The 10 Best Card Games For 2 Players, Tested And Researched
By, Mark BaileyUpdated
Summary
1. Best Overall: Original Edition by Exploding Kittens - Card Games for Adults Teens
The Original Edition of Exploding Kittens is a party game for people who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats. Each round of the game is played with just one card that contains the instructions for the player or players to follow. The aim of each round is to avoid having your kitten explode. But if you're unlucky, your opponent might have stacked the deck in their favour by also playing with an exploding kitten! Read Review
2. Best Bang For The Buck: Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens - A Dodgeball Card Game
For a new, simpler way to play games, try the Exploding Kittens - A Dodgeball Card Game. Clear some space and put away the antiques because you've never played a party game quite like this one. The cards you collect earn you points but you lose points when you get hit by squishy burritos. This simple and easy game for kids and adults is perfect for those with short attention spans, who just want to have fun! Read Review
3. Best Easy To Play: Winning Moves RACK-O, Retro package Card Game
With the RACK-O Card Game, you’re never more than a few cards away from winning. Draw a card and put it in your rack next to the card you want to get rid of. When you’ve played all of your cards, place them down in order on the top of your rack, with 5 at the bottom, and 50 on top. This is where you start again! Read Review
4. Best For Family Reunion: 3 Up 3 Down Card Game - Super Fun for Family Games Night
This game is always a hit! The players are all dealt the same hand of cards and must play them in order to build a 3x3 grid. But this is no ordinary game, because each player can only move their hand three spaces at a time, and you must move your hand down one row after every card you play. So if you want to win, you'll have to plan your card moves carefully. Read Review
If you have a friend who also loves gaming as much as you, then you can’t go wrong with introducing them to card games. There are so many card games out there, and they all have something great to offer. However, this doesn’t mean that every single game is perfect for every player.
Some might only be enjoyable if you play them with someone else; some might feel too simple or too complicated. Fortunately, these don’t apply to card games in general because there are still so many great ones out there as well as new ones coming out almost every week. That being said, it doesn't hurt to introduce your friend or family members to some other games besides the usual options like board games and video games. And what better way than with a simple two-player game? Check out these best card games for 2 players.
We think the best card games for 2 players available now is Original Edition by Exploding Kittens - Card Games for Adults Teens. If you were wanting another option, you can check the Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens - A Dodgeball Card Game as an alternative. You may relax knowing that its quality is also good per what we researched.
Our Top Picks
Beginner-Friendly, Just 2 Minutes to Learn - If you draw an Exploding Kitten, you lose and you are full of loser sad-sauce. All the other cards in the deck help you avoid or mitigate your risk of drawing an Exploding Kitten. If you don’t explode, YOU WIN!
A Kitty-Powered Russian Roulette Card Game - The hit party game for family and friends who are into kittens and explosions and laser beams and sometimes goats.
56 Cards, with Box and Instructions - A simple card game for kids, drinking, kittens, and adults, not in that order.
A Simple Card Game for Kids and Adults - Perfect for all occasions, including a family game night, beach trip, road trip or drinking with friends!
Game Of The Year Award Winner - More than 10 million copies sold, breaking records in kids games, adult games and everything in between.
Best Bang For The Buck
Throw Throw Burrito by Exploding Kittens - A Dodgeball Card Game
A Simple and Easy Game for Kids and Adults - Clear some space and put away the antiques, because you've never played a party game quite like this. The cards you collect earn you points, but you lose points when you get hit by squishy burritos.
Collect Cards. Play Your Hand. Throw Things at Your Friends - Look no further for picnic games, camping games or travel games that will get you launching burritos at your friends and family.
A Game by Exploding Kittens - Creators of award-winning, hilarious and entertaining games that adults, teens and kids will all enjoy!
The World’s First Dodgeball Card Game - Collect matching sets of cards faster than your opponents while simultaneously ducking, dodging and throwing squishy airborne burritos.
WINNING A ROUND: To go “Rack-O”, player must have all ten cards in his rack from a low card in the #5 slot to a high card in the #50 slot.
THE PLAY: Each player is dealt 10 cards. Place cards in your rack in order, slot 50 down to 5. Turn over top card from the stockpile. Continue taking cards in turn, exchanging for cards in your rack.
A FUN FILLED CARD GAME: “Rack-O” was originally released in 1956. This new retro edition, featuring fine quality cards with bold numbers, will delight players young and old.
CONTENTS: (1) 60 card deck of Rack-O cards, (4) plastic rack-o racks, instructions. For 2-4 players. Recommended ages 8+
SCORING: the player who goes “Rack-O” first, scores 75 points. 5 points for each of the 10 cards in his rack, and 25 points for going Rack-O.
Easy Video Instructions — Are you a read-all-the-instructions or just-wing-it type? Instructions are probably the least favorite part of a new game, but you can skip all that with our helpful video. Trust us though, it’s easy as most board games for family night and simple card games for kids. Plus, our US-based care team is always here to help! Feel free to reach out with any questions, and let’s get this party started with some fun games for adults, teens and children alike
Card Games for Families, Parties & Quiet Nights — For a chill night home, as one of your two player games, or make it social with up to 6 people. With a bigger crowd, add another deck for 8-12 players. It serves as games for adults and children, so the more the merrier. The card game comes with 84, colorful cards and detailed instructions when you need to double check if your dad is cheating! Forget about your other adult board games. This will be your new fave in family games for game night
Family Boredom Fix — When the littles complain they're bored, but you’re tired of mind-numbing kid games, 3 Up 3 Down is the solution. It’s a fast-paced, light-hearted game that doesn't require too much mental energy. It’s interesting enough for adult card games but easy enough for kid card games. You’ll think you’ve got the win in the bag, but with the “3 Down Pile” there’s often a plot twist and surprise winner at the end! Use as your drinking card games for adults, or wholesome family fun
Easy to Learn, Addictive, Fast Paced & Award Winning — With this card game defeating your kid, boyfriend, or grandpa will become your new addiction! It’s truly for everyone. The goal is simple, get rid of all your cards. To play the game: lay down a card of equal or greater value to the one on top of the discard pile - with a few extra surprises/rules throughout! It won’t take forever to play and will become a go-to of fun games for family game night, adult drinking games, or couple card games
7 Year Olds To Grandmas — Win the game with some solid strategy, but don’t worry, the younger kids can play using only luck. A little luck and a little strategy, makes it age appropriate for youngsters - but it’s not just kids card games. Add this to your family board games stash or your favorite card games for adults. It’s good for drinking parties, girls night games, games for teens, or small 2 person games. Sweet victory will soon be yours with our family games for kids and adults
Includes over 100 cards (2.5 x 3.5 inches), box, instructions, plus a Benevolent order of Fruckers membership card.
Launched on Kickstarter. Funded in 1 day.
Be the first player to discard all your cards, but watch out for the special rules … and don’t get Frucked.
Oh Fruck is a raucous card game that combines strategy with special rules that change every time you play.
Fun-filled game for 2-6 players (up to 12 players when combined with another deck).
Use Skip-Bo wild cards to add extra twists to game play and shake up the momentum.
To create sequences of cards in ascending order (2,3,4…) for this game requires players use skill and strategy, combined with a bit of luck.
Keep your game closet organized with this special edition of Skip-Bo, the ultimate sequencing card game, that comes within a decorative storage tin.
Makes a great gift for card lovers ages 7 years old and up.
Item arrives in frustration-free, easy-to-open packaging that's 100% recyclable. For a gift-ready box, select "Ship in Amazon packaging" at checkout.
The first player to use all the cards in their personal Stockpile wins!
Compact size is perfect for travel
Beautifully illustrated cards
Familiar trick-taking mechanics with unique character powers
At a glance number of players: 2 for ages: 10 plus; Playing time: 30 min; Game type: Trick-taking
NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: This board game for adults and family is designed for 2 players and is suitable for ages 10 and older. The average playtime is 30 minutes.
COMPETITIVE TWO PLAYER GAME: Out-trade your opponent to obtain the Maharajah's favor. At the end of each round, the richest trader receives a Seal of Excellence. The first player to collect 2 Seals of Excellence wins the game.
STRATEGY GAME: Collect and exchange goods at the market then sell them for rupees. Arrange a larger sale to receive a reward. The camels have no sale value but are very useful for trading, especially when you want a lot of goods from the market.
SUBTLE TRADING GAME: In Jaipur, players take on the roles of two of the city’s most powerful traders seeking to become the Maharaja’s personal trader by amassing more riches than their opponent. This new edition features an exclusive metallic collectible coin.
EASY TO LEARN: Blending strategy and luck, Jaipur is a fast-paced game that is simple to learn while offering plenty of depth to dedicated players.
EASY TO LEARN AND COUNTLESS REPLAYABILITY: This fast-paced card game offers subtle card interaction and deck manipulation strategies that will make the game never the same.
STRATEGY CARD GAME: Build your domain to best your Rival. Rivals for CATAN puts you in charge of one of the two factions developing newly-settled CATAN. Use your unique card mix to create your own principality. Explore and settle new lands. Acquire resources through card play and the luck of the dice.
RIVALS FOR CATAN OFFERS MULTIPLE EXPANSIONS: Continue exploring the ever-mysterious and fantastic land of CATAN by trying the Rivals for CATAN Expansions (Note: Expansions require the Rivals for CATAN base card game).
FUN ADVENTURE CARD GAME: Use gold, resource combinations, and trade to develop your domain. Expand your settlements and cities, recruit heroes, and defend your lands through politics, invention, and intrigue. Use your cunning! Become prince of CATAN!
NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: This casual card game is the best way for 2 players to settle and develop the ever-mysterious and fantastic land of CATAN. Perfect for couples, families, or any pair of friends who want to explore CATAN. The average playtime is 45-60 minutes.
DELUXE EDITION: Rivals for CATAN Deluxe includes four card-holder trays, newly designed special victory point tokens and 9 promotional cards not available in Rivals for Catan basic. Three exciting Theme Games and a Duel mode offer more strategic and tactical possibilities and even more exciting and sophisticated games.
FUN FAMILY GAMES FOR GAME NIGHT: An international favorite, CATAN has been called the "Perfect Social Game". Check out our entire collection of CATAN board games for adults and kids to enjoy on family game night. Enjoy hours of fast-paced, interactive fun!
NUMBER OF PLAYERS AND AVERAGE PLAYTIME: This fun family game is designed for 2 players and is suitable for ages 10 and older. Average playtime is approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
STRATEGY CARD GAME: Use your unique card mix to create your own principality. Explore and settle new lands. Acquire resources through card play and the luck of the dice. Use gold, resource combinations and trade to develop your domain. Expand your settlements and cities, recruit heroes, and defend your lands through politics, invention, and intrigue.
A TWO PLAYER CARD GAME OF DISCOVERY, SETTLEMENT, CONFLICT & TRADE: Rivals for CATAN is the perfect way for two players to settle and develop the ever-mysterious and fantastic land of CATAN. Never the same, this casual card game is perfect for couples, family or any pair of friends who want to explore CATAN.
What to Look For in a best card games for 2 players?
Often buyers are reluctant to buy best card games for 2 players. When considering a large purchase, certain things should be examined. Our knowledge and experience of best card games for 2 players will help in making the best options.
Please keep in mind the following criterial before selecting the best card games for 2 players:
Size
Card games are portable, which is a great thing. These games are small enough to be carried around in small bags, backpacks, and suitcases. Think about where this game will be most useful. You should choose a smaller box if you answer yes to road trips. You are just gaming at home. It doesn't matter how big the game is.
Funny
Age Range
Some games may contain inappropriate themes or humor that might be considered crude or offensive for your family members. Take a look at the review and scan the games to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience.
Length Of Play
Skill
Replayability
Design
Entertainment Value
Donahue concurs and suggests that you consider other game types and themes. She says that "Living cards are always a good option." "For smaller regular games of card, I suggest ones with lots of cooperation or competition.
FAQs
What Is The Difference Between Poker Size And Bridge Size Playing Cards?
Comparison of card size typesThe main difference between Bridge and Poker-sized playing cards lies in their width. The Bridge cards are slightly thinner than the Poker-sized playing cards. Bridge cards measure 2.25 inches (57mm) wide while Poker cards are 2.5 inches (6.9 mm). This was originally done so that smaller cards (e.g. Poker) can be held more easily. For games like Bridge, which uses 13 cards per hand, a smaller card allows for more cards to be held and more visibility. Bridge cards can be described as being "narrower" in size, while poker cards may sometimes be referred as "wide". Both types of cards have identical compositions with the exact same ranks and suit representations. The only difference is in the card width.
What Is The Usual Arrangement Of A New, Just Opened Deck Of Cards?
Nearly all decks of new cards are set up in the same way when they're opened. The Ace of Spades would start from the lowest card. It builds up to the King of Spades. This process continues for all of the suits of Clubs, Hearts, and Diamonds. The Ace of Spades would then be the card face that is normally found in the new deck.
Why Is The Ace The Highest Ranked Card In Many Card Games?
The Ace is believed to represent the common man, and the court cards the royal. In many games, the Ace (representing common man) was more popular than any other card (especially the court cards), in an attempt to show that the common people can overthrow the powerful holding the royalty.
What Are Plastic Coated Playing Cards?
A base manufacturing of a playing-card is often made up of multiple layers of paper that are glued together and then pressed tight. A clear coating of plastic is often applied to each card. It is done to improve the card's durability. Plastic coated cards can also be washed gently to remove any dirt or stains. The thickness of plastic coated cards is usually slightly greater than that of a non-coated paper deck. You can also find decks made entirely of plastic, with no interior multi-ply papers.
What Is The Purpose Of Cutting A Deck Of Cards?
A deck of shuffled cards can be cut to prevent cheating. Although cutting cards doesn't change the order of the deck, it can affect the exact position of the cards in the deck. A lot of games demand that players perform a cut. It is best to do this just before dealing.
When And Where Did Playing Cards And Card Games First Originate?
Experts and historians agree that the origins of playing cards and other games involving them were in China around 9th Century B.C. They then moved to India, Persia and finally the rest of the world. Experts agree that it is very likely that playing cards arrived in Europe around the 1350's.
How Many Cards Are In A Standard Playing Card Deck?
Standard decks today have 52 cards. They contain one card from each of the four suits of the following denominations: Ace, King, Queen and Jack. These four suit are known as Spades, Hearts (Diamonds), Clubs, and Clubs.
When new data becomes available, we routinely adjust the list of best card games for 2 players. Please do regularly visit our website for the most up-to-date news.
If you have any questions or difficulties with best card games for 2 players, please do not hesitate to contact us. We'll try our best to do everything we can to assist you if you ask!
About Mark Bailey
