12 Best Two-Player Board Games to Try in 2024

Looking for the best two-player board games? Here's our top 12 list, starting with the incredible Twilight Struggle!
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Patchwork coverJaipur coverLost Cities cover

Looking to find the best two-player board games? Well, you’re in for a treat! We’ve compiled a list of the top 12 board games perfect for two players. When choosing, we focused on variety, replayability, and pure fun. Whether you enjoy strategy, luck, or a bit of both, these games have something for everyone. Get ready to challenge your partner and maybe even settle a few friendly rivalries!

On this list:

12 Patchwork

Patchwork cover

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

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Patchwork is a beautiful game about creating a quilt from fabric pieces. It’s simple but deep, with a touch of urgency. My friend and I had a blast figuring out the best strategies. You won’t feel quilt-y about spending your time on this one!

11 Jaipur

Jaipur cover

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

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Jaipur is a quick and engaging trading game. It pits you against your partner in a race to become the Maharaja’s personal trader. My buddy Bob and I went head-to-head, and it was trading table banter galore!

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 embark on expeditions. Each game feels like a new adventure. My partner and I took turns planning and gambling on our expeditions. It never gets old!

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 masterpiece of strategy. It’s all about building civilizations, and you can feel the tension in the air. My friend Kate and I built rival wonders, and it was epic!

8 Onitama

Onitama cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 15-20 minutes

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Onitama is a light and elegant chess-like game. The simplicity and depth of this game are amazing. My buddy Steve and I swapped pieces and strategies, creating an intense mind battle!

7 Hive

Hive cover

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

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Hive is a bug-themed game of strategy and cunning. It’s unique and fun. My pal Rick and I had a blast trying to outmaneuver each other’s insect armies. It’s creepy, crawly, and cool!

6 Santorini

Santorini cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Santorini has a simple yet elegant design that’s easy to learn but hard to master. My partner and I enjoyed building and blocking each other’s paths. It’s like a mini vacation to Greece!

5 Watergate

Watergate cover

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

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Watergate brings you into the heart of political intrigue. One player is the journalist; the other is the Nixon administration. My friend and I felt like we were in a historical thriller!

4 Star Realms

Star Realms cover

  • Age Range: 12+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 20 minutes

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Star Realms is a fast-paced deck-building game set in space. My buddy Mike and I loved the quick gameplay and the chance to build powerful fleets. It’s out of this world!

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 game with a fairy tale twist. It’s charming and competitive. My partner and I found ourselves grinning from ear to ear as we played!

2 Azul

Azul cover

  • Age Range: 8+
  • Players: 2-4
  • Play Time: 30-45 minutes

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Azul is a tile-laying game that’s both beautiful and strategic. My friend Karen and I couldn’t get enough of the colorful tiles and strategic placement. It’s a feast for the eyes and mind!

1 Twilight Struggle

Twilight Struggle cover

  • Age Range: 13+
  • Players: 2
  • Play Time: 180-240 minutes

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Twilight Struggle tops the list because of its deep strategy and historical theme. My buddy Dave and I spent hours engrossed in Cold War tension. It’s the best two-player board game for serious gamers!

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.