When I started searching for the best two player board games, many classic games like chess, backgammon, checkers, etc., crossed my mind. But these classics have already been tried by almost everyone.
So, I looked for a more modern version of the best two-player board games and found some gems. All of these games are more than just enjoyable. They help to build a strong connection with your partner, family members, or even your kids. On top of that, some games test your creative skills and force you to think and create a winning strategy. So, whether you need a challenging game or want fun, go through the list of the best two player board games and try them!
You can also read about our articles on best Building games, 3DS games and Retro games.
Best Board Games for Two Players
1. Battleship
Genres: Deduction, Family, Wargame
Number of Players: 2
Length of Game: 20-30 minutes
Defeat your opponent by correctly guessing the place where their naval ship is parked. Battleship is a delightful game that can be played with anyone and anywhere.
Objective: In this best two player board game, one tries to sink all of another’s ship before they do the same.
Key Features:
- Portable, you can play this game anywhere
- A good option for casual board gaming
- Comes with 2 × battle cases, 10 × plastic ships, 84 × red hit pegs, and 168 × white miss pegs
Pros
- Very easy to play
- It doesn’t require you to form a formidable strategy.
Cons
- Guessing game
- luck matters most of the time.
Buy it from Amazon
2. Jaipur
Genres: Family, Animals, Card Games, Economic
Number of Players: 2
Length of Game: 15-30 minutes
Jaipur is one of the best two player board games requiring luck and risk. The more chances, the more reward; this game has an exciting reward at the end with an opportunity to become the trader of the Maharaja.
Objective: Players must try and get two “sets of excellence” to get an invitation to the royal court of Maharaja.
Key Features
- Fast-paced
- It requires you to form a strategy to win
- It can be played with kids and family.
Pros
- Easy to learn
- Requires both strategy and luck
- It doesn’t require a lot of time
Cons
- Luck can be a deciding factor.
- It takes too much time to set up the game.
Buy it from Amazon
3. 7 Wonders Duel
Genre: Strategy, Ancient, Card Game, City Building, Civilization, Economic
Number of Players: 2
Length of Game: 30 minutes
7 Wonders Duel is a fascinating affair with several exciting aspects of the game, such as coins and cards. It is a notable entry in the best two player board games due to its thrilling strategy requirements.
Objectives: Players will have to construct buildings and wonders as they lead a civilization.
Key Features
- It resembles 7 Wonders but is a two-player game
- It feels a bit aggressive
- Wonder synergies hold too much power
Pros
- Less predictable
- Engaging gameplay with numerous unique scenarios
- Two expansion packs make the game more enjoyable
Cons
- The cards feel way too small
- It involves a luck factor
Buy it from Amazon
4. Patchwork
Genre: Family, Abstract Strategy, Economic, Puzzle
Number of Players: 2
Length of Game: About 30 minutes
A game that requires creative sense to outscore your opponent, Patchwork infuses creativity with exciting gameplay. The game focuses on creating beautiful quilts to run out as the winner.
Objective: Create the most high-scoring patch quilt to win
Key Features
- Made for both children and family
- Requires a sense of creativity to create high-scoring patch-quilt
- Replayable
Pros
- An exciting idea makes it interesting to play
- Shot gameplay and easy to learn
- Quilts carry aesthetics when complete
Cons
- The random layout at the beginning looks trashy
- Not suitable for everyone
Buy it from Amazon
5. Guess Who?
Genre: Children, Deduction, Movies / TV / Radio theme
Number of Players: 2
Length of Game: 5-10 minutes
An ideal indoor board game is suited for children with exciting characters. This best two player board game develops children’s question-asking abilities. On top of that, it also lays the foundation for their deduction skills.
Objective: Identify your opponent’s secret person before they guess yours
Key Features
- Enables children to form question
- Increases the discretionary skills of children
- Great indoor game option
Pros
- Great game to enjoy with children
- Update board with several new characters
- Great for family bonding
Cons
- The cards are too small and fall out
- Mould plastic is of cheap quality
Buy it from Amazon
6. Blokus Duo
Genre: Family, Strategy
Number of Players: 2
Length of Game: About 20 minutes
A simple and elegant game that anyone can enjoy. Choose any black or white sides, and start placing your squares on the board. The least amount of squares left is the winner.
Objective: Players compete to pin as many pieces as they can on the board.
Key Features
- 2-player take of the famous Blokus
- Great for passing the time with friends and family
- Straightforward rules
Pros
- Simple rules
- Speedy setup
- A wide variety of players can enjoy this game
Cons
- May not appeal for replay.
Buy it from Amazon
7. Mandala
Genre: Family, Abstract Strategy, Card Game
Number of Players: 2
Length of Game: 5-30 minutes
Unlike Jaipur, Mandala doesn’t guarantee pre-performed moves to come out victorious. Instead, it requires a strategy to outperform your opponent. The game also gives a lesson on Eastern religions.
Objective: Outscore your opponent by collecting valuable cards
Key Features
- It has a particular aesthetic value to it
- Made for playing with family
- Builds creative skills to build mandalas
Pros
- Fast-paced doesn’t take a lot of time
- Easy to learn and understand
- May seem co-operative
Cons
- Cards only fit seamlessly into the plastic pocket.
Buy it from Amazon
8. Blockbuster and Chill
Genre: Movies / TV / Radio theme, Party Games, Trivia
Number of Players: 2
Length of Game: 30 minutes
If you are an avid follower of movies, you must try this best two player board game. Made for adults, Blockbuster and Chill help to strengthen the bond between players, and the game works with a co-op strategy instead of going against each other.
Objective: Earn popcorn cards by guessing movies described by your partner
Key Features
- Co-operation game increases the bonding between the players
- Addictive and replayable
- A relaxing game for families
Pros
- Team-based game good for parties
- Players don’t compete; instead, they work together
- Excellent for movie lovers
Cons
- No expansion pack is included in the package
- Buy it from Amazon
Recommended: 10 Best Free Offline Games for PC
Wrapping Up: Board Games for Two Players
Only some people recognize the importance of having a board game in their cupboards. It is just when they need it; it isn’t there. Also, people may be bored by playing the same game million times. So, try any of those mentioned best two player board games and let me know what you think.
