When most people think of a classic “board game night,” they might picture a large group of friends or family huddled around a table. But even two players can be enough to create an engaging board game experience. Sometimes a game for two can feel more intense and personal than a game with a bigger group.
In this guide, you’ll find quick recommendations for two-player board games that you and a significant other (or a very competitive friend) can enjoy. Choose from fast-paced board games and cooperative two-player bonding experiences; there’s something here for every pair.
Coup: Bluff and collect coins on your way to victory
Quick, tense, and deceptively simple, Coup pits players in a battle of bluffing and deduction. You’re given two secret role cards, with the goal of accumulating enough coins to stage a coup. Claim you’re a powerful character, take their action, and hope they don’t challenge you!
What’s to love: Each game is only around 15-20 minutes long, and the mechanics are easy for anyone to pick up. Perfect for competitive fast-paced matches or a few rounds to liven up a quiet afternoon.
Exploding Kittens (NSFW edition): An adult twist on the fast-paced classic
Fast, cheeky, and full of surprises, this adult-only version preserves the same mechanics you know from the classic Exploding Kittens (draw until someone pulls an “Exploding Kitten” and gets knocked out unless they have the one “Defuse” card) and spices them up with adult artwork and humour.
What’s to love: It’s a great way to check your opponent’s ability to keep cool under some good-natured ribbing. Great for some light-hearted competition with a mischievous twist.
Tinderblox: Test your dexterity to build then burn
Quirky and delightfully tense, Tinderblox tasks players to use tweezers to stack logs and embers into a campfire tower as dictated by the cards. It offers a clever balance of a low skill floor and a high skill ceiling.
What’s to love: It’s designed to be portable, so you can break it out with your significant other anytime, without the fuss of complicated setup or tidying afterwards.
Kittin: Meowing is mandatory
Fast, tactile, and full of feline chaos, Kittin challenges players to grab colourful cat “meeples” and stack them to match the cards’ design as quickly as possible. The first to yell “Meow!” with a correct stack wins the round.
What’s to love: A simple game that gets more frantic the more it’s played, Kittin can become surprisingly competitive fast. The chaos can be loud, but it’s all part of the fun.
Sea Salt & Paper: A relaxing game for two
Bright, breezy, and beautifully illustrated, Sea Salt & Paper invites players to build sets of sea-themed cards and decide when to end the round—secure the lead now or risk another turn for a bigger reward. It has a slower pacing compared to other board games on this list, making it a great choice for unwinding.
What’s to love: With its engaging gameplay and origami/sea theme, it’s perfect for couples or anyone looking for a relaxed game.
Find your next two-person board game with Red Sun Collectables
Board games and card games are a great way to introduce a little fun into an otherwise quiet day. Grab your other player and browse Red Sun Collectables’ two-player board games today!