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While big game nights with family or friends are nice, but they don’t offer the same focus as the best two-player games. I love to hang out with my wife and play simple games -- or not-so-simple ones if we have time -- that only require the two of us. She's my favorite person, so one-on-one gaming with her is the best. I've been a board game player for about 25 years now, and I've seen the landscape evolve into this complex, magnificent machine that seems infinitely creative.
"Board game" is a fairly generic term, so don't be surprised if there are a lot of card games thrown in for good measure. Two-player games tend to favor shorter, simpler experiences, so a giant board isn’t always necessary.
What's the best two-player game overall?
When it comes to quick and easy two-player games, I've become obsessed with Lorcana. While it can be played with more than two players, the duel nature of the game lends itself best to one-on-one.
The best two-player games
James Bricknell/CNET Photo Gallery 1/1 James Bricknell/CNET Best card game for the Disney fanatic Disney Lorcana Gateway Pros Gorgeous Disney artwork
Easy to learn
More complex than it looks Cons Rotation has introduced a disposability to the cards Disney Lorcana is an almost perfect mix of Magic: The Gathering and everything Disney. You play as an artist, bringing the characters of the world of Disney to life using ink -- your currency in-game -- so they can quest for forgotten lore. It's clearly been worked on for a long time, as it feels like a game that's existed forever. It's so well-polished. ... Show more Get it now $20 at Amazon
Renegade Games Photo Gallery 1/1 Renegade Games Best for fun mechanics The Fox in the Forest Pros Easy to pick up and play
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