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Looking for a great two-player game?
Games are fun with a group, but they’re also a great way to connect with your kids or your spouse. Check out these engaging two-player games for families.
My husband and I have been playing games since we were kids, so when we started dating, we started playing together!
One of our favorite things to do is play games with friends but we don’t reserve game playing for only when we have a crowd! We’ve spent many evenings together with a bowl of popcorn and a good game.
We let the habit lapse for a few years, because we couldn’t find new two player games we liked, and we were tired of what we’d always played. Since restarting our game habit, we’ve found a few new favorites, and over on Facebook, you all shared some of your faves too!
Turns out there are lots of two-player games available that are fun and engaging. Having a few games on hand makes an impromptu at-home date night super easy and inexpensive. But these games don’t have to be reserved for date night. Pull a few out when you’re spending one-on-one time with your kids, or teach them to play together!
The list below is filled with family friendly game ideas for two!
Two-Player Board Games (the whole Family can play)
Catan Jr. :: We’re big fans of the game Settlers of Catan. Since our older kids play the regular version with us, we were hesitant to buy the junior edition. I’m so glad we did! We often pull out this junior edition because it can be played by 2 players, and you can finish it quickly!
Battleship ($12.19) :: A classic and always a favorite, Battleship has long been on our list of favorite two-player games. I like trying to outwit my husband and place m
Connect 4 ($7) :: We just might own this one in two different versions. Connect 4 is a hit at our home, but no one can seem to beat Mom. ;) Whenever we play Connect 4, we always end up playing tournament style. It’s everyone’s favorite.
Qwirkle ($23.80) :: We actually first bought Qwirkle for the kids. We’d played quite a bit as a family, and one night, with few other options, my husband and I decided to play together! Qwirkle feels like a mix between dominos and scrabble. The goal is to get the most points. Of course, completing a qwirkle helps boost your score!
Cribbage ($11.99) :: Cribbage is one of the first games my husband and I played together, and we played over and over again! It’s one of the best card games around.
Blokus (for 2!) ($24.99) :: Blokus was listed on our original Favorite Family Game Night list, but when we discovered you can play 2 players with this version, we were in! The idea behind the game is to be the first person to get all of your pieces (of different shapes) on the board in the smallest area possible. This game is a little bit like Tetris for board games!
Big Boggle ($13.59) :: This, my friends, is not regular Boggle, this is Big Boggle, where the board is bigger and the words are longer (and oh my goodness I just discovered they have SUPER Big Boggle!!!!!) This game has always been a favorite of mine. I’ve spent hours playing against my awesome Grandma. I have to be honest, though, I haven’t played this game in years because my husband won’t play it with me!! If you have a playing partner, though, and you like words, Big Boggle is the way to go!
Bananagrams ($14.34) :: While we’re talking word games, let’s talk about Bananagram. I haven’t ever used the actual bananagram tiles, but it’s a game I’ve been playing for years using an assortment of Scrabble tiles (another fun two-player game — if you’re into words, that is). Race one another to make words into a crossword style grid — and be the first to use up all of your tiles! (On a related note, check out the lawn sized Bananagrams — SO FUN!)
Strategy ($18.99) :: Stratego is a game one of you recommended over on Facebook, and it brought back memories! We used to play this game for hours in high school! If you’re in to strategy games, you’ll love Stratego!
Mastermind ($11.19) :: You need logic for this one. Mastermind is another classic strategy game built for two players. In this game, you create codes, but you also have to crack the other player’s code in 10 moves or less. This game is great for teaching deductive thinking and really hard for those of us who aren’t great at logic games! ;)
Chess or Checkers ($15.65) :: Another oldie but goodie. We love busting out the checker board. I’m still learning Chess. One day.
Jenga ($8.99) :: My inlaws fell in love over Jenga, so — there you go. It’s a classic, which means it’s fun every time. Just watch the finish on the table you’re using. Don’t want to end the night fighting over who scratched the table!
Mancala ($10.95) :: Mancala is a simple enough game, but it can be addicting too! Games don’t take long and when you lose, you always want to play again to reclaim the winning title!
Rummikub ($9.79) :: Rummikub is a game that is fun every time. The object is to use up all of your tiles first. It’s easy to use, requires some strategy, and will brush you up on your math facts. Great for the whole family or for a laid back date night.
Farkle ($6.97) :: I grew up playing a dice game just like Farkle, called Greedy. The concept of the two games is very similar, and it was one of my all-time favorite games. Play with just two players or gather a whole group. This is a fun and funny game!
Card Games for Two Players
Two-Player Board Games (For Couples Only)
The Discovery Game for Married Couples ($28.99) :: Recommended by Focus on the Family and others, this game helps you work on your marriage but feels less like therapy and more like fun. The creators are marketing this game as “date night in a box.” Sounds like a great idea to me — and cheaper than a night out! We haven’t played this one yet, but it’s definitely on my list to try!
The Gottman Couples Retreat Board Game ($49) :: Another game geared specifically for couples, this one helps you and your spouse learn more about each other while having fun. I just discovered this game online and haven’t yet played, but the Gottman Institute has helped thousands of marriages heal, connect, and move forward. If it will help you connect and communicate, it’s worth a try, right?!
We love playing games as a family too! Find some of our favorite family game night games here.
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