8 Best Two Player Card Games 2024 Reviewed

Looking for top two player card games? We tried many and found these gems that you’ll love playing together!
Disclaimer: Clicking our links may result in us earning enough for a new pair of dice, but not enough to quit our day jobs as amateur board game hustlers.
Jaipur coverStar Realms coverLost Cities cover

8 Best Two Player Card Games for Hours of Fun

On this list:

8 Jaipur

Jaipur cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Jaipur is a fast-paced trading game where you act as traders in the Indian market. We love the mix of luck and strategy. It’s a great starting point for anyone new to two player card games. The game is easy to learn but offers enough depth to keep you coming back for more.

7 Star Realms

Star Realms cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Star Realms is a deck-building game set in space. The game is highly competitive and has endless replay value. The artwork is stunning, and the game mechanics are smooth. It’s perfect for those who enjoy sci-fi themes and strategic gameplay.

6 Lost Cities

Lost Cities cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Lost Cities has you exploring ancient ruins in a race to uncover the most valuable treasures. It’s a game of risk and reward, making every decision count. The simple rules and quick gameplay make it a hit during coffee breaks or quick sessions.

5 7 Wonders Duel

7 Wonders Duel cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

7 Wonders Duel distills the essence of the original 7 Wonders into a competitive two-player experience. The game offers multiple paths to victory, and every move feels crucial. It’s fantastic for those who enjoy civilization-building and strategic planning.

4 Patchwork

Patchwork cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Patchwork is a unique game where you and your opponent compete to create the best quilt. The mechanics are simple but strategic, and the theme is charming. It’s a cozy game that offers a surprising amount of depth.

3 Targi

Targi cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Targi is a game of tribe management in the Sahara desert. The game offers a unique worker placement system and a rich thematic experience. It’s perfect for those who enjoy deep strategic planning and resource management.

2 Hive

Hive cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

Hive is an abstract strategy game that’s quick to learn but offers endless depth. It’s like chess but with bugs, and every move can change the game’s outcome. The portability and quality of the pieces make it a great travel companion.

1 Codenames: Duet

Codenames: Duet cover

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

Get your copy on Amazon ↗

We had to put Codenames: Duet at the top spot. This cooperative game emphasizes communication and teamwork. Trying to guess the secret words based on one-word clues is both challenging and hilarious. We’ve spent countless hours laughing and strategizing, making it our top pick for two player card games.

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.