Easy Two-Player Card Games: Fun and Simple Options for Any Occasion

Looking for easy two-player card games to enjoy with a friend, partner, or family member? Whether you're at home, on a trip, or just want a quick and entertaining game, card games are a fantastic way to pass the time.

In this guide, we’ll explore 10 simple and fun two-player card games that require minimal setup and are easy to learn. From classic favorites to lesser-known gems, these games are perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike.

Why Play Two-Player Card Games?

Before diving into the games, let’s look at why two-player card games are so great:

✅ Portable – Just grab a deck of cards and play anywhere.
✅ Quick to Learn – Most of these games have simple rules.
✅ Social & Engaging – Great for bonding and friendly competition.
✅ No Special Equipment Needed – Standard playing cards work for most games.

Now, let’s explore the best easy two-player card games!

1. War

Difficulty: Very Easy
Cards Needed: Standard 52-card deck

How to Play:

Split the deck evenly between both players.
Both players flip the top card of their pile simultaneously.
The player with the higher card takes both cards (Ace is high).
If the cards are equal, it’s a "war"—place three cards face down, then flip a fourth to decide the winner.
The game continues until one player has all the cards.

Why It’s Great: No strategy needed—just pure luck and excitement!

2. Crazy Eights

Difficulty: Easy
Cards Needed: Standard 52-card deck

How to Play:

Deal 7 cards to each player; place the rest face down as a draw pile.
Flip the top card to start the discard pile.
Players take turns matching the top card’s suit or rank.
Eights are wild—play an 8 to change the suit.
If you can’t play, draw from the pile until you can.
The first to discard all cards wins!

Why It’s Great: Simple rules with a fun twist (the wild 8s).

3. Gin Rummy

Difficulty: Medium (but easy to learn)
Cards Needed: Standard 52-card deck

How to Play:

Each player gets 10 cards.
Goal: Form sets (3+ of a kind) or runs (3+ consecutive same suit).
Take turns drawing/discarding until one player "knocks" (has minimal deadwood points).
The round ends when a player reaches 100 points.

Why It’s Great: A classic strategy game that’s easy to pick up.

4. Slapjack

Difficulty: Very Easy
Cards Needed: Standard 52-card deck

How to Play:

Deal all cards face down between players.
Take turns flipping cards into a central pile.
When a Jack appears, the first to slap it wins the pile.
If you slap a non-Jack, you lose a card.
The player who collects all cards wins!

Why It’s Great: Fast-paced and energetic—great for kids and adults.

5. Go Fish

Difficulty: Easy
Cards Needed: Standard 52-card deck

How to Play:

Deal 5 cards to each player.
Take turns asking, “Do you have any [rank]?”
If yes, hand over all matching cards; if no, say “Go Fish!” and draw a card.
Collect four-of-a-kind to score points.
The player with the most sets wins.

Why It’s Great: A timeless game perfect for all ages.

6. Speed (Spit)

Difficulty: Medium (fast-paced)
Cards Needed: Standard 52-card deck

How to Play:

Each player gets 20 cards (arranged in piles).
Place 5 cards face-up in the center.
Race to play cards one higher or lower onto the piles.
The first to deplete their hand wins!

Why It’s Great: A thrilling, fast card game that tests reflexes.

7. Old Maid

Difficulty: Easy
Cards Needed: Standard 52-card two player games deck (remove one Queen)

How to Play:

Deal all cards.
Players discard matching pairs.
Take turns drawing from each other’s hands to form more pairs.
The player left with the unpaired "Old Maid" (Queen) loses!

Why It’s Great: A fun, suspenseful game for two.

8. Egyptian Rat Screw (ERS)

Difficulty: Medium (requires attention)
Cards Needed: Standard 52-card deck

How to Play:

Players take turns flipping cards into a pile.
Slap on doubles, sandwiches, or face cards to win the pile.
The player who collects all cards wins.

Why It’s Great: A mix of Slapjack and War with extra rules for excitement.

9. Trash (Garbage)

Difficulty: Easy
Cards Needed: Standard 52-card deck

How to Play:

Each player lays out 10 cards face down in a grid.
Draw and replace cards to form a sequence (Ace to 10).
The first to complete their grid wins!

Why It’s Great: A mix of luck and strategy—easy yet engaging.

10. Kings in the Corner

Difficulty: Medium
Cards Needed: Standard 52-card deck

How to Play:

Deal 7 cards to each player.
Build descending alternating-color sequences around a cross-shaped layout.
The first to play two player games all their cards wins!

Why It’s Great: A solitaire-style game for two players.

Final Thoughts: Which Easy Two-Player Card Game Will You Try?

From War to Gin Rummy, these easy two-player card games offer endless fun with just a deck of cards. Whether you prefer luck-based games like Slapjack or strategy-based ones like Crazy Eights, there’s something for everyone.

Pro Tip: Keep a deck of cards handy—you’ll always have entertainment ready!

Which of these two-player card games will you try first? Let us know in the comments!