The 10 Best 2 Person Board Games

Any couple who likes to read will love Codenames Duet (appx. $15), which requires players to come up with creative word associations that encompass as many of their cards as possible. Plus, this ample deck can accommodate endless rounds of play, or more if you decide to throw a party.

Ideal for those who are already familiar with the original multiplayer version, Rivals for Catan (around $30) is adjusted for a competitive duo. Carve out ample table space and a nice block of time, because this trading activity will keep a couple entertained for the whole evening.

Because it challenges players' skills in visual composition and pattern-recognition, Patchwork by Uwe Rosenberg (around $27) will really appeal to artists. A strategic puzzle that shares some qualities with Tetris, it will keep both opponents engaged throughout each 30-minute session.

A classic standby, Connect 4 is defined by the satisfying clicking sound of the plastic discs as they slide through the rack into place. Similar to tic-tac-toe, the winner is the first player to get four pieces in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.

Just like a stripped-down version of Scrabble, Double Bananagrams (around $20) involves laying down letter tiles to spell out words, without any of the complicated scoring. The extra quantity means that one duo can play a longer round, and whoever gets rid of their pieces first, wins.

For science fiction fans, Pandemic by Z-Man (about $34) is just the ticket. Set in a dystopian world in which fatal diseases threaten to wipe out cities across the globe, players take on different roles, such as a scientist or operations specialist, and work to save humanity.

As its name suggests, Ticket to Ride (about $42) is a train-themed challenge that is conceptually simple enough for a child to learn, but entertaining enough to keep adults engaged. With the goal of traveling across America, players strategically trade cards and place pieces on a map.

History buffs will get a kick out of 7 Wonders: Duel (about $22). By drawing cards and trading resources creatively, each player builds their own ancient civilization, and competes to erect the biggest monuments, train the best military, or foster the most scientific discoveries.

This simple and tactile Wooden Mancala (around $12) folds in half for easy transport, and includes 48 colorful plastic gems. Originating in ancient Egypt, play involves counting out the stones as you drop them steadily into the pockets, so it's great for kids aged 6 and older.

Whether you're in a long-term relationship or still casually dating, Couples TableTopics (appx. $25) can help break the ice and bring couples closer together. The deck of cards contains 135 questions about preferences, shared experiences, and even secrets that need to come to light.