10 Perfect Card Games for Couples

Card games are one of the oldest and cheapest date-night formats there is. These ten two-player games range from slow conversational classics to fast competitive duels, so you can pick whichever mood fits the evening. All you need is a regular deck and someone to share it with.

01/10 2 players

♠ Gin Rummy

★ Editors' top pick

Gin Rummy

2 players Long Difficulty Medium Age 8+

The archetypal relationship card game. Enough depth to talk trash, light enough to sip wine over, and a quick hand means no waiting.

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02/10 2–4 players

♥ Cribbage

Cribbage

2–4 players Long Difficulty Medium Age 8+

Slow, conversational, and scored on a peg board that gives the evening a visual rhythm. Pure cozy-night-in card game.

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03/10 2 players

♣ Honeymoon Bridge

Honeymoon Bridge

2 players Long Difficulty Hard Age 10+

If you both love Bridge but can't find two more players, this is the whole game compressed for two. Full bidding, full trick-taking.

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04/10 2 players

♦ Piquet

Piquet

2 players Long Difficulty Hard Age 10+

A French 17th-century salon game. Elegant, cerebral, and historically played by couples who wanted to look intellectual together.

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05/10 2 players

♠ Speed

Speed

2 players Short Difficulty Easy Age 6+

For couples who'd rather race than chat. Over in three minutes, perfect for a competitive streak before bed.

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♣ ♥ ♠ ♦

06/10 2–6 players

♥ Egyptian Ratscrew

Egyptian Ratscrew

2–6 players Medium Difficulty Easy Age 6+

The loud option. Physical, fast, and unlikely to end without a slap-to-the-hand argument about who got there first.

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07/10 2 players

♣ Bezique

Bezique

2 players Long Difficulty Hard Age 10+

A melding duel with two decks. Feels ceremonial, rewards patience, and was the favourite of Ian Fleming, James Bond's creator.

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08/10 2 players

♦ German Whist

German Whist

2 players Medium Difficulty Medium Age 8+

A trick-taking game with a hidden-hand gimmick: every trick reveals the next card in the deck. Skill-based and tense.

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09/10 2 players

♠ Double Solitaire

Double Solitaire

2 players Medium Difficulty Medium Age 8+

Both of you play side-by-side, dropping cards onto shared foundation piles. Cooperative on the surface, ruthlessly competitive underneath.

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10/10 2 players

♥ Russian Bank

Russian Bank

2 players Long Difficulty Hard Age 10+

Double Solitaire's more complex cousin. Two solitaires, shared foundations, elaborate move rules. For couples who like to argue over tempo.

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