15 Best Board Games for Couples 2023: Spice Up Your Game Nights

Board games have always been a great way to connect with your family and friends. They encourage social interaction and communication and offer the perfect way to relax and have hours of laughter and fun.

Why not use some of that magic in your relationship? You will be able to spend quality time with your partner, get to know each other better through friendly competition, and create unforgettable memories together.

How We Picked Best Board Games for Couples

Romantic walks, dinners, and movie nights are definitely a good way to spend time with your loved one. But if you want something a bit different, you should go to the local game store and add some board games to your date nights. If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home, you can always order from your favorite online store.

The selection of board games on offer is enormous these days, so choosing the perfect game requires a lot of research and time. That can be very frustrating, especially if you are new to board gaming. To make things easier for you, Boar Gamers made a list of the top board games for couples.

While choosing couples’ board games we wanted to provide various options for you.  All board games on our list are great for two players, but with different themes and gameplay styles to satisfy everyone’s taste. 

Whether you are in the mood for a little friendly competition, or you want to spend your next date night with romantic board games, you will certainly find something that you and your partner will enjoy on our list.

Our Top Picks of Great Board Games for Couples

1. Fog of Love
2. Patchwork
3. 7 Wonders Duel
4. Codenames Duet
5. Hive
6. Decorum
7. Splendor Duel
8. Azul
9. Calico
10. Santorini
11. Arboretum
12. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective
13. Kingdomino
14. Jaipur
15. That’s Pretty Clever!

1. Fog of Love

Who says that a cynical royal heir and a conservative internet celebrity with an old cell phone can’t be the perfect couple? 

Fog of Love is a fun board game for couples that simulates a romance between two fictional characters. Through their love story, they will meet, go on dates, fall in love, and try to navigate the ups and downs of their relationship. They will face differences of opinion and personalities while making decisions that will determine whether destiny is on their side. 

If you and your partner enjoy a little role-playing on the game board, Fog of Love is the perfect choice for a fun date night. The game is highly interactive because you will work together to create a unique story for some very unusual couples. 

It’s supposed to be a romantic comedy, but since a happy ending isn’t guaranteed, one of your characters may end up in tears. The players, though, will have a lot of laughs with the game’s quirky setup, interesting character personalities, and situations that their characters will find themselves in.

Pros: 

• Gameplay with storytelling elements
• Unique theme
• Lots of interaction between players

Cons:

• It’s not for players who don’t like romantic games

2. Patchwork 

It’s always nice when you snuggle up with your partner under the blanket. But for the next date night, you might consider organizing a quilting competition. The goal is to sew pieces of fabric together and create the most beautiful quilt. It may not sound like a practical idea, but with the Patchwork board game, you can keep things simple and fun.

During the game, you will buy patches and put them together on your personal board, before the time runs out. Each patch has its own price and the main currency is buttons, but it will also cost you some time on the time board. You need to place the pieces as tightly as possible because nobody wants a quilt with holes. For every hole, you’ll get negative points at the end of the game.

Although Patchwork is a competitive game, it’s still a great choice for a relaxing night at home. It’s beautifully designed, easy to learn, and you and your partner will have tons of fun chasing each other on the time board.

Pros:

• Quick and easy-to-learn
• High replayability 
• Beautiful components

Cons:

• Limited player interaction

3. 7 Wonders Duel

For some couples, romance is about starting a war on the board. If you like good competition, 7 Wonders Duel is one of the best two-player board games for couples and a good choice for an exciting date night.

Through three different ages, players compete to build their own civilization. By drafting and playing cards, they will gather resources, develop their cities, create wonders, and strive to achieve military or scientific superiority. Each card they select gives them different benefits, and each will have a different effect on civilization’s development.

7 Wonders Duel is a strategy game with multiple ways to achieve victory. Players can choose to build a strong military, make scientific discoveries, or focus on building wonders and collecting victory points. 

The game is fun, beautifully illustrated, and easy to learn, like its older brother 7 Wonders. Unfortunately, most of the Wonders of the Ancient World don’t exist anymore, but it’s fun to recreate them in this well-designed and fun game.

Pros:

• Great gameplay with multiple ways to achieve victory
• Well-balanced mechanics
• Lovely theme  

Cons:

• Setup can be time-consuming
• Can be overwhelming for new players

4. Codenames Duet

Codenames Duet is a cooperative word game and the ideal opportunity for couples to join forces and have victorious date nights.

Two players are on a secret mission as undercover operatives. They need to work together and find all agents on the field by communicating with coded messages. To complete the mission, it’s also necessary for them to avoid enemies’ assassins on the streets, which amps up the challenge and fun factor considerably.

During the game, there are 25 cards on the game table, each with a word on it. Players take turns giving one-word clues to help their partner to identify the card that represents the secret agent. It’s very important to guess them right. Not only will they help you find agents, but they’ll prevent you from accidentally discovering assassins or too many innocent bystanders.

Codenames Duet requires teamwork and good communication. Whether you’re in a new relationship or have been with your partner for a long time, it’s a great choice if you want to spend fun time together. 

Pros:

• High replayability 
• Straightforward rules
• Simple game and excellent for new board gamers

Cons:

• Not enjoyable for players who are not interested in association-type games

5. Hive 

Although some insects are monogamous for their entire lifetime, it’s probably best not to put them together with romance. Do I need to mention mantises? However, just because some bugs are a little crazy, it doesn’t mean we can’t enjoy this fantastic game with our loved ones.

Hive is a competitive and abstract strategy game. Both players have 11 tiles that represent five different species of insects. One of those tiles is the Queen Bee, and just like in real life, she is the most important member of your hive. While you trying to surround your opponent’s Queen Bee, at the same time you must protect your own. You have some beetles, spiders, grasshoppers, and soldier ants to help you. Maybe it looks simple, but, like in chess, each of the insects has unique moving rules, and you have to plan your moves carefully to win the game.

Hive is a game that can be played anywhere. Everything you need is a flat surface. Since there is no setup, and the tiles are the only components, it’s easy to pack the game and take it with you wherever you go. 

Pros:

• Compact and portable game
• Easy rules and quick gameplay
• No need for a game board

Cons:

• Highly strategic and may not be suitable for players who prefer more casual games

6. Decorum

If you’re thinking about moving in with your partner, you should play Decorum first. Maybe it would be best to find out in time that your husband wants all of the shelves in your future home for his Warhammer miniatures.

Decorum is a cooperative game, but it won’t always feel that way. You and your partner have 30 rounds to decorate your new home. Both of you have different needs and ideas, but you don’t really say to each other what exactly you want. Does that sound familiar? 

Players each have secret conditions, and with very little communication, you have to assume what your partner wants. It takes a lot of compromises to fulfill all the objectives and win the game. 

Sometimes your partner will ruin your plans and paint the bathroom red, or move your favorite lamp from the bedroom. This can also happen in-game. Joking aside, Decorum is a very fun, if sometimes frustrating, but highly relatable game, that couples will no doubt enjoy playing together.

Pros:

• Fun and relaxing theme
• Unusual cooperative gameplay
• Players interaction 

Cons:

• Limited replayability
• The theme may not be appealing to some players

7. Splendor Duel

Splendor Duel is the best board game for couples who want to spark some friendly competition. 

In this game, you and your partner are jewelers competing to earn the favor of powerful nobles. You need to collect precious stones and create the most beautiful jewelry to gain prestige and win the game. 

Splendor Duel is a simple card game, but don’t let shiny gems blind you. The game requires serious strategy and resource management to keep your opponent’s hands off the good stuff. While trying to achieve your goals, you also have to do your best to thwart your opponents’ plans. 

With numerous cards and several ways to win, Splendor Duel is fun to play no matter how many times you’ve played it before. There’s a certain satisfaction in stealing jewels from under your partner’s nose, all over again. 

Pros:

• A great two-player version of the Splendor board game
• Multiple ways to win the game
• Simple and relaxing gameplay

Cons:

• May not offer enough replayability for more experienced players

8. Azul

Azul is a tile placement and pattern-building board game, with a beautiful design inspired by the Royal Palace of Évora. Although the gorgeous tiles are the most recognizable part of the game, Azul is also well-known for its engaging and simple gameplay.

During the game, you are an artist and your job is to decorate the walls of the Royal Palace and impress the King of Portugal by making the most beautiful patterns. You will have your personal players board to do it, and every pattern you make will earn you a certain number of points. The rules are really easy to learn and you’ll have fun the first time you try the game.

It’s no surprise that Azul is one of the best board games for couples. Although it’s a competitive game, Azul has a certain amount of romance to it and you will have a great time with your partner while laying tiles and enjoying a glass of wine. It might even inspire you to take a romantic trip but don’t be surprised if you just decide to redo the kitchen floor instead.

Pros:

• Beautiful design 
• Easy to learn and quick to play
• Strategic and tactical gameplay

Cons:

• Too abstract for some players

9. Calico

You might think I’m writing about quilting a lot but don’t worry, this isn’t a sewing blog. We are still talking about the best board games for couples.

Calico is an abstract tile-laying game that combines solving puzzles and building patterns. Players compete to create a quilt by collecting and arranging different tiles on their quilt board. The way the tiles are laid out isn’t random, and each player must achieve certain goals to collect the most victory points and win the game. 

Different combinations of colors and shapes will bring you points and help you complete personal objectives that will change with each game. That might be enough to win, but if you want to attract cats to your quilt, you need to fulfill their demands. While they aren’t interested in colors, every cat prefers certain patterns. You have to agree, flowers are more comfortable than stripes. 

Even if you are not a cat person, Calico is a charming and fun board game, perfect for a cozy night at home. The rules are not difficult to learn, but the game requires a lot of planning and strategic thinking if you want all the cats for yourself.

Pros:

• Multiple ways to earn victory points
• Charming theme
• Gorgeous design
• Replayability

Cons:

• Little interaction between players

10. Santorini

Greek islands are really romantic, especially Santorini. But if you haven’t had a chance to visit it yet, this is a great opportunity to enjoy its beauty with your partner, even if it was only on the board. Who needs a beautiful sea, an amazing view from the cliffs, and spectacular sunset when you can play with plastic figurines?

Santorini is an abstract strategy game with simple rules. During every turn, you will move on the board and build beautiful towers by placing blocks. Your objective is simple: to be the first to reach the third floor of the tower or to block your opponent so they can no longer move on the board.

Using the powers of Greek gods and heroes will make the game even more interesting and highly replayable. New abilities will change how you move on the board and build your towers, and you’ll have to change your strategy every time you play a new game. 

Pros:

• Beautiful and high-quality components
• Simple rules
• Numerous players power

Cons:

• Not for players who overthink every move

11. Arboretum

Arboretum is a beautifully designed card game in which players compete to create the most valuable path through the garden, by placing cards in a specific order. Each player starts with a hand of cards representing different types of trees and must decide which cards to keep and which to play or discard.

Although Arboretum offers a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere, don’t be fooled by the beautiful trees. It is a quite challenging game that requires serious strategy and planning, and the unique scoring system will keep things interesting until the very end. 

A walk through a beautiful garden is always romantic, but if you want to take a short break and play a game under the trees, Arboretum is a great choice. With its compact size and relatively short playtime, you can enjoy the game wherever you go. 

Pros:

• Strategic and challenging gameplay 
• Pretty artwork
• Small and portable card game

Cons:

• The scoring system can be frustrating 

12. Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective

Some would say that keeping a little mystery alive is good for a relationship.  I don’t know about that, but playing mystery-solving board games will certainly spice things up and make for a very interesting game night. 

Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective is a cooperative game that challenges players to solve a series of crimes in Victorian London, each with its unique storyline and set of clues to uncover. Players must work together to investigate the crime scene, interview suspects, and follow leads to solve the case. 

If you enjoy puzzles, captivating storytelling, and role-playing elements, Sherlock Holmes Consulting Detective will be the perfect board game for you. Even if you don’t solve the case, the game will keep you engaged and entertained for hours.

Pros:

• Immersive storytelling experience
• Incredible deduction mechanic
• Excellent for fans of good written detective stories.

Cons:

• Limited replayability 
• Can be time-consuming

13. Kingdomino

If you are reading this post, I can assume that you are probably not the king. But if you want to be one, even for 15 to 25 minutes, Kingdomino might be something you’ll be interested in. 

Kingdomino is a tile-placement game with simple rules. Your duty as a king is to expand your territories by choosing and arranging tiles in a certain way. You will be able to add new fields, lakes, and mountains to your kingdom. At the same time, you must be careful and try to seize good land before the other king (your partner) does. 

For those who like friendly competition, without gameplay that’s too intense and frustrating, Kingdomino is a great board game. It’s easy to learn, doesn’t require a lot of time to set up or play, and both partners will be able to enjoy a casual game night at home.

Pros:

• Relaxing gameplay
• Affordable
• Beautiful components 

Cons:

• May be too simple for experienced board gamers

14. Jaipur

Jaipur is a card game, designed specifically for two players. It is set in the bustling marketplaces of exotic Jaipur, India, where players take on the role of merchants competing to become the Maharaja’s personal traders by earning the most victory points.

Players use a combination of luck and strategy to collect and trade different goods such as spices, leather, and gems. Each turn, players can take cards from the market, trade their camels for goods, or sell their goods for rupees.

The game is easy to learn and quick to play, which is perfect for couples with busy schedules who still want to enjoy their time together. The gameplay is fun and encourages friendly competition and playful banter while trying to outsmart your partner. 

Pros:

• Unique trading and set collection mechanics
• Portable and travel-friendly
• Easy to set up

Cons:

• The camel trade may not appeal to animal lovers

15. That’s Pretty Clever!

You may have been lucky when you met your partner, but you’ll need even more luck to win this clever little game.

That’s Pretty Clever! is a dice-rolling game that requires careful planning for every move you make. The gameplay includes rolling and selecting dice of different colors to score points in various categories. 

Each time you choose which dice to play, you also affect your opponent’s game, and your partner can earn points as well. 

While scoring may seem terrifying at first, the rules are straightforward and you will master the game’s basics very quickly.

That’s Pretty Clever! is often compared to classic board games such as Yahtzee and Yamb, but it’s a more challenging and complex game. If you enjoy those games, though you will almost certainly love That’s Pretty Clever!

Pros:

• Great for travel
• Simple rules
• Lot of planning for a dice-rolling game

Cons:

• Not for players who don’t like their victory depending on luck

Our Final Thoughts on Couples Board Games

Whether you’re looking for a simple board game to relax with on a lazy afternoon or a complex game to show your partner how smart you are, for a successful couples game night it’s necessary to consider the wishes of both players. 

Playing a couple of board games with your significant other is supposed to be a pleasant experience that will help you to bond and improve your communication, after all. 

If you have already taken that into consideration, then no matter which game from our list you choose, you will have a fun and engaging time together. So why not give one (or all!) of these games a try and make your next date night a memorable one?

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