Board Games for 2 (adult) players?

[CheeseWisely]

Thinking of a new board game for DH for Christmas. Just the two of us to play as DS is a bit young yet. We enjoy Ticket to Ride and have done various at home escape room type things, so I’m looking for something else that’s interesting and a bit tactical / requires some thought but doesn’t need masses of concentration (that we don’t have to spare after a day with the toddler!) and can be played in an hour or so. Thanks in advance.

Patchwork and Jaipur are our favourites. Many happy hours spent playing those.

Some of our (me and DP) favourites are Jaipur, Splendor Duel, 7 Wonders Duel...I think Everdell also has a two player duel version, but we just play the original. Got Beer and Bread recently, only played it once but seems good. Cascadia and Calico are also decent at two players, but probably better with more.

If you have a look on the Board Game Geek forums there is a thread where people review two player games, that's good for ideas.

https://boardgamegeek.com/geeklist/364608/what-couples-are-playing-the-2-player-game-list-oc

This is the thread I'm thinking of, there's a new thread each month.

So many wonderful ones. But I think 7 wonders Duel would suit you brilliantly. It is only about half an hour, set up is minimal (just laying cards out), there’s a random/chance element to it but also it’s strategic, and there are three different routes to winning (DH is always sneaky). There also also expansions you can buy but the original game is just fine.

Jaipur, Patchwork, Splendor (either the duel version or the bigger one) are all great.

if you want to minimise divorce risk have a collaborative game, Sky Team is completely “different” and fresh.

Cribbage isn't strictly a board game but is otherwise tactical and great for two people

Thank you! Lots to have a look at

Lost Cities, for two players only
https://boardgamegeek.com/boardgame/50/lost-cities

What about backgammon? Quick to learn and play.

Monopoly Deal and Mapominoes are fab!

We already play backgammon, and Yahtzee. They’re our holiday games

La havre is a great strategic one!

Azul
Tiny Towns
Fox in the forest duet
Boss monster

These are some of our favourite quick ones. All except fox in the forest will scale to more players as well.

Othello