Card games are a go-to activity for enjoying time with family and friends, but what if it’s just you and one other person? No problem. Get cozy and break out any card game for two people for a fun and competitive activity ideal for unwinding.
For the best two-person card game night, look for games with easy-to-learn rules and fast pacing to keep you glued to the game. If you’re craving rounds and rounds of excitement, Exploding Kittens is a great card game for two.
How much time can you commit to playing card games? Some games, like Phase 10, are large time investments. Others, such as Uno, can take only a few minutes per round. It’s a good idea to keep multiple two-player card games of varying complexity on hand so you can piece together a game night of the perfect length.
There are many different types of card games to appeal to different players.
If all you have is a basic deck of cards, there are plenty of games you can play that are suitable for all skill levels and ages. The most popular card games for two that can be played with an ordinary deck are rummy, spit, double solitaire, spades, blackjack and poker.
If you have a deck of cards alongside a pegboard, cribbage is a fun and challenging game two people can play for hours together.
Card games tend to be fairly affordable, with basic decks costing as little as $5. Midrange card games tend to cost $10-$30, and these tend to be new and trendy games. Some larger card games, such as poker or trivia, can cost up to $100.
A. Game night with your special someone is a cute and affordable way to spend date night. To add to the mood, try lighting some candles and drinking your favorite beverage. Many card games can be adapted into drinking card games for two people, which adds to the fun. Put on music and get cozy on a big blanket for an unforgettable night.
A. Uno is an easy card game for two people to play. While it may go on for a bit longer, the rules remain the same. You’ll need to tweak the rules for a couple of the special cards, such as the draw two and reverse cards. Just like in ordinary gameplay, the first person to run out of cards is the winner.
What you need to know: This acclaimed game is playable with 2-10 players, so you can use it for both a two-person game night and larger gatherings.
What you’ll love: This game claims to be learnable in just two minutes, and beginners will find that they’re quickly engaged and interested in this fast-paced game. The object of the game is to not (metaphorically) explode. That’s a lot of pressure, and it makes this game irresistibly suspenseful.
What you should consider: This is largely a game of chance, although there is some strategy to avoid exploding.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
Codenames: Duet — The Two Player Word Deduction Game
What you need to know: A fun and fan-favorite game in an easy two learn two-player format with cooperative (rather than competitive) rules.
What you’ll love: If you love tricky puzzles and getting creative with words, this game will keep you and one other player occupied for multiple rounds. It’s challenging enough to engage all levels of players but also easy to play with kids.
What you should consider: Players accustomed to the rules of the original game may find this cooperative game’s rules a bit disorienting at first.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
What you need to know: A fun and educational game ideal for players in grade 2 and up, it's also loved by adults.
What you’ll love: This game is full of engaging fun for all levels of readers and spellers. Because of the competitive nature of this game, even those who don’t typically consider themselves word-game lovers will be drawn in. It includes tricky bonuses for things like having the most words or the longest word.
What you should consider: Some users have said this game can become a little old after a few rounds.
Where to buy: Sold by Amazon
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Evelyn Waugh writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.