Best 2 Player Board Games for Couples 2024: Top 12

Looking for the best 2 player board games for couples? Try out Forbidden Island; it's fun, challenging, and very engaging.
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Patchwork coverJaipur coverLost Cities cover

12 Best 2 Player Board Games for Couples: Our Top Picks

On this list:

12 Patchwork

Patchwork cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Patchwork is perfect for couples looking for a fun and relaxing game. You and your partner compete to build the most beautiful quilt. The strategic choices keep the game engaging, and the tactile aspect of handling the quilt pieces is quite satisfying. It’s easy to learn, which makes it a great option for a quick, enjoyable game night.

11 Jaipur

Jaipur cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Jaipur is a two-player trading game where you and your partner are rival merchants. The game is all about collecting and trading goods to get the best deals. It’s fast-paced and full of tactical decisions. The game’s simple rules and quick rounds make it a hit for couples who want a bit of friendly competition without a huge time commitment.

10 Lost Cities

Lost Cities cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Lost Cities is a card game where you and your partner are explorers setting out on various expeditions. The game is all about risk management and plays out in a tight, tense manner. It’s simple to learn but offers enough strategy to keep it interesting. Perfect for couples who want a game with a bit of depth in a short amount of time.

9 7 Wonders Duel

7 Wonders Duel cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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7 Wonders Duel is a head-to-head version of the popular 7 Wonders game. You and your partner will build civilizations by drafting cards that represent various buildings and wonders. The game offers multiple paths to victory, ensuring a lot of replayability. It’s perfect for couples who love strategy games and want something a bit more complex.

8 Codenames: Duet

Codenames: Duet cover

  • Age Range: 11+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 15-30 minutes

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Codenames: Duet takes the popular Codenames format and makes it co-op. You and your partner are trying to identify the correct words to win, using only one-word clues. The game requires good communication and understanding, making it a fantastic way to strengthen your bond while having fun. Perfect for couples who love word games.

7 Klask

Klask cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 10 minutes

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Klask is like a mix of air hockey and foosball, but in a compact form. It’s a dexterity game that gets you moving and laughing. The gameplay is fast and frantic, making it a lot of fun for couples who enjoy a bit of physical activity in their game nights. Easy to pick up and endlessly entertaining.

6 Hive

Hive cover

  • Age Range: 9+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Hive is a strategic, abstract game with no board – you build the playing area as you go. Each piece has its own movement like in chess, making it a battle of wits. The game is quick and portable, making it easy to play anywhere. Great for couples who love strategy and don’t mind getting their brains working.

5 Fog of Love

Fog of Love cover

  • Age Range: 17+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 60-120 minutes

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Fog of Love is like playing out a romantic comedy movie. You and your partner play as a couple, but your characters have their own goals. Balancing personal objectives with the relationship’s needs makes for a compelling experience. The narrative and role-playing elements make it unique and memorable, perfect for couples who love storytelling.

4 Onitama

Onitama cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 15-20 minutes

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Onitama is a quick, elegant game of martial strategy. It feels like a distilled version of chess but is much quicker to play. You and your partner will use a limited set of moves to outwit each other. The simplicity of the rules combined with deep strategy makes it a hit for couples who appreciate a tactical challenge.

3 Fox in the Forest

Fox in the Forest cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Fox in the Forest is a trick-taking card game designed specifically for two players. You and your partner will try to win tricks while avoiding taking too many or too few. The game has a whimsical theme and offers a nice balance of luck and strategy. Perfect for couples who enjoy card games and want a competitive but light-hearted experience.

2 Watergate

Watergate cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 30-60 minutes

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Watergate puts you and your partner into the roles of either the journalist or the Nixon administration. One player tries to expose the Watergate scandal, while the other tries to cover it up. The game is tense and packed with historical flavor. Great for couples who enjoy a bit of history and a lot of strategy.

1 Forbidden Island

Forbidden Island cover

  • Age Range: 10+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30 minutes

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Forbidden Island is the best on this list because it’s cooperative, beautiful, and thrilling. You and your partner must work together to collect treasures and escape a sinking island. The game is easy to learn but offers plenty of challenges, making every playthrough unique. It’s excellent for couples who love adventure and enjoy working as a team.

Jamie in his proper element: With all of his board games
Jamie Hopkins

With years of dice-rolling, card-flipping, and strategic planning under my belt, I've transformed my passion into expertise. I thrive on dissecting the mechanics and social dynamics of board games, sharing insights from countless game nights with friends. I dive deep into gameplay mechanics, while emphasizing the social joys of gaming. While I appreciate themes and visuals, it's the strategy and camaraderie that truly capture my heart.