Best Two Player Games

When it’s just you and that special person—be it a spouse, child, or friend—find a great spot, grab some snacks and dive into these Best Two Player Games.

Playing two player games can be a god time to reconnect, give special time and attention to that someone special and it’s a great way of bonding and making lasting memories. No matter who your special someone is, we have a game that is perfect for the two of you.

Dice games are great for two players. We haven’t included any in this list but you can see all of our Dice Games here.

Youngest Players

When you spend a lot of time with a little one it’s great to take time to play games. And a lot of games lets you sneak some learning in there too.

Memory Match
The classic game never fails to be a kid pleaser. And with so many options you can find one that fits your kid’s personality too. See the options here. Canadians can see their options here.

Two Player Card Games for Younger Kids

UNO
The classic UNO is a favorite with kids of all ages. You can see the Ultimate List of UNO variations here for extra fun.

Crazy Eights
This is another favorite of all ages. You can get the rules here in case you need a refresher on how to play.

War
Ah the card game War. Slip the deck in two, flip over one card at a time and see if it matches your opponents when it does three cards go face down for both players. The last card is flipped over and the top card wins all the played cards. Never ending but great fun.

Slapjack
Slapjack is another classic perfect for two players. Slap that hand down on any Jacks you see and be the winner. You can get the full rules here.

Board Games for Younger Kids

Disney’s Eye Found It
Working together you try to beat the clock while moving to the castle and trying to find as many of an item as you can. Great for two or more. Read the review here.

Give a Dog a Bone
This one is perfect for young dog lovers. Travel around the board looking for your dog and capturing bones. Read the full review here.

Max
This is a co-operative game that is great for animal lovers. Max is a hungry cat looking to find a snack. Work as a team to get the woodland animals to safety. Learn how to play here.

Chickyboom
From dogs to cats now to chickens. In this game it’s all about balancing your chicken coop. One false move and all your pieces will go boom. Read the review here.

The Best Two Player Games for School Aged Kids

Gobblet Gobbles
This is an advanced version of tic-tac-toe. See what makes it different here.

Checkers
The classic game has been around for a long time and yelling “King me” never gets old. You can shop for Checkers sets here. Canadians can shop for checker here.

Ghosts
Ghosts is kind of like checkers but different and fun. Learn how to play here.

I Spy Eagle Eye
The ultimate I spy game. See what makes this game a kid favorite here.

Kerfuffle
Just the name alone is fun. Although this one might be best played with a group, two can laugh just as much as a crowd. See what all the Kerfuffle is about here.

Card Games Best for Two Players School Aged

James Bond
This is an easy card game that is fun and easy. See the 007 variation too for extra fun here.

Go Low
Go Low is another easy game that two will enjoy. Keep your cards secret and see if you can be the lowest scorer. Read the review here.

Sleeping Queens
This card game is like no other. Created by a kid, kids of all ages love all the twists and turns in this game as you try to wake the most Queens. Follow the twists here to learn how to play.

Hit the Deck
Similar to Crazy 8s, this game will have you slapping the deck trying to not have to pick up. Hit the fun with this review.

Kings In The Corner
Kings in the Corner is a bit like solitaire, this easy to play game is perfect for two players and a deck of cards. Find out how to put your Kings in the Corners here.

Golf
This card game nothing like it’s physical game, other than you are aiming for the lowest score. Flip cards and try to get them lined up. You can line up your shot with the rules for Golf here—6 and 9 hole games included.

Go Boom
This is a simple game but get caught picking up lots of cards while your opponent has only two left: frustration and laughter—depending on what side you’re on.  You can find out how to play the easy but fun Go Boom here.

The Best Two Player Games for Older Kids and Grown Ups

Pente
Better and more complicated then tic-tac-toe, Pente will make you scratching your head and trying o find the best move. You can figure out your moves here with the review.

Forbidden Island
This co-cooperative game gives your mind a run for it’s money. Work together to capture the treasures and escape before the island sinks. See what makes this one of the best two player games here.

Splendor
Splendor is our top game of the Best Games of 2021. Collect gems and trade for jewels and try to score the most points. See why this is the best two player game we have here.

Carcassonne
This one is a close second to our favorite two player game. It’s light fun while building the best cities, roads and Monasteries. A must have game for everyone. Read the full review here.

Spot It
Spot It maybe better with just two players, making it one of the best two player games. Players race to find the matching symbols on the cards and with so many variations it will keep you entertained for quite a while. You can read the full review here.

Dice Games

Doodle Dice
The drawing game that has no pencils. Instreaming of drawing, players use the special dice to roll parts to make the pictures.  You can learn more about this unique game here.

Qwixx
This is a dice game that has luck and strategy. Players not only mark off numbers they rolled, but they can befit from other players rolls. A great game for two. Learn how to play and get a score sheet in the Fun Library.

Bones and Pips
Bones and Pips is a FGS original game. You need a set of dominos and a dice to play this game. If you like speed and observation then this is the game for you. Learn how to play here. You can also check out the game that inspired it, Cobra Paw.

Tenzi
Tenzi is the dice race game where you race to get ten of the same number. There are just so many ways to play, it will keep you busy for a while. See all the ways here.

Three Strikes
Three Strikes is a fun dice race that has no rolling of dice and is a FGS original. Players race to fill the pattern on the card and not be the player holding the dice when the timer goes off. You can get your copy of Three Strikes here in the Family Game Shelf Shop.

Save the Turtles
Save the Turtles is another FGS original game. It’s great for two or more as everyone has their own set of turtles that they are trying to save with dice rolls. You can learn how to play here and get your game board in the Fun Library.

The Best Two Player Classic Games for Older Kids and Grown Ups

Sequence
This game comes in two formats. The classic board game where players try to get chips in a row and a dice version that is a whole game to itself. Read all about Sequence here and Sequence Dice here.

Blokus
This puzzle like game is great for two people. You can play where one person controls two colours or you can get Blokus Duo. To learn more about this game read the review.

Scattergories
Another classic that plays just as well with two players as it does with a group. You can find holiday themed lists in our free Fun Library here.

Rummikub
This classic tile laying game is just the thing for two players. Make runs and sets and score the most points. Read the review here.

Outburst
This game is so much fun. You try to think of all the words on the list. Or can learn all about it here. And you can check our Family Game Shelf Shop to get holiday themed games too.

Mastermind
Get your thinking caps on for this two player game. One player makes the code, then the other tires to crack the code before time runs out. Read all about the fun here.

The Best Two Player Card Games for Older Kids and Grown Ups

Five Crowns
Players try to make runs and books in this card game. But they also have to keep track of what is wild—it changes each round! It’s a fist full of fun. Read the review here.

Man Bites Dog
This fun game has players vying for the most lucrative—and hilarious—headlines. To get your creative juices running, read the review of Man Bites Dog.

RackO
Kids are usually great at this game. I think it’s because their risk taking is higher than adults. Either way, RackO is a great way to fill some time. Engaging but light on strategy, this is a go-to game for two.

Love Letter
Players are trying to win the affection of the princess in this game. Each and every round is different. Each of the cards has a downfall and each can win you the game. A truly unique game that is great for two. Read the Love Letter review here.

Pickles to Penguins
This game will have your creative juices going crazy trying to connect to seemingly unrelated cards. Fun tension will fill the air as you play Pickles to Penguins.

Blink
Blink is all about speed and observation. Race against your opponent to be the first one with no cards. It’s a good thing it’s a two player game as someone could lose a hand if you tried to play with too many people.

Ratuki
This is another game of speed and observation, although not as intense as Blink. The cards only have the numbers 1 to 4 on them but it can be tricky to win the most cards. Read the Ratuki review here.

Boodle
With a widow hand that either player can snatch up, Boodle makes for an interesting card game for two. Learn how to play here and get your free Boodle Board in our Fun Library.

Fun For Two

Weather you like cards, board games or dice games, there is a game that is perfect for just you and that special someone. So when it’s just you and them, grab one of these games and start the fun–laughing, connecting, learning and most importantly making lasting memories.