10 board games to play with 2-players | Board games for couples!

Hey friends and Happy Valentine's Day! Today we are chatting about games we enjoy at 2 players. Some of these are 2-player only, and some are just games we prefer at 2-players. Hope you enjoy all these recommendations!
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CHAPTERS
00:00 intro
01:05 glass dice
03:05 imagination
06:18 passive aggressive cohabitating
09:28 calming grid
12:43 head to head
15:31 cooperative foxes
17:40 murder trees
20:25 wrestling beetles
23:00 walking through nature
24:51 NEW SECOND CHANNEL! Twitch VODS!
26:00 terrified
28:18 confusing but fun
30:15 spirits save the day
32:43 special place in my heart
35:59 outro
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[@SMBrwnie]

Sagrada has been on my list for a while! I've just been waiting for a good sale before I snag it. Near and Far is a new one to me, but I'm growing more and more fond of campaign games, so I'll have to look more into it! Thanks for this list!

[@Bad.Ju.Ju.]

Really Good video! You not only talked about the game, but you also showed a little bit of gameplay. Thank you for doing that! Waiting for the next 2 players boardgame vid.

[@meeplechat5046]

Thank you for your list,Jenna. After watching, I picked up a copy of tranquility based on your recommendation. Can’t wait to try it! Thanks!

[@SteveAMcPherson]

Nice listing. And, refreshing to see a 2 player listing that isn't full of 2 player only games. Well done!

[@neopet84]

Nice video, great to see a different list then some other games that are fun with 2 players. I enjoyed tranquility, it was lots of fun finding out the best place to put your cards at, and not lose more in your hand. Parks is such a great game, its so cute. Brass is my list of lookouts. Been watching a few plays on it. We like Lords of Waterdeep, and Hadara at 2 players.

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Thank you so much! I always try to talk about different games. There are so many amazing games out there! And oohhh very nice! I need to look into both of those! They've been on my radar for sure! 😊

[@IllBuythePopcorn]

Really love Sagrada & Parks, they're part of my 10x1 challenge. I really enjoy Radlands. Just wish I had someone to play it with more often. I got Brass last year and it's sitting nicely on SOS. It's just an intimidating game, LOL.

[@JahanThakur-rm3hn]

For Radlands you can get a file from BGG and print a mat! Makes it so much easier to play Cool list!

[@jameshayward7539]

Jaws of the lion is brilliant I hope you both enjoy it, its spurred me on the get the full gloomhaven game haha. Another one to check out is Bossmonster (really easy 2 player game to check out). Nice an small box and easy to learn how to play.

[@davidrath7828]

Great video! Some wonderful ideas to consider now that my partner has taken an interest in my hobby. Plan to introduce them to Parks first and then Lands of Galzyr...two of my absolute favorite games. Cheers!

[@TempRawr]

Thank you the list was wonderul and had such variety.

[@kimoro9643]

happy Valentine’s Day! we played Above and Below tonight 🤪 I would recommend Oltree but I think I’ve recommended it before 😬 we love playing Groundhog Day too. same same same for N&F for me and my love, it’s our most played game! we’ve played through everything and still love playing the arcade mode for a quick game night… it’s our most played game! there are always new things to try with all the cards :) xoxo

[@rolling.reggie]

Great list overall, the love is in the air. Btw, I am a Sagrada fanboy! So glad to see this on the list. Let me know if you get the app would love to play turn-based with you :) P.S. the second channel for VODs is a great idea, the link wasn't working for me when I just tried fyi

[@ags3006]

Great recommendations, thank you!

[@koroviev8897]

My partner and I have been having a blast with Codenames Duo!

[@KNic0lson]

Love Kabuto Sumo. Oo I played most of these at boardgame cafes. I would recommend Raptors for a short head to head escape/capture game

[@corinnajuras-tabletopsavants]

Our favourite 2 player games so far have been Caverna Cave vs Cave, Akrotiri, Paladins of the West Kingdom, and Kingdomino

[@duncanspaan4078]

Targi & claim too!

[@citruesilver]

You should try Targi, no 2 player game list is complete without it imho. 😊 Fields of Arle is also amazing. Twilight Struggle if you can stand cold war theme...

[@MegaSNES64]

Caper Europe, one of the best 2 player games ever.. It flows really nice

[@SaschaKleiber]

You are missing the one game which can't be missing in any 2P list: 7 Wonders Duel. Also I recommend Targi, Patchwork, Wingspan Asia, Beer & Bread, Taverns of Tiefen Thal.

[@vayuhezequiel]

Loved this video. Thank you!

[@JohnGolden]

Codename Duet is a fun variation on the original. Quirkle is still good at 2. But can be a 'take that' game if that's what you were calling it.

[@ramuslatsman6944]

Spirit Island rules! It’s a great game at 2 players, 3 is good too, more than 3 gets a little bonkers with how much stuff is happening on the board. It’s also a awesome solo game if you want to get in to solo gaming. It’s definitely pretty heavy. If that scares anyone, there is the “lite” version; ‘Horizons of Spirit Island’ which is a great jumping on point for $30 that will give you the basic spirit island experience without spending a couple hundred dollars on the base game and all the expansions. Although if you do like it I would definitely recommend buying true base game and all the expansions.

[@mydogskips2]

Wow, I found this video EXACTLY one year to the day that it was posted, so, Happy Valentine's Day to you in 2024. And thanks for the video.

[@dqbrewer]

Another great video. We almost exclusively play 2-player, so this one was particularly useful to us. We also enjoy Decorum (we never agree on interior decoration in real life), Arboretum, Parks (have but haven't tried the Nightfall expansion), and Brass-B (try Nucleum sometime). We love Spirit Island (try Ghost Stories) and all the Ryan Laukat titles. Thank you, again!

[@Darkestoceans]

1. Deus 2. Ark Nova 3. Terraforming Mars 4. Merlin with expansions 5. Grand Austria with Let's Waltz 6. Rajas of the Ganges 7. Meadow 8. Innovation 9. Bruges 10. Orleans with trade and intrigue

[@Zectifin]

I love any 2 player game suggestions. My partner and I love board games, but don't have much room to have friends over for higher player count games.

[@MerlinsManor]

Great video! I did my own list (as well as my wife's list) of top 10 two player games as well. I really like your idea of putting captions in the timestamps that hint towards the game without saying what the game is. When I began doing Top 10 lists I just put the game titles in, but I found that gave people less reason to actually watch the video. Now I just use numbers in the timestamps, but I might give your way a try as it gives people the opportunity to try to guess what might be coming up, but does not totally give it away.

[@MerlinsManor]

Oh the link to your other channel seems to be broken at this time. I was able to find your channel by searching for it, but you may want to edit the link in the description.

[@billable1861]

All excellent picks. I will go try sagrada now since you tell me spirit island resonated with you.

[@Just-a-Canuck]

Enjoyed the video, new subscriber, looking forward to watching more and adding new games to my collection

[@Sl1vers]

Great 2-Player Suggestions !!!!!!

[@boardgamebar]

Know and love all the games you mentioned until you got to near and far LOL haven't actually heard of it. But i still think you need to play Fog of Love 😉

[@brynnsakell9364]

Thanks for the video! Have you been playing Near and Far along with the Amber Mines expansion? I recently got the game, but I’m wondering if I should get the expansion before I start the campaign

[@urloony]

great collection, well presented.

[@user-zf7ft6oi8v]

I love to play Azul Queen's Garden together with my hubs. It is a beautiful game and a brain burner at round 4, but is super fun and pretty to look at when done. ❤️

[@ronaldeng3454]

Very sweet, charming, helpful list.

[@franckmanzetti6890]

Spirit Island and Near and far are my favorite boardgames !! (i've played more than a thousand games of spirit Island with my wife - the expantions are great !!)

[@kittenman100]

Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-Earth is my 2nd favorite co-op campaign!

[@adrianelice9871]

Lost cities is great for 2!

[@moonaite]

Thank you! I thnk I will give Arboretum a try! ❤😊

[@leftydad5821]

Great, informative video! Gads, I ordered every game on your list from Amazon and it’s costing me over $500😅

[@peterjs007]

Near and Far looks is on my wanted list for my wife and I to play together. We don't have any campaign games like this yet.

[@trailhops]

Hanabi is a pretty good two player filler game!

[@GeoKan]

We enjoy playing HIVE, Imhotep duel and 7 wonders duel !! they are amazing games - also Marvel Remix and Fantasy Grounds

[@JJ_TheGreat]

23:29 I get it! Parks is a tight game. And that is a reason I like it, too… Make everything a struggle! :-)

[@jflartner117]

LOVE the idea to still have chapters, but not list the name of the game as the titles. As always, thanks for the video!! ❤

[@stacie_everdell]

I have always passed on Radlands based on the box cover design. But today, thanks to your b-roll, I've added it to my wish list. Yes, I do judge books by their covers too. 😂 I agree about Brass: Birmingham and hear it said all the time--"need to table more so I can stop re-reading the rules". Someone else already suggested it, but I second Paleo for 2-players. I enjoy it very much solo as well, but 2-player with someone you love/really like is a lot of fun. You can really get into the theme, helping one another, and trying to get that dang cave painting done...because that's all that really mattered back then. 🤣

[@TomRauhe]

Radlands is really good. It's the toughest 'take that' game I know of, though.

[@s_215]

LOL Arboretum = Murder trees. Accurate😂

[@VoiceofFox]

My wife and I enjoy Castles of Burgundy more than pretty much every 2 player only game we’ve played. Most 2 player games are mean and Burgundy is best at 2 anyway.

[@wl5609]

I totally agree! Do you have the newest/best version? It's so expensive. I wonder if it's worth it?..🤔

[@VoiceofFox]

@@wl5609 I do and it is to me because it’s one my favourite games. It’s also worth it to me for the new solo mode and new expansion. Other than that, the previous two version are perfectly fine (I prefer the original out of those two).

[@wl5609]

@@VoiceofFox Very interesting, thank you!

[@mike9139]

You are awesome! ❤️

[@bradymccann]

Caper Europe is my #1!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Ohh yes! I’ve played on BGA a few times and I want it physically so bad! It is a great head to head game! 😊👏🏻

[@MegaSNES64]

Beautiful artwork and engaging gameplay

[@khew1]

Belated happy valentines Day you two from the UK

[@psychology4introverts]

hi Jenna. Can you share how you play Near and Far collaboratively? Are there extra rule sets or expansions to be able to play together and not fight each other?

[@Headbangerr-en2cc]

Not stricte "board" games, but here's my top 10 for couples: 1. Clank 2. Everdell 3. Paleo 4. Hogwarts Battle 5. Disney Villainous 6. Big Book Of Madness 7. Hero Realms 8. Hogwarts Battle: Deffence Against Dark Arts 9. Legendary Encounters: Alien 10. DC Comick Deck Building Game (not necessarily in that order from 1 to 10, all of them are great).

[@shadowvampwolf]

do hope you could do a campaign boardgame list too!

[@itsGabrielaCristina]

Happy Valentine's Day, Jenna & Francis

[@Ongo771]

Happy Valentine’s Day!

[@TheBoardGameGarden]

Happy Valentine's Day Gabriella! 🥰💕

[@KNic0lson]

Ooo I avoided Radlands as I thought it looked super hard - but that looks pretty good!

[@fedorilitchev5092]

I love two player games. My favourites are Battleline, Tzaar, Hive, Commands and Colors: Ancients, Summoner Wars, Ghost Stories, Arkham Horror Card Game and Attack on Titan deckbuilding game.

[@Gemwielders]

Attack on Titan looks quite interesting, I didn't know about that one!

[@fedorilitchev5092]

@@Gemwielders watch the show first and you'll love it.

[@MrRudyRiot]

Tranquility is great! I've played it a few times on BGA. It reminds me of a better version of "the game" (which is also similar to "the mind" lol - terrible names)

[@sardin.88]

I picked up Tranquility after you suggested it in your games based on zodiac signs video. My partner and I have been playing it every Sunday morning since and have yet to win - but it's still fun! We also love Radlands!

[@TLEberle]

As fun as Tranquility is, it can be frustrating that so much of the game is not just out of your control in terms of the discards. Still fun and it feels great to pull off a climactic win.

[@pacoloco4life]

Thanks for the recommendations. Definitely going to try a few of em wit my wife

[@calliescraft]

Our family loves tranquility! I hope you get to experience it soon!

[@siriushaze7607]

Definitely try.. - Splendor Duel - 7 Wonders Duel - Hanami - Calico - Onitama

[@toddboughn5168]

7 Wonders Duel is superb (and the expansions are terrific). I'm a huge fan of Onitama. I do love Splendor, but I haven't bought Duel yet. A 2 player that doesn't get talked about is Rivals For Catan. Don't let Catan fatigue sway you; it's a really good 2 player game and I think it's superior to Catan in many ways.

[@paulsalomon27]

Arboretum is sooooo tense and great.

[@tonyb459]

Thank goodness you described what 2 people could be multiple times.

[@TomRauhe]

My best two player games: Fog of love Santorini Treachery in a pocket In between Mr. Jack Romeo and Juliet Getaway Driver Mind Bug Haven

[@jasonc2784]

Nightfall expansion helps with congestion.

[@jflartner117]

FYI - I'm getting a 404 error using the TBGG TV link in the description. This worked for me, though - www.youtube.com/@theboardgamegardentv

[@Darkestoceans]

Also recommend twilight struggle and targi

[@thiagop3519]

Wingspan, 7 wonders duel and cascadia!!!

[@Endeva09]

Can I recommend for 2 players, Stardew Valley, Pandemic, Patchwork, Survive: Escape from Atlantis and Ganz Shoen Clever

[@kmanz60]

Hell yeah spirit island is awesome

[@ferventworkshop]

Jenna, would you like to review What Lies Beneath? It's a solo dungeon-crawler that combines a choose-your-own-path narrative with dice mechanisms. I'd be happy to send a review copy to you. -Chris

[@freeheeler00]

Brass: Birmingham is currently #1 on BGG. Pandemic Legacy Season One is #2.

[@mechashadow]

Eyy, I met the Designer of Tranquility really buzzing dude with ideas, which you can feel it in the game.

[@Greggiexplore]

Canopy card game is also recommended.

[@getgaymin]

You know how much I love Spirit Island. ugh Still need to get Rich to stop hating this game haha

[@harmoniagarden9343]

i love playing with my imaginary friends!

[@Janisurai]

Unmatched is good for head to head

[@jasminroy1985]

I was wondering if you know of any good places to purchase some of these board games you mentioned? (I'm in Ontario, Canada). I checked on Amazon but I wanted your opinion since you seem to know a lot about board games. Great video!

[@johnedwards5575]

I’m also in Ontario. One good site with decent pricing is board game bliss. The trouble with most games are limited print cycles unfortunately, but they have an option to flag to you when something is back in stock. Cheers

[@jasminroy1985]

@@johnedwards5575 thanks!

[@KingGhidorah_]

Kabuto Sumo is just a new version of Push a Monster.

[@theonlytrue8t88]

I recommend tainted grail

[@atngaming2019]

Im jealous of Francis... 🥰

[@JL-qo6lo]

I get what you mean, but my wife is way hotter imho😅❤

[@RainbowRiver]

I love the idea of the mechanics in Kabuto Sumo but the bug theme isn't for me. Does anyone have any similar recs?

[@bolassnowman7429]

EVERDELL!

[@grinningtaverngaming395]

You remind me of Kiera Knightley. So I clicked and listened.

[@WeEatZombeez]

Thanks Keira Knightley, I really appreciate it.

[@lyg]

Tranquility is great, I'm curious about the sequel 😄.

[@totoortiz8266]

I played a game as she listed games!!! I didn't finish before I passed out, but It was amazing! Are you ready? Every time she mentions Francis. Take a shot. If you make it to the end of the video YOU WIN!!!

[@JacobPorterLadder]

The BGG TV link doesn't work 😭

[@user-xt5oe2gm5v]

I play cribbage and backgammon. And I have five unopened bottles of high quality massage oil, since my hobby is massage.

[@WetOlde]

Sugestion: PATCHWORK!

[@tstd]

"A few games are sponsored by X. I haven't actually played this sponsored game in a long time...." Okay. Credibility gone, lol

[@thetable7660]

23:32 Not sure if this is a design flaw or an ingenious commentary on tourism.

[@Prof25889]

What is a “take that” game?

[@looktothefuture84]

If you love Brass at two and want to continue to love it at that count, I recommend you never play it at more than two 😬 Once I went past two, I never want to play it at that count now as I don't feel it's the 'full' experience of the game's potential.

[@hisfantor]

no Castles? no Burgundy??? :(

[@octavus4858]

Brass was the first game we played with my future wife

[@JJ_TheGreat]

23:39 But I would ❤ that!

[@wanderingcantos]

Lol, chapter select says Terrified instead of Horrified