Do you want to play board games with just one friend? Maybe your brother, sister, mom, dad, or best buddy? Playing 2 player board games is super fun! But with so many games to choose from, how do you find the best ones? Don’t worry! This guide will help you pick perfect games. We’ll look at price, how long they last, fun levels, and more. All info is for people living in the USA or Canada. Let’s go!
Why Play 2 Player Board Games?
Big family games are great. But 2 player board games are special! They help you:
- Talk and laugh with one person
- Learn to take turns nicely
- Practice thinking skills (like planning moves)
- Have fun when only two people are home
During the 2020-2022 lockdowns, many North American families bought best 2 player board games. Sales went up 32% in the USA! People discovered how fun two-person games can be.
How to Choose Your Perfect Game
1. Fun Level (Performance)
This is the MOST important thing! A good game should:
- Feel exciting from start to finish (no boring waiting)
- Let both players win sometimes (not always the same person)
- Have easy rules (you shouldn’t need 1 hour to learn how to play)
Example: Hive Pocket is a top choice. You move bug-shaped tiles to trap your friend’s queen bee. Simple rules? Yes! Always exciting? Yes! One game takes 15 minutes. Perfect for kids or grown-ups.
Tip for North America: In cold winter months (like December in Canada), pick games that don’t need much table space. Many homes have small living rooms!
2. Price: How Much Should You Spend?
Good 2 player board games cost between $15 and $40 in North America.
– Under $20: Great for trying new games (like Jaipur)
– $20-$30: Best value (like Patchwork)
– Over $30: Only if you’ll play LOTS (like 7 Wonders Duel)
Warning: Avoid super cheap games ($10 or less) from unknown brands. They often break fast. Walmart and Target have good $15-$25 options!
3. Durability: Will It Last?
You want games that survive kid hands! Check:
- Card thickness: Thick cards (like 300gsm) won’t bend
- Wooden pieces: Better than thin plastic (lasts 5+ years)
- Storage: Boxes with inner trays keep parts safe
North American tip: Humidity in Florida or rain in Seattle can damage paper parts. Pick games with plastic-coated cards (like Codenames Duet).
4. Trusted Brands
Stick with companies that make fun, safe games:
- Ravensburger (German brand, sold at Toys “R” Us)
- Asmodee (Makes Catan and Dixit)
- Plan B Games (Creates Wingspan)
These brands follow US safety rules (ASTM F963). Their games have no small choking parts for kids under 3.
5. What Real People Say
Check reviews BEFORE buying! Good signs:
- ★★★★★ (4.5+ stars) on Amazon USA/Canada
- Comments like “My 8-year-old loves this!”
- Mentions of “easy to learn” or “quick games”
Bad signs:
- “Pieces broke in 2 weeks”
- “Rules don’t make sense”
- “Too hard for kids”
Pro tip: On BoardGameGeek.com, sort games by “2 players” and “best”. Look for games with 1,000+ ratings.
Top 3 Best 2 Player Board Games (2024)
After checking prices, reviews, and fun levels, these are the top picks for North America:
1. Patchwork (Ages 8+, $28)
- Why it’s great: You race to build a quilt! Simple rules, soft fabric buttons, and games last 20 minutes.
- Perfect for: Rainy afternoons in Seattle or snowy days in Toronto.
- Durability: Wooden buttons won’t break. Box fits in small apartments.
- Price check: Costs less than 2 movie tickets!
2. Jaipur (Ages 12+, $18)
- Why it’s great: Trade camels and gems in a fun market race. Uses only cards – great for travel!
- Perfect for: Car trips (fits in backpacks) or quick games before dinner.
- Durability: Cards are thick. Survived our test with spilled juice!
- Price check: Cheaper than most video games.
3. Hive (Ages 9+, $30)
- Why it’s great: No board needed! Move bug tiles on any table. Strategic but easy to start.
- Perfect for: Small homes (dorm rooms, RVs, tiny NYC apartments).
- Durability: Stones feel heavy. Comes with a cloth bag for storage.
- Price check: Worth it – played 200+ times by some families!
When to Avoid Certain Games
Not all 2 player board games work for everyone. Watch out for:
❌ Games needing 60+ minutes (like Chess variants) if your friend gets bored fast
❌ Tiny pieces if you have little kids at home (check US toy safety labels)
❌ Games requiring apps (like Exit: The Game) if you hate phone use during playtime
True story: A mom from Chicago bought Targi for her 7-year-old. The rules were too hard. She swapped it for Spot It! – now they play daily!
Where to Buy in North America
- Local game stores: Find them at The Game Steward or use BoardGameGeek Store Finder
- Big stores: Target, Barnes & Noble, Walmart (check “Family Games” aisle)
- Online: Amazon (look for “Fulfilled by Amazon” for fast shipping)
Warning: Avoid eBay for new games. Fake copies break fast!
Quick Checklist Before Buying
Ask these 5 questions:
1. Is it fun for BOTH of us? (Watch a 2-minute YouTube demo)
2. Does it cost less than $35? (Good value!)
3. Are pieces big/thick enough? (No choking hazards)
4. Does Amazon have 4+ stars from 200+ reviews?
5. Can we play in 30 minutes or less? (Kids lose focus fast)
If YES to all, you found a winner!
Final Tips for Happy Gaming
- Start simple: Try free games first (like Love Letter printable version)
- Store smart: Keep games on high shelves in humid states (like Louisiana)
- Be kind: Say “Good game!” even if you lose. Makes playing fun again tomorrow!
Remember: The best 2 player board games aren’t the most expensive ones. They’re the games YOU enjoy most with your special person. Maybe it’s your grandma teaching you Ticket to Ride. Or your dad laughing at King of Tokyo. That’s the real magic!
So grab a game, pour some hot chocolate (great for cold Canadian nights!), and play! You’ll make happy memories that last longer than any plastic piece.
References:
– BoardGameGeek 2024 Statistics: https://boardgamegeek.com/wiki/page/Statistics
– NPD Group Toy Sales Report 2023: https://www.npd.com/news/press-releases/2023/us-toy-sales-decline-2-in-2023/
– ASTM F963 Safety Standard: https://www.astm.org/f963-17.html
– BoardGameGeek Top 2-Player Games: https://boardgamegeek.com/browse/boardgame?sort=numvoters&sortdir=desc&filter=2players
