expansions. While the game can be played solo, it’s designed for 1-2 players, with the option to expand to four players with additional core sets. A typical game session can last anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on the scenario and player experience.

In Arkham Horror: The Card Game, players take on the roles of investigators exploring the eerie and supernatural mysteries of H.P. Lovecraft’s Cthulhu Mythos. The game combines elements of role-playing, deck-building, and cooperative gameplay. Players construct investigator decks, each with unique strengths and weaknesses, and work together to unravel intricate story-driven scenarios. The game is known for its narrative focus, with each campaign featuring multiple scenarios that build upon one another. Players must manage their resources, make crucial decisions, and confront horrifying challenges, all while uncovering the mysteries of the Arkham Horror universe.

There are several reasons why this game is part of my list of best board games for 2 players . First, it offers a deeply immersive experience with rich storytelling and atmospheric themes. Second, the decision-making and deck-building aspects allow for strategic and character-driven gameplay, creating a strong sense of agency for players. I really think that the ongoing campaign structure and character progression create a sense of investment and attachment to the investigators, making each playthrough feel unique. The cooperative nature of the game encourages teamwork and communication between players, enhancing the overall experience.

Arkham Horror: The Card Game is widely regarded as one of the best cooperative card games for its deep thematic immersion and challenging gameplay, making it a favorite for fans of both the Cthulhu Mythos and cooperative gaming.

Players Playing time Recommended for
2 60-120 min 14+

Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Star wars: Armada game

Rebel and imperial fleets fight for the fate of the galaxy in star wars: armada, the two- player miniatures game of epic space battles. Star wars: armada balances the awesome scale of the star wars galaxy’s ships and space warfare with ship designs and rules that make for accessible, intuitive play experiences. Assemble your fleet, survey your objectives, form your battle plan, plot your course, call your shots, and destroy the enemy. It’s your job to issue the tactical commands that will decide the course of battle and the fate of the galaxy!

Players Playing time Recommended for
2 90 min 13+

 

Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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The Battle of Five Armies

The Battle of Five Armies is a two-players  board game that allows you to re-create the epic conclusion of The Hobbit, the world-renowned masterpiece by J.R.R. Tolkien.

The Shadow player commands the armies of Bolg, son of Azog, the King of the Goblins of Mount Gundabad, while the Free Peoples player is in control of Men, Dwarves and Elves, led by Gandalf to fend off the goblin army.

Based on the acclaimed mechanics first used in the War of the Ring boardgame, The Battle of Five Armies merges action dice and event cards, to make each game a unique experience. The system has been further enhanced by the addition of the Fate Track mechanic, handling the arrival of the allies and the triggering of special events. All the key characters in the battle – Bilbo, Gandalf, Thorin, Dain, the Elven King, Bard, Beorn, Bolg – are featured with powerful special abilities and unique sculptures.

The Battle of Five Armies includes 125 plastic figures and many more top-quality components. Another strong candidat for our list of best board games for 2 players!

Players Playing time Recommended for
2 90-240 min 13+

Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am

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Crokinole

I can’t finish this list of best board games for 2 players without talking aboutCrokinole .

Crokinole is traditional board game that was first made by craftsman Eckhardt Wettlaufer in Canada in 1876. Crokinole is a dexterity type of family board game for 2 players or 4 players playing in teams of two.

The game consists of a 65 to 80 cm in diameter board, depending of the model, 3 concentric rings and a shallow hole in the middle (target hole). On the inner circle, there are 8 small bumpers or pegs which make it difficult to place your discs inside the inner circle. When playing 2 players, the opponents face each other. When playing with 4 players, teammate are siting opposite to each other.

The principle of Crokinole consists in placing your discs as close as possible to the center (higher-scoring regions of the board), and if possible, in the target hole. To do that, players use their fingers to flick their discs. The player that score the most point win.

It might sound easy, but there is a catch! The funny part is that players must touch the other team disc when shooting. If your disc doesn’t touch in anyway your opponent disc when you shoot, then your disc must be removed from the board and placed in the ditch (outer part of the board).

Crokinole is a great family board game, a great traditional board game that deserve to be known and played by a larger amount of people. I like the fact that you can play in team. It brings a lot of fun and excitation when I play Crokinole with my family.

Also, some luxury Crokinole boards out there are absolutely sublime, they look like real pieces of art. For those who want to combine esthetic and fun! Definitely of the best family board game out there!

Players Playing time Recommended for
2-4 30 min 8+


Battle Line

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Last update was in: March 18, 2024 9:58 am
$20.36 $21.98

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Last update was on: March 18, 2024 9:58 am
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