Bored of the same old shows on television? Want to spend your evenings in an engaging and fun manner? Well, we’ve curated a list of the best 2-player card games you must try for guaranteed entertainment.
Whether you want to indulge in a fun way to pass your time or are looking for a more intense battle of wits, this list has you covered. From classic card games like Gin Rummy to modern gems like Draw 4, these card games offer endless opportunities for bonding and competition.
Get ready to shuffle, deal, and make your way towards maximum fun and intense competition with our comprehensive list of card games to play with 2 people. Let’s dive right in!
20 Top 2-Player Card Games
| Card Games | Number of players |
| Draw 4 | 2-6 players |
| Gin Rummy | 2 players |
| 3 Card Flush | 2 or more players |
| Slap Jack | 2-4 players |
| Crazy Eights | 2 or more players |
| Cribbage | 2-4 players |
| Egyptian Rat Screw | 2-6 players |
| Spoons | 2-6 players |
| Go Fish | 2 or more players |
| Double Solitaire | 2 players |
| Spider Solitaire | 1 or more players |
| Rummy 500 | 2 players |
| Hearts | 2-4 players |
| Pinochle | 2 players |
| Speed | 2-4 players |
| Kemps | 2 players |
| Texas Hold’em | 2-10 players |
| Old Maid | 2 or more players |
| Blackjack | 1 or more players |
| Durak | 2-6 players |
Let’s unpack the most exciting two-player card games for you without further ado!
1. Draw 4
Number of players: 2-6 players play simultaneously
Deck: Standard deck of 52 playing cards
The Rank of Cards: It does not matter
Objective Of The Game: Be the first to get rid of all your cards. If you have one card left, declare it.
How To Play:
- Draw 4 on MPL is one of the classic 2 player card games where players take turns playing one card at a time.
- You must play a card that matches the rank of the previous card.
- If you can’t match the rank, draw four cards from the deck.
- Some cards can have special rules to add twists and target opponents.
- The goal is to discard all your cards first.
- When you have one card left, announce it. If you forget and someone notices, draw four cards.
- The first player to empty their hand wins the game.
2. Gin Rummy
Number of players: 2
Deck: Standard deck of cards
The Rank of Cards: Ace is the lowest, whereas the face cards are the highest, with 10 points each.
The Objective of the Game: In MPL Gin Rummy, you must form sets or runs and reduce the value of unmatched cards. Reach the target score first to win.
How To Play –
- Each player gets 10 cards. The rest form a draw pile, with one card face-up as the discard pile.
- On your turn, draw one card from the draw or discard pile and discard one card.
- Form sets or runs on your quest to win.
- If your hand forms valid combinations or a few unmatched cards, declare Gin or Knock.
- The first player to reach the target score wins.
Check out what a Reddit user had to say about Gin Rummy. It’s indeed a great game played with just a deck of cards.
3. 3 Card Flush
Number of Players: 2 or more players
Deck: A standard 52-card deck is used. No jokers are typically involved.
The Rank of Cards: The rank of the cards in 3 Card Flush is based on the standard poker hierarchy.
The Objective Of The Game: Create a flush, and the player with the highest flush wins.
How To Play –
- Each player is dealt three cards.
- The goal is to get all three cards in the same suit, known as the flush.
- Players decide to fold or challenge opponents if they have the best flush.
- The player with the highest flush wins the round.
Read More: Best Three-Player Card Games For All Card Game Lovers
4. Slap Jack
Number of players: 2 or more players
Deck: Standard 52-card deck of cards
The Rank of Cards: Card rank doesn’t matter.
The objective of the Game: Win all the cards by being the first to slap the pile when a Jack is played.
How to Play –
- Deal the entire deck evenly to all players. You must keep your cards in a face-down pile.
- You take turns placing the top card of their pile face-up in the center.
- When a Jack appears as a face-up card, the first player to slap the pile wins all the cards.
- If you slap the pile by mistake, you must give one card to the center.
- The player who collects all the cards wins the game. It is a perfect game for your next game night.
5. Crazy Eights
Number of players: 2-7 players
Deck: Standard 52-card deck
The Rank of Cards:
- 8s are special cards
- The rest follow standard card ranking (Ace is low, King is high).
The objective of the Game: Be the first player to get rid of all your cards.
How to Play –
- Each player is dealt five to seven cards, depending on the number of players. The remaining deck is placed face-down, and the top card is flipped over.
- On your turn, play a card that matches the rank or suit of the card in the center.
- You can play an 8 to change the suit as well.
- If you can’t play a card, draw a card from the deck.
- The first player to play all their cards wins the game.
6. Cribbage
Number of players: 2-4 players (typically 2)
Deck: Standard 52-card deck
The Rank of Cards:
- Ace is low
- Face cards (Jack, Queen, King) are worth 10 points each
- Number cards are worth their face value.
Objective of the Game: You must be the first to reach 121 points. Points are scored through card combinations and pegging on the board.
How to Play –
- Each player is dealt 6 cards. Players discard two cards into a separate hand called the crib, which will be used later for scoring.
- You will take turns playing cards and trying to create combinations like pairs, runs, or 15s that earn points.
- You score points by forming card combinations like a pair or runs.
- After the play phase, the crib is revealed. The dealer scores points for combinations in the crib, including 15s and pairs.
- Players also “peg” points by making combinations or reaching certain totals during play. Pegging points are tracked on a board.
- The first player to reach 121 points wins the game.
7. Egyptian Rat Screw
Number of players: 2- 6 players
Deck: Standard deck of cards
The Rank of Cards: Ace is the lowest, and King, Queen, and Jack have values of 1, 12, and 11, respectively.
The objective of the Game: Win all the cards by being the first to slap the pile during specific card combinations.
How to Play –
- Deal the entire deck evenly to all players. You must keep cards in a face-down in a pile.
- You will have to take turns placing one card face-up in the center.
- You must slap the pile of the face-up cards when a face card or Ace is played.
- The next player must play a certain number of cards, such as Jack-1, Queen-2, King-3, and Ace-4. If no face card appears, the slapper wins the pile.
- The player who slaps first wins the pile.
- If you slap incorrectly, you place one card at the bottom of the pile.
- The player who collects all the cards wins the game in this quick and exciting game.
8. Spoons
Number of players: 2 or more players
Deck: Standard 52-card deck + 1 fewer spoon than the number of players
The Rank of Cards: Card rank doesn’t matter.
The Objective of the Game: You should be the first to collect four of a kind and grab a spoon, and you shouldn’t be the one left without one.
- Place spoons in the center, which should be 1 less than the number of players.
- Deal four cards to each player.
- Players draw and pass cards around the circle and try to collect four of the same rank.
- Once you have four of a kind, grab a spoon quietly and the others must notice and grab one too.
- The player left without a spoon gets the letter S-P-O-O-N. When you spell the complete word, you are out, and the last one wins. This is one of the fun 2 player card games that you must try.
9. Go Fish
Number of players: 2 or more players
Deck: Standard cards deck
The Rank of Cards: Aces are high
The Objective of the Game: You must collect the most sets of four cards by asking other players for matching ranks.
How to Play –
- Each player is dealt 5-7 cards depending on the number of players. The rest will form a draw pile.
- On your turn, you must ask any player for a specific rank, for example, 7 if you have 7.
- If they have the card, they must give all cards of that rank. If not, they say “Go Fish,” and you draw from the pile.
- When you collect four of the same rank, place the set face-up.
- The game ends when all cards are drawn or players run out of cards.
- The player with the most sets wins.
10. Double Solitaire
Number of players: 2 players
Deck: Two standard 52-card decks
The Rank of Cards: Cards are ranked from Ace (low) to King (high).
Objective of the Game: You should be the first to build eight foundation piles in ascending order (Ace to King), sorted by suit.
How to Play –
- Each player is dealt with their own Solitaire layout, which has 7 columns, with increasing cards from left to right.
- Players build their foundation piles by moving cards in ascending order by suit.
- Cards can be moved to the opponent’s foundation piles if it helps you progress.
- If you can’t make a move, draw from your deck.
- The first player to complete all their foundations wins the game.
11. Spider Solitaire
Number of players: 1 or more players
Deck: Standard cards deck
The Rank of Cards: King is the highest, and Ace is the lowest
Objective of the Game: You must create eight complete sequences of cards in descending order, from King to Ace, of the same suit.
How to Play –
- 10 columns of cards are dealt. The first 4 columns have 6 cards each, and the rest have 5 cards each. Only the top card of each column is face-up.
- You must move cards in descending order. Cards can be moved individually or in stacks if they are of the same suit and in sequence.
- You can fill empty columns with any card or stack.
- When no moves are available, draw 10 new cards from the stock.
- The game ends when you successfully arrange all cards into eight completed suits.
12. Rummy 500
Number of players: 2 Players
Deck: Standard cards deck
The Rank of Cards: It is based on the face value, with Ace adding up to 1 point and King, Jack, and Queen counting to 10 points.
The Objective of the Game: Accumulate 500 points by forming sets and runs.
How to Play –
- Each player is dealt seven cards. The rest form a draw pile, with one card face-up as the discard pile.
- On your turn, draw a card from the draw or discard pile, then discard one card.
- You must form sets and runs to lay down and earn points. You can also add to your opponent’s sets.
- The round ends when a player empties their hand. Points are tallied, and the game continues until someone reaches 500 points. This is one of the 2 player card games that keep you fully entertained.
13. Hearts
Number of players: 2-4 players
Deck: Standard 52-card deck of cards
The Rank of Cards: Ace is the highest and 2 is the lowest.
The Objective of the Game: To have the lowest score.
How to Play –
- If you are looking for the best 2-player card games, this is one of them. Here, deal all cards evenly to players.
- Before play begins, pass three cards to another player.
- The player with the 2 Clubs leads the first trick. Players must follow the suit if possible.
- The highest card of the leading suit wins the trick, and that player leads the next.
- Hearts cannot be played on the first trick.
- If one player collects all hearts and the Queen of Spades they score 0 points and all others get 26 points.
- The game continues until someone reaches 100 points. The player with the lowest score wins.
This is what a Reddit User had to say about the Hearts Card Game. This fun game can be part of your game night!
14. Pinochle
Number of players: 2-4 players
Deck: 48 Card deck
The Rank of Cards: The order from highest to lowest is Ace (11), 10 (10), King (4), Queen (3), Jack (2), and 9 (0).
The Objective of the Game: Score the most points by winning tricks and forming melds.
How to Play –
- Each player is dealt 12 cards. Players bid for the right to name the trump suit.
- After bidding, players declare melds, and melds add to the score.
- The player with the highest bid leads the first trick, and players must follow suit. The highest trump or highest card of the suit wins the trick.
- Points are scored from melds and capturing Aces, 10s, and Kings in tricks.
- The game continues until a team reaches 500 points or the pre-determined score.
Additional Read: Hand and Foot Card Game
15. Speed
Number of players: 2 players
Deck: Standard cards deck
The Rank of Cards: Standard order
The Objective of the Game: Place all your cards in ascending or descending order in the center piles.
How to Play –
- Deal 20 cards to each player. Place 5 face-down and 5 in hand. Two center piles are empty.
- You must simultaneously play cards from their hand onto the center piles by matching the top card in ascending or descending order.
- If no moves are available, both players draw from their face-down pile.
- The first player to empty their draw pile and hand wins.
16. Kemps
Number of players: 2-4 players
Deck: Standard cards deck
The Rank of Cards: Standard hierarchy
The Objective of the Game: Collect four of a kind and signal your partner without being caught by your opponents.
How to Play –
- Each player is dealt 4 cards. Four more cards are placed face-up in the center.
- You must take turns swapping cards from the center to form four of a kind.
- Once a player gets four of a kind, they signal their partner with a pre-agreed sign.
- If the partner notices, they shout Kemps to win. Opponents can also shout Stop Kemps if they suspect the signal.
- The game continues until one team wins a set number of rounds.
17. Texas Hold’em
Number of players: 2-10 players
Deck: Standard cards deck
The Rank of Cards: Standard hierarchy
The Objective of the Game: Form the best 5-card poker hand using a combination of two hole cards and five community cards to win the pot. If you are looking for a betting game, this is one of the best 2-player card games.
How to Play –
- Each player is dealt 2 private hole cards.
- Betting Round 1 – Players bet based on their hole cards.
- The Flop – Three community cards are dealt face-up. Another betting round follows.
- The Turn – A fourth community card is dealt, followed by another betting round.
- The River – The final community card is dealt, followed by the last betting round.
- Players reveal their hands at the showdown. The best combination wins the pot.
18. Old Maid
Number of players: 2-player card game. It can be played with more players as well.
Deck: Standard cards deck
The Rank of Cards: Standard Hierarchy
The Objective of the Game: Match and discard pairs of cards while avoiding the Old Maid. The player left with the Old Maid at the end loses.
How to Play –
- Deal all the cards to players. Some may have one more card than others.
- Players remove pairs of matching cards from their hands.
- Each player takes turns drawing one card from the player to their left.
- Continue matching and discarding pairs.
- The game ends when all pairs are matched. The player left with the Old Maid loses the game. One of the easiest card games for two!
19. Blackjack
Number of players: 1 or more players
Deck: Standard card deck
The Rank of Cards: Standard Hierarchy
The Objective of the Game: You must beat the dealer by having a hand total closer to 21 than theirs without exceeding 21.
How to Play –
- Players are dealt two cards face up, and the dealer gets one card face up and one down.
- Players can choose to Hit or Stand.
- The goal is to reach 21 or get as close as possible without going over.
- The dealer must hit until their total is 17 or higher.
- If your total is higher than the dealer’s without exceeding 21, you win. If you exceed 21, it’s a bust.
20. Durak
Number of players: 2-6 players
Deck: 36-card deck
The rank of Cards: Ace is the highest and 6 is the lowest
The Objective of the Game: You must get rid of all your cards. The last player with cards becomes the Durak or Fool.
How to Play –
- Each player is dealt 6 cards. One card is turned face-up to determine the trump suit.
- The player to the left of the dealer starts by attacking with any card. The defender must beat it with a higher card or a card of the trump suit.
- If the defender can’t beat the attack, they must pick up the cards.
- The game continues clockwise. Players aim to shed all their cards.
- The last player with cards in hand is the Durak.
Indulge In the Best 2 Player Card Games Tonight!
Next time you are looking for a fun way to pass your time, you have an array of exciting card games to help you out. If you don’t have a deck of cards, no worries; you can also play the best 2 player card games online on MPL and take the card battle to your mobile or desktop screens! MPL brings you some of the best card games to play with 2 people.
Read More:Top Single-Player Card Games to Play By Yourself
FAQs
What card game can two people play?
Two people can play many card games, including Gin Rummy, Double Solitaire, Go Fish, or even Draw 4. These games are fun and easy to play with just two players and are perfect for a cozy game night at home. If you enjoy classic games like Gin Rummy, you can even try the MPL.
What is the best card game for 2 people?
The best card game for two people is Gin Rummy. It’s easy to learn, fast-paced, and fun. Draw 4 is another game that’s entertaining. You can play this game offline with friends or family, or online on platforms like MPL.
Which game is played by only two persons?
There are several two player card games, such as 3 Card Flush, Solitaire, Gin Rummy, and more. You can pick your preferred game from the above list of best two player card games.
What is the game Solitaire for two people?
Double Solitaire is the two-player version of Solitaire. Each player has their own deck and setup. You build foundations in your own area while trying to move cards onto the other player’s tableau. It’s a competitive version of classic Solitaire.
Can two people play a game with a deck of cards?
Yes! Two people can play many card games with a deck of cards, such as Gin Rummy, Go Fish, etc. The best card games for two are the games are simple, fast, and enjoyable. For more two-player card games, take a look at the above blog.
What’s the perfect game for 2 people for a game night?
If you are looking for a strategy game, you can try Gin Rummy. But if you are looking for a trick-taking game, you can go with Hearts. It’s a traditional card game played with a deck of cards. Other top 2-player card games that are a game night staple include Texas Hold’em and Blackjack. Try these card games for two for some fun and entertainment.
