Highlights
- Trick-taking card games can be enjoyed with one special person in your life, like The Fox in the Forest, which offers beautiful art and a unique points system.
- Arkham Horror is a versatile card game that can be played cooperatively with just two players, perfect for lovers of mysteries and Lovecraftian horrors.
- Rivals for Catan is a condensed version of The Settlers of Catan, ideal for two players who want an adapted version of the classic game without the need for trading with other players.
They say two's company, and three's a crowd. I don't know who they are, and clearly they couldn't handle being around too many people. However, there are times when they are right. Sometimes you just want to chill with that one other special person in your life, be they a friend, family, partner, or whatever other relationship you may share.
And, what better way to spend time with them than over a little card game. They could be cooperative ones where you share great chemistry, or perhaps they're the only one that can challenge you at a card game that requires strategy. Whatever the equation between the two of you, there's a card game you're sure to enjoy. Here are our favourites.
Updated on July 29, 2023 by Vaspaan Dastoor: We've updated this lists with two more card games which you and one other person can play. One's a two-player twist on a classic card game, while the other pits you as rival merchants, hoping to gain the maharaja's favour.
Fox in the Forest
Don't get too foxy
If trick-taking is your thing, then The Fox in the Forest is a great choice. While the art is beautiful and serene, it also has an added layer of strategy in its unique points system. This one will make you think, but not so hard that you can't have a conversation over it.
- Beautiful art.
- Great introduction to trick-taking.
- Unique points system
Trick-taking card games are a great way to keep things light, but yet competitive. The Fox in the Forest does this very well thanks to its points system, which prevents you from going overboard. Alternatively, you can just ignore the points system if you want to make the game simpler, and just focus on taking tricks.
Arkham Horror
The horror never ends
Arkham Horror has appeared on a number of our card game lists due to its versatility. Not only can it be played by anywhere between 1–6 players, but the overall campaign will also change based on the number. If you two love mysteries, Lovecraftian horrors, and RPG mechanics, this is the card game for you.
- Excellent artwork and narrative.
- Deep RPG mechanics.
- Can be finished in one average-length session.
- Requires advanced knowledge of RPG mechanics.
The gameplay of Arkham Horror: The Card game changes depending upon how many players are involved. If it's just the two of you, it will be a relatively short game based on cooperation. While it does require knowledge of RPG mechanics, you can always help each other out if it gets a bit confusing - they usually do when Lovecraft is involved.
Rivals For Catan
When settlers become rivals
If you don't have the time or the players, Rivals for Catan is a condensed version of The Settlers of Catan, made for two players. You still have to build roads and settlements, however, this spin-off does not require a board and doesn't make you beg other players to trade valuable resources.
- Great adaptation of a classic game.
- You don't have to beg other players to trade.
- More portable than the original.
Rivals for Catan can be considered a lighter, more compact version of the classic Settlers of Catan. Sure, it doesn't have as much focus on trading as the original, but that's not a bad thing, as it removes the luck aspect. It's also easier to carry around and games don't last as long as with Settlers.
Exploding Kittens: 2-Player Edition
Kittens could explode at any second.
Exploding Kittens: 2-Player Edition takes the original game and condenses it in a way that turns it into a sort of Russian roulette. The gameplay is that same, but the chances of coming upon an Exploding Kitten are much higher. You can also plant them in a way to ensure the other player draws one.
- Fewer cards means more chances of drawing an Exploding Kitten.
- You can strategically place a defused kitten to screw over the other player.
- Games could end a bit too quickly.
Much like Rivals for Catan, Exploding Kittens: 2-Player Edition is a condensed version of a classic card game. However, with this one, the stakes are much higher, as there's a bigger chance of you picking up an Exploding Kitten card. But, if you manage to defuse it, you can place it in a manner so that the other player draws it.
Splendor Duel
For the guild!
Splendor Duel pits you against another player as a rival jewelry guild, trying to gain the favour of the royal family. Unlike the original Splendor, there is one smaller, shared board and three different conditions to achieve victory. The two player version is smaller and quicker, but requires more strategy.
- Beautifully designed cards and tokens.
- Requires more strategy than the original.
- A bit hard to find.
Splendor Duel doesn't have the hustle and bustle of the original Splendor card game, but that means it leaves you with more time and space to figure out how to achieve one of the game's three victory conditions. The brilliantly designed cards and tokens are another jewel in Splendor Duel's crown.
Dizzy Date
This one's not for your friends.
Dizzy Date is a card game that you'll want to play with a special someone. There's no real gameplay here - all you need to do is follow the instruction on the card you draw during your turn. It's a great way to add a little spice for a stay-at-home date night.
- Great for date night with a few drinks.
- Includes a good mix of tasks, questions, and drinking.
- Some tasks are a bit corny.
- Could get repetitive after a few games.
It's best if you leave this card game for when you have a date over, or it'll get a bit awkward with your friends. Dizzy Date is perfect for a romantic night in with a few drinks, but there's no real gameplay involved. I suppose you can already tell what the victory condition for this one is.
Codenames Duet
Two can play that game!
Codenames is a popular party game with a fun and highly replayable formula. However, creator Vlaada Chvátil decided that a company of two should also be able to enjoy the game. In Codenames Duet, two players must work together to ensure that the agents from their respective spy networks are safe.
- Same fun formula as Codenames.
- Includes co-op elements.
It's always great when a popular tabletop game is recreated in a way to suit more or - in this case - fewer people. Codenames Duet features the same engaging formula as Codenames, only adapted for two players. It also features a twist where both players must cooperate in order to save their agents.
Jaipur
Game the market, game the maharaja
In Jaipur, both players must compete to earn the favour of the maharaja. The only way to do this is to show the maharaja your business acumen by collecting the most wealth. Players will have to game the market and make profits in order to have the honour of becoming the royal merchant.
- Beautifully designed cards and tokens.
- Unique gameplay system.
It isn't easy to impress a maharaja. The only way to do so is by becoming the wealthiest merchant in the land. You need to earn riches in order to earn the title of the maharaja's royal merchant. Buy, sell, and trade until he deems you worthy of the honour.
FAQ
Are card games good for older adults?
Card games are a great way to stimulate mental health and also to spend time with family and friends.
What is the recommended age for adult card games?
Most adult card games are suitable for kids that are 16 years and above, but it also depends upon the game itself. We suggest playing it without kids first to gauge for yourself.
What is the most complex card game?
Magic: The Gathering is considered to be one of the most complex card games, due to its regular new releases and evolving ruleset.