Quick List - Top 2-Player Board Games
Benjamin is a writer of fiction and occasional video-game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy.
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Benjamin is a writer of fiction and occasional video-game/game reviewer. He gained his MA in English Literature from Birmingham City University, where he was the editor for The Student Anthology. Though his main enjoyments are reading, writing, music and gaming, he has time for anything that tickles his fancy. Learn more about him and his blogs from here.
These types of games often include solving puzzles and following clues, which are great for encouraging and strengthening communication. They also take longer to complete and requires some dedication - perfect for long term couples who are looking for a new hobby to spend time together.
Trivia and word games are perfect to have on hand as it can quickly bring excitement to any gathering at home with friends and family. These are quick and easy to understand as they don't involve any backstory or complex rules to learn, so are ideal for quick after-dinner games or for taking out on a whim during boring days. Some can even include more players of up to 6 or 8 people.
Looking for games where the whole family can join in? Browse our best family board games here!
Many a time, have I bought a game based on a theme I love, only to find the gameplay isn't as good as I thought it would be. Don't just learn what theme you like; make sure you learn what mechanics you prefer. Do you like co-op or a tableful of players? Card-based or area control board games? You may surprise yourself and find that a mechanic alone is enough to keep your attention.
Whilst the majority of our recommendations are competitive games that set you against your opponent, it’s also worth considering a cooperative game if you enjoy teamwork and playing at a more relaxed pace.
For a fun and rewarding way to wind down, explore our favourite jigsaw puzzles!
It's worth remembering that many board games can be cooperative and competitive depending on your group's rules. If you allow allegiances to be formed, where players can strategise between themselves, you can add another dimension to your game time.
Some players may not be used to playing certain games; therefore, it's a good idea to allow them to team up temporarily with other players. This often helps to diffuse those competitive moments and encourages everyone to have a good time. Competitive gameplay is naturally intense, but it's important to make competition fun.
Luckily, there are a plethora of games out there that range in duration from 20 minutes and even up to 4 hours. So, check the approximate time stated on the packaging to ensure you pick the right one for what you have planned, whether that's an upcoming train journey or a regular Friday game night.
Check out our best board games for adults!
If you only have one hour, you're not going to play a game with a long setup that you'll never finish in time. Regardless of the estimate provided on the box, learn how long games take your group to complete. If I don't take one, I'll at least bring four or five shorter games with me, so we're never without something to do.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Asmodee 7 Wonders: Duel | ![]() | A Special 2-Player Version of the Captivating Civilization Builder | |
2 | Gen42 Games Hive: A Game Crawling With Possibilities | ![]() | A Chess-Style Game That You Can Set Up Anywhere | |
3 | Fantasy Flight Games Hey, That’s My Fish! | ![]() | Fast-Paced Action for Those Wanting a Quick Game | |
4 | Winning Moves Bananagrams | ![]() | A Legendary Word Game That's Ideal for Travel | |
5 | Z-Man Games Pandemic | ![]() | Work Together With a Partner or Friend to Save the World | |
6 | Fantasy Flight Games Star Wars Rebellion | ![]() | Choose a Side and Fight for the Galaxy | |
7 | Paul Lamond Games Stupid Deaths | ![]() | A Game That'll Have You Trying to Escape the Clutches of the Grim Reaper | |
8 | Lookout Games Patchwork Express | ![]() | Quick and Easy, Great for Creative Minds | |
9 | Thames & Kosmos EXIT: Catacombs of Horror | ![]() | The Perfect Spooky Story for Older Players |
Spend plenty of time reading through the instruction manual whilst you play the game for the first time so that you probably won't have to refer back to it that often in the future. If you try to 'play by feel', you'll be continually opening the booklet, which will waste time and lead to breaks in the gameplay and lapses in concentration.
It can also be tedious for friends who may not play board games as regularly. Longer, more strategic games will usually have overly comprehensive instructions, so YouTube is a fantastic tool where various channels teach you how to play. It's best to take your time, stop, ask questions so that future play-throughs are much smoother.
Written and Researched by Nicola McClements
No. 1: Asmodee|7 Wonders: Duel
No. 2: Gen42 Games|Hive: A Game Crawling With Possibilities
No. 3: Fantasy Flight Games|Hey, That’s My Fish!
No. 4: Winning Moves|Bananagrams
No. 5: Z-Man Games|Pandemic
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