32 Best Card or Board Games for Couples

Few activities ignite more joy and jibber-jabber from the comfort of one's home than card or board games. There are plenty of endlessly entertaining card or board games to play for big groups, small groups, and even solo players. However, it is more complicated than you would think to find a suitable card or board game for just two players.

The options become surprisingly limited for couples looking for a fun card or board game to play on a rainy day or a night. However, there are a few delightful card and board games that are perfect for couples to play together. Let's take a look at some of the best card and board games for couples.


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Chess

There may be some debate as to whether chess counts as a board game, but regardless, chess is an overwhelmingly captivating game to play. Beginning players can learn the basics and become enraptured by the strategy and competition endemic to the game, while more seasoned players can show off their strategic and competitive abilities.

Chess is an excellent game for two players to play because it is designed for that very purpose. Thus, you are not mitigating the fun you or your partner could be having if you choose to play chess. If you would like to update your chess game to the next level, check out this Roman Gladiators 3D Chess Set.

Checkers

If you enjoy the basic format and nature of chess but prefer a more straightforward, less extensive set of rules, then checkers is the game for you and your partner. It is easy to pick up and can be played in jest more so than chess can.

Like chess, checkers is also a game designed for two players, so you will get the full experience with each playthrough with your significant other. Additionally, games of checkers generally take up much less time to complete than games of chess, so your games can be more casual. 

For an affordable yet elegant checkerboard, check out WE Games' solid wood checker set.

Backgammon

An ancient yet timeless board game, backgammon is one of the most tried and true two-player board games you could play. It is a fairly intuitive game for beginners to pick up and, although games can run fairly short, the game has plenty of potential for replay value. 

Additionally, Backgammon is a game designed for two, so you will be playing the game as intended if you choose to play with your partner. To obtain your very own Backgammon set, check out the stylish and affordable Get The Games Out Backgammon Set.

Scrabble

Another timeless classic that could be a staple of you and your partner's game night is Scrabble. The game is easy and intuitive, and there is plenty of room for witty and suggestive wordplay. Impress your significant other with your skills as a cunning linguist while dropping subtle hints to your undying love for them.

Commitment is a 15-point word and a perfect play to express the way you feel about your significant other. There are plenty of Scrabble boards available to purchase, but if you are really looking to step up your Scrabble game, check out WS Game Company's Scrabble Deluxe Travel Edition

Bananagrams

Along the same vein as Scrabble, Bananagrams is an excellent way to bring out some clever wordplay between you and your partner. The game is simple and easy to learn, but its handy packaging and small size make it the perfect game to play on the go.

You can play the original Bananagrams game with two players, but there is also a modified version of Bananagrams called Bananagrams Duel that is specifically designed for two players. Thus, there is plenty of flexibility in the realm of Bananagrams. To pick up your very own copy of Bananagrams Duel, check out the Bananagrams Duel: Ultimate 2 Player Travel Game.

Stratego

If you want to incorporate a touch of intense competition and strategy into your relationship, there are few better games to play than Stratego. Although this game may not offer players an easygoing, carefree experience akin to Bananagrams or Scrabble, more avid and tenacious gamers may prefer a game that matches their energy.

Stratego is a game designed for two players as well, so you will get the full experience when playing with your significant other. There are various themed versions of the game, including a Pirates of the Caribbean edition. Still, if you would like to pick up an original copy, you should check out Stratego Original Game – New Update.

Pandemic

If you would rather not compete against your significant other, there are plenty of games that allow you to compete with them. A famous example of a two-player game like this is the cooperative game Pandemic.

In Pandemic, you and up to three other players work together to prevent a viral outbreak from spreading. With two players, the game is still just as functional as the four-player version. Plus, it can be refreshing to compete with your significant other rather than against them. You can visit the Z-Man Games Store to pick up your copy of Pandemic.

Jenga

One of the most popular party games of all time, Jenga can also be turned into a fun game for two. Jenga on its own is an enthralling game, no matter how many players are playing. However, there are also plenty of gameplay modifications you can add in to spice up the experience.

Try writing in dares on each Jenga piece that must be completed by whoever draws out that piece. You can even add questions which the person must answer truthfully to get to know your significant other a bit more. This may be difficult to do on smaller versions of Jenga, but fortunately, Giant Jenga is available at The Jenga Store.

Exploding Kittens

If you're looking for a game that can be as raucous and fun as Jenga with a little more complexity to the ruleset, then Exploding Kittens may be the perfect game for you. Exploding Kittens can be played with up to five players, but the game is perfectly functional with just two players.

The game is visually stimulating, and it can be loads of fun just looking at all of the quirky cat cards. The games do not last very long either, so you do not have to be super invested in playing just Exploding Kittens. Instead, you can incorporate it into your couples' game night. 

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up your very own copy of the Exploding Kittens Card Game or any of the expansion packs.

Guess Who?

Another super intuitive game to play as a couple is Hasbro's Guess Who. As another game that is meant to be played by two players, this is an excellent option for a couples' game night. You can play the original version of Guess Who or customize the game to include pictures of your friends and/or you and your significant other.

The pictures that come with the Guess Who game can be easily removed so you can customize the game to your desire. You can visit the Hasbro Gaming Store to pick up your very own copy of Guess Who.

Battleship

If you want to spark your couples' game night with a bit of competitive energy, there are few better games to ignite a furious rivalry than Battleship. Battleship is also a reasonably intuitive game that can be just as tense as its intimidating name suggests. 

This may not be the best game for couples looking for lighthearted fun, but for those with a competitive edge, Battleship is the perfect way to satiate that edge. For a visually stimulating version of Battleship, pick up the Battleship Neon Pop Classic Board Game.

Connect Four

There is perhaps no game more intuitive than Connect Four. The objective of the game is quite simple: connect four. The game can be fun on its own, but with such a simple game design, modifying the game to be a little more romantic or risqué is not out of the question.

You can do something similar to Jenga and write dares or suggestive questions on the Connect Four chips. You could even incorporate dares depending on specific plays or the number of wins throughout the game. If this piques your interest, then you can pick up your very own copy of Connect Four from Hasbro. 

Sorry

As much of the games previously listed in this article have been rather fast paced, you may be looking for something more gradual that you can enjoy for longer periods of playtime. Sorry is a great game that satiates that desire and can be played by just two players. The game is also relatively simple, so you can make plenty of modifications to make the game a little more interesting.

For one, you could use the preexisting theming of Sorry to air grievances or apologize for actions pertaining to the relationship. It may not be the carefree experience of some of the other games on this list, but it may be the profound retrospective your relationship needs. If that sounds interesting, pick up your copy of Hasbro's Sorry today.

Codenames: Duet – The Two Player Word Deduction Game

If you want to stray away from the competition and work with your partner a little bit more, then Codenames: Duet may be the perfect game for you and your significant other. The game allows two players to collaborate with each other to decipher codes with the help of one-word clues.

The game can be played with up to four players, but it is still fully functional as a two-player game. Additionally, there are several expansion packs to add even more fun to the preexisting game. If this sounds interesting, you can pick up Codenames: Duet XXL from Czech Games

MASH

There is also contention as to whether or not MASH counts as a board or card game. However, the party game has many similar board games, and MASH is too good of a game to pass up on couples' game night. The game is perfect because it is centered around love and a person's future goals. 

You can use the game as a fun, quirky way to envision your future together with your significant other. The best part about MASH is that you do not have to purchase the game; you can make it yourself with a pen and paper piece. 

The Game of Life

For those looking for more slow-paced, gradually entertaining games to fulfill their couples' game nights, The Game of Life is the perfect game to satiate this desire. The Game of Life is essentially MASH in the form of a board game. You get to choose a spouse, choose a career, choose a home, and live out your dream future.

The Game of Life typically lasts between 45 minutes to an hour, so your couples' game night could be fulfilled by just one playthrough of this game. If this sounds interesting to you, you can pick up a copy of the classic version of The Game of Life by Hasbro

Mouse Trap

Of all of the games on this list, Mouse Trap is the only game not suitable for 2 players. However, Mouse Trap could be the perfect game for a double date. There is plenty of visual and competitive stimulation present in Mouse Trap, which is all you can ask for on a great double date.

If this sounds interesting to you, then you should pick up a copy of Mouse Trap by Hasbro Gaming today.

Cheat/BS

A game with many names, Cheat or BS is an excellent card game to play for couples. It combines the two things that drive every great relationship: competition and deceit. In all seriousness, this is an exhilarating card game that can get raucous regardless of the number of players playing the game. 

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Cheat today!

Spoons

Although this card game is typically meant for four or more players, you can still play Spoons with just two players. It may be a truncated game, but it will not lose any of its spunk or jovial charm. Spoons can be the perfect preliminary game to introduce a rousing couples' game night. You could even incorporate dares or forfeits to your game of Spoons. 

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Spoons today!

Gin Rummy

Gin Rummy is a similarly fast-paced game that will undoubtedly get your couples' game night off to a rousing start. It can also be played with more than 2 people, but it is perfectly fine to play as a couple. The game's object is to simply get to 100 points with your cards, which makes it fairly intuitive.

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Gin Rummy today!

Poker (5-Card Draw)

When you think of card games you could play with just two players, poker may not instantly come to mind. However, if you play five-card draw poker, you are able to play with just two players. The game may not be quite as complex, but it can still be fun if you incorporate romantic and risqué wagers rather than money.

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Poker today!

Blackjack

Like Poker, Blackjack is another game that works better as a group game but can still be played with just two players. As with any round of this game not taking place in a casino, one of you will have to take over dealer responsibilities. But in what is essentially a game of addition, that is not that big of an extra responsibility. 

Like Poker, Blackjack can also be improved by adding wagers or dares either for each win or for each time you hit the dealer for another card. 

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Blackjack today!

Cribbage

Another fairly intuitive game is the popular card game Cribbage. Cribbage is quite simple. The goal is to reach 121 points by accumulating cards in your hand. This is similar to Gin Rummy and, like Gin Rummy, the game can be over quick, which makes this a great preliminary game to get your couples' game night started.

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Cribbage today!

Egyptian Rat Screw

If the previous card games mentioned in this list were not fast paced enough, your high-speed tendencies would indeed be satiated by Egyptian Rat Screw. Egyptian Rat Screw is also a great game to play in a group, but it can still be quite raucous and entertaining to play as a twosome. 

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Egyptian Rat Screw today!

Memory

To slow things down a bit, you can play a game that relies more on critical thinking, like Memory. Memory is a reasonably intuitive game to learn, and it can be the perfect palate cleanser after a rowdy game of fast paced card games. You can also play this during calm daylight hours to pass the time on a rainy day.

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Memory today!

Double Solitaire

Everyone's favorite solo card game has a twin. Double Solitaire is the ultimate solution to everyone who loves Solitaire but never has any alone time. Now, you can jam out to a game of Solitaire with your significant other in a fun and healthy cooperative effort that allows you to work together to solve a common problem.

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Double Solitaire today!

War

All is fair in love and war, but it may not seem that way when you start playing War with your significant other. The game may seem rigged against you, but the raucous shouting fights that will ensue after each round are all just a part of the fun. Plus, war is a simple and intuitive game, so it will take you almost no time at all to get into the action.

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing War today!

Kings in the Corner

Most of the card games previously mentioned in this list are pretty intuitive and straightforward. While Kings in the Corner is a reasonably intuitive game, it certainly requires far more strategy and critical thinking. Thus, if you are the type of couple that likes a bit of a challenge for your couples' game nights, this may be the perfect game for you.

The game's object is to earn the lowest number of points, and the game ends once a player reaches 25 points. There is quite an extensive set of rules that you must go over to play Kings in the Corner, but if you are able to pick up the game, you and your partner will have tons of fun navigating the complexities of this thoroughly fulfilling card game. 

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Kings in the Corner today!

Crazy Eights

If you are not into the complex stratagems that are present in games such as Kings in the Corner, a good game for you is Crazy Eights. Like many of the other card games mentioned in this list, Crazy Eights is quite the fast-paced game, but it features slightly more strategy and critical thinking than the others.

If you are interested in combining a little bit of strategy and critical thinking with the raucous, high speed fun of games like Egyptian Rat Screw and Spoons, this is the perfect game for you and your significant other.

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Crazy Eights today!

Go Fish

Sometimes when picking a game to play for couples' game night, it is best to go with the classics and Go Fish. Go Fish is a fairly intuitive game that involves the creative stimulation of imagining the deck of cards as a pond or lake.

The game goes by fast, so it can be the perfect preliminary game for the beginning of your couples' game nights. Additionally, there is nothing more fun and satisfying to do in a game than to exclaim "Go Fish!" as loud as your vocal cords can possibly bear. 

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Go Fish today!

Speed

Of all of the fast paced, high energy games, no game satisfies this qualification more than Speed. The game is named after the very pace you wish to be playing card games at. Additionally, the game is incredibly simple and intuitive. The object of the game is to get rid of all of the cards in your hand.

The rules may sound complicated at first, but once you start playing the game, it will be as easy as riding a bike. This game is the perfect preliminary game to a raucous and energetic couples' game night.

If this sounds interesting to you, pick up a deck of cards and start playing Speed today!

Yahtzee

Finally, one of the most culturally significant board games must be mentioned in a list of the best board and card games to play for couples. Yahtzee is a great game to play for couples because the fun is not limited by fewer people playing. In fact, you could have even more fun playing Yahtzee with your significant other.

You could add in romantic or risqué wagers or dares that the person who loses must complete. Ultimately, Yahtzee is a game that nobody should ignore when choosing a perfect addition to their game night.

If this sounds interesting to you, you can pick up an affordable copy of Yahtzee from Hasbro's Gaming Store and start playing Yahtzee today!

Final Thoughts

It may seem like a hindrance at first to choose a game to play with just two players. However, once you do a little bit of research and realize just how many games are available to play for couples, this hindrance will disappear. Couples can easily play even games that you predominantly know as group or family-style games. 

There are quite a few different times that are perfect for a couples' game night. You and your significant other could be looking for a fun card or board game to play on a rainy day or a night in. You could even be looking for a game to play on a double date with another couple. 

Thus, it is fortunate that there are plenty of delightful card and board games that are absolutely perfect for couples to play together.

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