17 Best 2-Player Board Games For Real Money in 2024

Board games have captured the imagination of people from across the world. That is why Snakes and Ladders, Ludo, Chess, and similar games have become popular. But if you want to try new board games for adults and children, there are plenty of options. There are highly rewarding games, from Jaipur, Onitama, Splendor Duels, 7 Wonders Duel, and Star Realms to Disney Villainous, Fox in the Forest, and Bananagrams.

Fortunately, you can earn money online through your favorite MPL games. Other board games like Jaipur, Fox in the Forest, and Bananagrams are available both on the web and mobile apps. Whether you’re looking for a way out of regular board games or looking for one to play on the game, let’s unwrap the top board games for two players.

Top 2-Player Board Games List

MPL Ludo

Ludo is a classic board game popular all over the world with people of all ages. It is a simple and healthy game that appeals as both a casual game and a competitive game. You can play Ludo for real money on the MPL app! It is one of the best 2-player board games to play, where you need skill and strategy. While you can play the game for free for leisure, earning up to $25,000 daily by joining Ludo cash contests is possible.

The Ludo board requires 2-4 players, either individually or in partnerships. Each player will get four paws of a unique color. The goal is to take the four pawns from the starting point to the home triangle at the center of the board through various strategies. The game is time-bound, with a timer set for 4 minutes. While moving the pawns across the board, a player has to counter knockdowns from other players before reaching the home triangle. The player with the highest score at the end of the timer wins the game.

Features of Ludo on MPL

1. Level-playing field with skilled opponents from across the world
2. It is possible to earn up to $25,000 daily by participating free of cost in contests.
3. Instant money withdrawals with encrypted transactions.
4. User-friendly platform to play Ludo casual games and competitive tournaments.
5. Availability on all mobile devices (iOS and Android).
6. MPL is RNG-certified and licensed.

Snakes and Ladders on MPL

MPL Snakes and Ladders is yet another best 2 player board game with simple and intuitive play. The game is played on a board of 100 squares in a 10×10 grid, with snakes and ladders spread across the board in different squares. Snakes and Ladders is closely related to the Chutes and Ladders game, which is popularly played in the US. Every player gets a pawn to move on the board from the 1st to the 100th square, as per the number on the die. On the way, they have to face snakes and ladders to fall behind or advance across the board.

When your pawn lands at the bottom of a ladder, you have to climb up to square at the top of the ladder. When you land on a square with a Snake, you will climb down to the bottom square of the Snake. This way, through a series of moves, the first player to reach the 100th square wins.

The best part is that you can play Snakes and Ladders on the MPL app and win cash! It is among the best two-player board games for adults.

Features of Snakes and Ladders on MPL

1. MPL offers a multiplayer platform for competitive play.
2. Opportunity to play free and earn cash up to $25,000 daily.
3. Compete with skilled opponents of various levels online.
4. MPL is RNG-certified and licensed.
5. Practice for free or play for fun with additional games on the MPL app.

Jaipur

Jaipur has gained prominence among the best 2 player board games, so much so that it is now available as an online game on Android and iOS devices. It is a set collection game with hand management and trading. Players take on the role of a trader in the Indian city of Jaipur.

The story begins with players competing to earn an invitation to the Maharaja’s court by becoming the best trader. They accumulate points by collecting and trading goods. They must also figure out whether to quickly trade cheaper items for immediate points or hold out for higher-value goods for a large profit, infusing a strategic balancing act.

The outcomes are simple: quick decision-making and strategic planning will yield rewards, whereas opponents will always try to beat your plans by pursuing the same goods.

With a simple game setup, Jaipur is a great game on the go. Its straightforward and engaging rules make it accessible to children. Jaipur is enjoyable with less complexity.

Features of Jaipur

1. Simple rules make it accessible for new players.
2. A balance between luck and strategy maintains engagement.
3. Compact size and quick setup board game.
4. Digital app for Android and iOS devices.
5. Perfect for repeated play with different strategies each time.

7 Wonders Duel

Coming as a focused and more streamlined version of the famous 7 Wonders board game, it offers a more condensed game experience compared to the original game. The game is similar to two-player games with card drafting and set collection. In this game, players have to lead ancient civilizations to greatness through military, scientific advancements, or cultural achievements. History combined with gameplay makes it the most interesting of the best 2 player board games. The journey of overpowering the other player, advancing in science, or gaining points from culture makes you a winner.

In the game, there will be a central pile of cards for strategic card drafting, and players have to anticipate and counter their opponent’s moves. It is exclusively designed for 2 players and takes around 30 minutes to complete the whole game.

7 Wonders Duel offers an intense gaming experience with a shorter runtime and limited options to juggle. It offers head-to-head competition and strategic depth for adventurous minds, with the perfect appeal of two-player games.

Features of 7 Wonders Duel

1. Played over three rounds with building cards arranged in a pattern.
2. Complex and replayable experience with a challenging learning curve.
3. There are multiple ways to win: most points, military might, or scientific victory.
4. The final round becomes a race to gather victory points.
5. Available for Android and iOS devices to buy.

Read More: Learn How To Play Chutes And Ladders Board Game

Star Realms

Have you ever played Dominion or Marvel’s Legendary? Well, that’s how the Star Reals board game for two players is: a deck-building game. Players have to improve their decks, deal damage, and aim to eliminate their opponent, all by purchasing cards from a shared market. The game combines a deck-building system with a rich, interconnected universe offering repeated play and strategic depth.

The game begins with a small deck of economic and martial ships. Now, players can expand their fleet with bases and ships from four different factions. Playing cards from the same faction together boosts their power. The shared market means players must track their opponent’s purchases to counter their strategies.

The whole game takes 20 minutes to play, and it is made for just two people. It starts slowly but quickly picks up pace as players buy powerful space stations and unleash attacks with their growing decks. Star Realms is slightly competitive among the best 2 player board games, inviting close matches.

Features of Star Realms

1. It’s a deck-building game.
2. Quickly evolved from simple plays to complex strategies with powerful cards and space stations.
3. Strategic depth for multiple playthroughs.
4. Ability to challenge and counter opponents with strategy.
5. Digital version of the game on Mac App Store, Google Play, and iOS App Store.

Bananagrams

If you prefer the best 2 player board games with low complexity, Bananagrams has got you! It is a fast-paced and engaging word game involving tile placement at its core. The game is also a thrilling mental exercise involving the formation of a crossword.

The central idea of Bananagrams is to create a crossword from single-letter tiles. Each player starts with around 20 tiles. As soon as they complete their crossword, they must draw another tile and incorporate it into their grid. It becomes more challenging as you draw new tiles, competing with your opponents to finish first. The pressure mounts when opponents shout “peel” when everyone has to add more tiles!

Bananagrams is an enjoyable game. However, the game’s quick pace can make some feel anxious and frustrated, especially when players lose or face pressure. However, if you’re looking for the best board games for adults, you can undoubtedly count on Bananagrams because the game involves spontaneous thinking and mounting mental challenges.

The game takes around 20 minutes to complete. It is as popular as a 2-player game, but more players can join (up to 8). You can also play it on any relevant online website.

Features of Bananagrams

1. The fast-paced nature of the game creates an exciting and competitive experience.
2. Perfect for players who enjoy word games with added challenges.
3. The ability to rearrange tiles adds complexity, making the game both challenging and engaging.
4. Ideal for children above 7 years of age.
5. When one player finishes, everyone must take a new tile and adjust their crosswords accordingly, adding to the tension.

Disney Villainous

Disney Villainous is a tactical and deeply engaging board game designed mainly for players over 10 years of age. While it is a two player card game, more people, up to 6, can join. Players assume the role of a classic Disney villain, each with unique objectives and play styles inspired by their respective movies. The game takes around 60 minutes to complete.

The game is about each player achieving the goals of their villain character by defeating their opponents using heroes and other strategies. Disney Villainous requires long-term play, as mastering each character’s quirks and countering different villains’ strategies makes it fresh and replayable for both children and adults. The game can be challenging to understand at first, but it can be rewarding if players invest time in grasping the depth of strategy and variable player powers.

You might have already wondered that the game appeals mainly to Disney fans, which is true! In addition, the game’s stunning artwork and character-specific mechanics make it a two-player board game with visual delight.

Features of Disney Villainous

1. Complex strategies and unique character mechanics.
2. It is visually stunning, with detailed Disney-themed illustrations.
3. Offers depth and replayability.
4. Each player takes on the role of a Disney villain with specific goals and play styles.
5. It easily appeals to Disney film enthusiasts due to its themed gameplay.

Patchwork

Patchwork is an excellent choice for a chill, low-complexity game that’s perfect for a date night or lazy afternoon. But you don’t want to underestimate the competitive nature of the best 2-player board game! It is engaging and challenging enough for players. The game also involves a satisfying puzzle-solving aspect, adding to the multi-layered nature of the game.

The gameplay centers on building a quilt before the timer runs out. By fitting patches onto their board, players will earn buttons. The objective is to collect the most buttons while avoiding leaving empty spaces on the quilt. As simple as it sounds, you have to balance immediate gains with long-term planning in Patchwork. The game time is 30 minutes for 2 players.

Features of Patchwork

1. Perfect for those who enjoy solving puzzles and creating patterns.
2. Time-limited game.
3. Suitable for a relaxing game night or a quiet afternoon.
4. The less-competitive nature of the game makes it ideal for a laid-back gaming session.
5. Easy to learn.
6. The Patchwork game app for iOS and Android users is available to buy.

Splendor Duel

Spendor Duel is a two-player board game with moderate complexity but challenging enough for competitive players. It might seem like Splendor at first glance, but it is a modern version of the original game, which has a massive fan base.

The gameplay is about gem crafting, but the real challenge lies in making efficient purchases and strategic moves. Time management is critical as players balance between denying their opponent valuable gems and using special ability cards to gain an advantage. This adds a layer of tension and strategy, ensuring that players must stay alert and plan their moves carefully.

The approximate playtime of the game is 30 minutes and designed for ages above 10 years. It is a highly suggested 2 player board game for its dynamic and deep gameplay, combining engine building with spatial strategy and visually appealing elements. There is a head-to-head duel with a tactical depth. You can play it on your mobile device on the Board Games Arena app.

Features of Splendor Duel

1. One of the best 2 player board games for players above 10 years of age.
2. Engaging and tactical gameplay.
3. Perfect to enjoy intense, strategic duels requiring countering opponents.
4. Moderate complexity of the play style.
5. Available for free online and apps.

Onitama

If you like Chess, then the Onitama board game may appeal to you. It is a two-player, perfect information abstract game featuring a random starting setup. It is played on a 5×5 board, where each player begins with five pawns, with the main pawn positioned in the middle of the board.

Each player will have two cards that display possible moves for any of their pawns, with a fifth card set aside. During a player’s turn, they have to choose one of their cards and move their pawn accordingly. Then, they have to swap the used card with the fifth card. You can capture the opponent’s pawn to knock off the board. Finally, the player who takes the opponent’s main pawn or moves their main pawn into the starting position of their opponent will win the game.

Onitama is a fast-paced game that offers an immersive experience like Chess. The card-based movement adds a refreshing twist for players looking for interesting alternatives. Over time, the game has garnered a special place among board games for two players.

Onitama is mainly designed for children above 10 years of age, and it has a 15-20-minute playtime. It is suitable for quick, strategic bouts in which players enjoy a push-pull dynamic in challenging their opponents.

Features of Onitama

1. It’s a quick board game with 15 minutes of gameplay.
2. Available online for buy.
3. Suitable for people above 14 years of age.
4. A selection of special moves represented by Tarot-sized cards, including the Dragon, Horse, and Cobra.
5. Focus on maneuvering and outthinking your opponent.
6. It offers a different game experience at every stage, requiring adaptive strategies.

The Fox in the Forest

Belonging to the genre of trick-taking games for two players, Fox in the Forest is the best deal among 2 player board games. There will be a 33-card deck, and each player is dealt 13 cards. The goal is to win tricks by placing the highest-value card. If you’re fond of Spades and other trick-taking games, you must try Fox in the Forest board game.

The original twist comes with the power cards and their unique scoring system, just like the Queen of Spades and King of Spades. Odd-numbered cards here grant special abilities, like chasing the trump suit or dictating the opponent’s move, adding layers of strategy to the familiar gameplay.

The scoring is nuanced: winning zero to three tricks or seven to nine tricks earns you the most points while winning four to six tricks yields fewer points and ten or more tricks results in no points. The game ends when a player reaches 21 points.

The Fox in the Forest blends luck and strategy, giving an engaging time with its quick-paced nature. With a total playtime of around 25 minutes, the game is available for mobile devices to download and play.

Features of The Fox in the Forest

1. A trick-taking game like Spades, where playing the highest-value card wins points.
2. It is easy for newcomers to learn due to simple rules.
3. Power cards add depth and variety, distinguishing the game from other trick-taking games.
4. Suitable for players above 10 years of age.
5. It is available for purchase on Android and iOS mobile devices.

Other Free Board Games for Two Players

• Tic Tac Toe: Simple and quick game that is played on a 3×3 grid. It focuses on strategy and pattern recognition.
• Carrom: Classic tabletop game that is played with discs and a striker. It involves skill and precision.
• Chess: Classic strategy game with deep strategic thinking and tactics. It is played on an 8×8 board.
• Checkers: Classic strategy game with simple rules and easy-to-learn methods. Just like chess, it is played on an 8×8 board with diagonal moves and captures.
• UNO: Abstract strategy game with color and number-matching card game mechanics. Its special action cards add strategy, quick to learn and play.
• Yatzy: Dice rolling and scoring game with multiple combinations for scoring. It requires strategic decision-making and luck.

Conclusion

These best 2 player board games offer diverse and enriching experiences for players of all ages, blending strategy and creativity. From classics like Ludo and Snakes & Ladders to modern, new games like Jaipur and Splendor Duel, there’s a game for everyone. Explore these games to find the perfect match for your gaming sessions.

Know More : Reversi classic board game

FAQs

What are the best board games for two players online?

Some of the best 2 player board games are Ludo and Snakes & Ladders on MPL, 7 Wonders Duel, Jaipur, Star Realms, Bananagrams, Fox in the Forest, Onitama, Splendor Duel, and Patchwork. You can also play many of these on apps by downloading them for mobile devices.

What is the top board game in the world?

The top board game in the world is Monopoly, which holds the Guinness World Record for being played by the most people in the world, around 500 million people. However, it is sometimes considered a gambling game played in casinos, so it is not suitable as a fun game for adults.

What are the benefits of the Ludo 2 player board game for adults?

Board games are designed for a purpose. Some of the benefits are that they,

• Promote strategic thinking,
• Improve decision-making skills,
• Enhance concentration and focus,
• It provides stress relief, relaxation, and
• Encourage social interaction.

What are the best board games for couples?

Ludo, Snakes and Ladders, or Chutes and Ladders are the best games suggested for couples to enhance bonding through fun and engaging gameplays.