While there are plenty of two-player board games that are excellent, board games for couples to play together deserve their own special sub-category. Many two-player games fall into the niche categories like war board games or abstract games, which can be challenging for couples to agree on. Moreover, these games often foster intense competition, which may not be ideal unless both partners are highly forgiving. Therefore, we've curated a selection of the best games that strike a balance between competition and cooperation, as well as luck and strategy. These games provide a sweet spot for couples to enjoy together and are perfect for a Valentine's Day date night.

TL;DR: These are the best board games for couples

### Race to the Raft

1See it at Amazon### Sky Team: Prepare for Landing

1See it at Amazon### The Search for Lost Species

1See it at Amazon### Fog of Love

1See it at Amazon### Patchwork

1See it at Amazon### Codenames: Duet

1See it at Amazon### The Adventures of Robin Hood

1See it at Amazon### Hive

1See it at Amazon### Onitama

0See it at Amazon### Five Tribes

0See it at Amazon### The Fox in the Forest

0See it at Amazon### 7 Wonders: Duel

0See it at Amazon### Schotten Totten 2

0See it at Amazon### Splendor: Duel

0See it at Amazon### Sea Salt & Paper

0See it at Amazon### Dorfromantik: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonEditor's Note: Although all of the games listed below are perfect for two players, some can also accommodate up to 4 players. If you're looking for a game to enjoy both on board game night and as a couple, make sure to check the player count listed for each game.

Race to the Raft

### Race to the Raft

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 1-4Playtime: 40-60 minsIf you're nostalgic for the movement puzzle games of the early internet era, you'll love this vibrant and engaging board game. In Race to the Raft, you and your partner work together to guide finicky cats across a path of colored terrain to safety before a fire cuts them off. The challenge comes from the random terrain cards you draw, the risk of blocking another cat's route, and the limited communication that often results in humorous meows to convey your strategy. With over 80 scenarios of increasing difficulty, this game promises both challenge and laughter.

Sky Team: Prepare for Landing

### Sky Team: Prepare for Landing

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 14+Players: 2Playtime: 20 minsImagine embarking on a romantic getaway with your partner, but with a twist: you're the pilot and co-pilot trying to land the plane together. In Sky Team, you must coordinate using your individual dice pools and instrument sets, balancing values to land safely. The game adds a fun challenge by not allowing strategy discussions during the dice placement phase, which keeps the tension high and the arguments at bay—even when the plane is tilting and the runway queue is growing.

The Search for Lost Species

### The Search for Lost Species

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 13+Players: 1-4Playtime: 60-75 minsWith its captivating theme and dynamic puzzles, The Search for Lost Species invites you and your partner to map an island's ecology and uncover a long-lost animal. This game cleverly hides a complex logic puzzle behind an engaging narrative. Using rules revealed by the app and clues from island exploration, you'll piece together the locations of various species, ultimately pinpointing the elusive beast. The game is complex yet quick to play once you get the hang of it, and the app ensures each game is a unique puzzle. You can even collaborate against the app, sharing a single playing piece for a truly cooperative experience.

For a deeper dive into the gameplay, check out my hands-on review of The Search for Lost Species.

Fog of Love

### Fog of Love

1See it at AmazonAge Range: 17+Players: 2Playtime: 1-2 hrsFog of Love is a unique game designed to explore the intricacies of a couple's relationship—albeit through fictional characters. The game is inclusive, supporting both heterosexual and same-sex relationships. Each player controls a character with secret traits and destinies, navigating through scenes that test and evolve their relationship. The focus isn't on winning but on experiencing a rich narrative journey through the ups and downs of an imagined romance.

Patchwork

### Patchwork

1See it at Amazon

Age Range: 8+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsPatchwork is a masterclass in simplicity and strategic depth. Players aim to create a quilt with minimal gaps by buying geometric pieces with buttons. The game's time track mechanic adds a layer of strategy, as each purchase moves you forward, potentially earning you more buttons or crucial patches. The player in last place on the track goes next, allowing for clever plays like setting up double turns or snatching essential patches. This game is not only addictive but also intellectually stimulating, earning it numerous awards and nominations.

Codenames Duet

### Codenames: Duet

1See it at Amazon

Age Range: 15+Players: 2+Playtime: 15 minsCodenames: Duet transforms the popular party game into a refined cooperative experience for two. You and your partner work together to identify fifteen clues before time runs out. Each player takes turns giving clues, minimizing downtime and keeping the game lively and engaging. If you enjoy this version, explore other Codenames spin-offs for more fun variations.

The Adventures of Robin Hood

### The Adventures of Robin Hood

1See it at Amazon

Age Range: 10+Players: 2-4Playtime: 60 minsThis narrative-driven game invites you and your partner to retell the legend of Robin Hood across nine scenarios. It introduces innovative mechanics like measuring progress with a wooden piece on a map, staying in shadows to avoid guards, and flipping numbered pieces to uncover a dynamic world. Collaborate to save Nottingham from the Sheriff's grip before Guy of Gisborne catches up with you.

Hive

### Hive

1See it at Amazon

Age Range: 9+Players: 2Playtime: 20 minsHive's insect-themed hex tiles might give you the creeps, but the game's strategic depth is captivating. Players aim to surround their opponent's Queen with their pieces, using different insects with unique movement rules. With only eleven tiles per side and a requirement for the Hive to remain a single unit, the game is easy to set up and play but challenging to master.

Onitama

### Onitama

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 10 minsOnitama's simple grid-based gameplay belies its strategic complexity. Players move pieces to capture the opponent's master or reach the opposite side of the board. The twist? Your moves depend on cards drawn randomly, creating a dynamic interplay of planning and adaptation. For more similar games, explore our list of the best dueling board games.

Five Tribes

### Five Tribes

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 14+Players: 2-4Playtime: 40-80 minsInspired by Mancala, Five Tribes uses a grid of tiles where you pick up and drop colored pieces, triggering actions based on the final tile. The board state changes with each move, creating a puzzle of balancing your strategy against your opponent's opportunities. With two players, you get double turns, allowing for complex combo setups.

The Fox in the Forest

### The Fox in the Forest

0See it at Amazon

Age Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsThe Fox in the Forest reinvents the trick-taking genre for two players with a three-suit deck. Odd-numbered cards have special powers, adding a strategic twist to traditional gameplay. The scoring system rewards winning either the majority or minority of tricks, making timing crucial. This fast-paced and innovative game is a delightful challenge.

7 Wonders: Duel

### 7 Wonders: Duel

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsAn evolution of the acclaimed 7 Wonders, 7 Wonders: Duel refines the drafting mechanic for two players. Instead of passing cards, you select from a pyramid of overlapping cards, adding a layer of timing and strategy to your choices. Build your ancient civilization and outmaneuver your opponent in this engaging duel.

Schotten Totten

### Schotten Totten 2

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 2Playtime: 20 minsA classic since 1999, Schotten Totten challenges players to create Poker-style three-card combos on nine stones. The tension builds as you and your opponent strategize and bluff. Additional special power cards and the option to play Lost Cities with the same deck add variety and excitement.

Splendor: Duel

### Splendor: Duel

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 10+Players: 2Playtime: 30 minsSplendor: Duel refines the original engine-building game for couples. As master jewelers, you'll vie for gems on a board with placement rules, aiming to meet three different victory conditions. The game's special effects enhance strategic variety, making it an ideal choice for intimate play.

Sea Salt & Paper

### Sea Salt & Paper

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 2-4Playtime: 30-45 minsThis abstract card game from designer Bruno Cathala combines classic elements like set-building and special effects. You draw cards to create scoring sets, with certain pairs offering bonuses like extra draws or card steals. The game's end is player-determined, adding a layer of risk and reward. Its unique origami artwork is a delightful bonus, especially when enjoyed with a partner.

Dorfromantik: The Board Game

### Dorfromantik: The Board Game

0See it at AmazonAge Range: 8+Players: 1-6Playtime: 30-60 minsDorfromantik brings the relaxing puzzle experience of its video game counterpart to the tabletop. Players collaborate to create rural landscapes, completing terrain groups with each tile placed. The campaign mode adds new content through reveals, enhancing the experience with each session. Sharing these discoveries with your partner adds a special touch to your gaming time.

For a more in-depth look at this game, you can check out my review of Dorfromantik: The Board Game for additional details.