Sure, big rowdy board games full of interruptions and participated in by people with varying degrees of interest are fun, but there’s something particularly exciting about the intensity of two-player combat from the comfort of the kitchen table.
From traditional classics like chess to modern and often off-the-wall innovations, the market for two-player board games is large.
Most two-player games require a certain level of strategy or skill and the odd one will come down to chance. Or, of course, it could have a decent mix of the three.
Other games are epic marathons and some could be made for those who like to play by the “a good game’s a quick game” adage.
So, as big board game players, we wanted to see which ones were the best. All the games featured here work brilliantly with just two people – but many can accommodate more players, should the occasion arise.
Read more:
How we tested
Testing with two players only, we wanted to see games that were well made both literally and in terms of the efficacy of their rules. We took note of how long it took for players to understand the object of the game and how best to achieve it. Measuring fun or satisfaction isn’t always easy, but any game that ended with both parties agreeing to immediately start another was considered a triumph.
The best two-player board games for 2022 are:
- Best for creativity – Azul: £29.99, Onbuy.com
- Best for movie buffs – Blockbuster & chill: £13, Bigpotato.co.uk
- Best for maths geniuses – Harry Potter wizard chess set: £34.99, Ryman.co.uk
- Best retro game – Four in a line: £7.49, Ryman.co.uk
- Best conversation starter – Wavelength board game: £29.99, Ryman.co.uk
- Best for embracing your mean streak – Rats to riches: £15.29, Onbuy.com
- Best for intergenerational players – Beat the parents: £12.99, Smythstoys.co.uk
- Best for word nerds – Scrabble: £15.88, Onbuy.com
- Best classic game – Backgammon: £19.99, Amazon.co.uk