12 Best 2-Player Dice Games: Simple Rules, Quick Fun!

Ready to roll some dice? Two-player dice games are the perfect solution for a fun and engaging pastime, whether you’re traveling on a train, relaxing on the beach, or enjoying a cozy game night at home. From quick filler games like Qwixx and LCR to more complex strategic challenges like Liar’s Dice and Farkle, there’s a vast selection of dice games perfect for two people. This guide offers easy-to-understand rules and instructions for a variety of dice games, suitable for both adults and children, couples and families. Learn the basics in minutes and discover the social interaction benefits and cognitive skill development that dice games can provide. No more searching for rule books – we’ve got everything you need right here! Let’s begin!

1. Qwixx: A Fast, Fun, and Strategic Dice Game for Two

Materials: Six dice (two white, one of each color: red, yellow, green, blue), scoresheets, pens or pencils.

Gameplay:

1. Starting Player: Each player rolls one die. The highest roll with a 6 goes first.
2. White Dice Roll (All Players): The active player rolls all six dice. Add the two white dice together and announce the sum. All players may (but are not required to) cross off the announced number in a single color row on their scoresheet, moving left to right.
3. Colored Dice Roll (Active Player Only): The active player adds one white die and one colored die of their choice. They must cross off the resulting sum in the matching color row on their scoresheet, moving left to right. This introduces a press-your-luck element, as players must carefully consider which numbers to cross off in order to maximize their score and potentially block their opponent.
4. Penalties: If the active player cannot cross off at least one number after both dice rolls, they mark a -5 penalty on their scoresheet.
5. Next Player: Play proceeds clockwise. Repeat steps 2-4.

Why Qwixx is Great for Two Players:

Qwixx is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn, yet surprisingly strategic dice game ideal for two players. The game typically takes around 15-20 minutes. It’s a competitive game that combines elements of luck and tactical decision-making. Its simultaneous turns, with the exception of the active player’s colored dice roll, minimize downtime and keep both players engaged. Qwixx is suitable for ages 8 and up, making it a great choice for families and game nights, as well as for adults looking for a quick and engaging two-player game.

2. Left Center Right (LCR): The Fast and Simple Dice Game for Two

Materials: Three dice per player, three chips (or tokens) per player.

Gameplay:

1. Setup: Each player starts with three chips.
2. First Player: The player with the highest roll of three dice goes first.
3. Rolling the Dice: Roll as many dice as you have chips.
4. Dice Outcomes:
   • L (Left): Pass one chip to the player on your left.
   • C (Center): Place one chip in the center pot.
   • R (Right): Pass one chip to the player on your right.
   • Dot: Keep the chip.
5. Player Elimination: Continue taking turns, rolling, and passing chips until only one player has any chips left.
6. Winning: The last player with chips wins the center pot!

Why LCR is Great for Two Players:

LCR, or Left Center Right, is a fast-paced, easy-to-learn, and luck-based dice game that’s perfect for two or more players. Games are typically very short, taking just 5-10 minutes to play. It’s incredibly simple to learn, making it a great party game or social game for players of all ages. The head-to-head nature of LCR creates intense competition, even with just two players, as you try to eliminate your opponent’s chips one by one. LCR is a great choice for those looking for a quick, social, and highly engaging dice game that’s pure fun.

3. Beetle (or Cootie, Bug): A Fun and Simple Dice Drawing Game for Two

Materials: One die, paper, pens or pencils.

Gameplay:

1. Game Setup: Each player takes a sheet of paper and a pen or pencil. Decide who goes first (any method will do!).
2. Roll and Draw: On your turn, roll the die. The number you roll determines which beetle part you can draw, but you must draw the parts in a specific order:
   • 6: Body (Must be drawn first)
   • 5: Head (Draw after the body)
   • 2: Antennae (Two antennae, draw after the head)
   • 4: Eyes (Two eyes, draw after the head)
   • 3: Legs (Six legs, draw after the body)
   • 1: Tail (Draw after the body)
3. Lost Turn: If you roll a number for a part you can’t draw yet (because you haven’t drawn the required previous part), your turn ends. Pass the die.
4. Winning the Game: The first player to complete their beetle drawing, including all the required parts, wins!

Why Beetle is Great for Two Players:

Beetle, also known as Cootie or Bug, is a fast, fun, and simple dice game perfect for two players, especially children. Games are typically short, making it an ideal choice for families and young children. Beetle is purely a game of luck, so there’s no need for complex strategy. It’s a great way to encourage creativity and provide lots of laughs as players race to complete their wacky beetle drawings. This game is perfect for players of all skill levels, particularly those looking for a lighthearted and easy-to-learn dice and drawing game.

4. Liar’s Dice (Bluff, Perudo): A Dice-Rolling Game of Deception for Two

Materials: Five dice per player, opaque cups, poker chips (optional, for scoring).

Gameplay (Single Hand Version):

1. Game Setup: Each player receives five dice and an opaque cup.
2. Initial Roll: Both players roll their dice inside their cups, keeping the results hidden.
3. Starting Bid: The first player makes a bid, consisting of a quantity and a die face. (E.g., “Three 2s”) A bid represents the player’s guess for the total number of that die face showing across all *cups. 1s are often wild, meaning they count as any die face.
4. Raising or Challenging: The second player can either:
   • Raise the Bid: Increase the quantity, the die face value, or both.
   • Challenge: Call “Liar!” if they believe the current bid is a bluff.
5. Reveal: Both players reveal their dice.
   • Bidder Wins (Bid is correct or higher): The challenger loses one die.
   • Challenger Wins (Bid is too high): The bidder loses one die.
   • Spot On (Bid is exactly correct): Both players lose a die.
6. Next Round: The player who lost a die starts the next round.
7. Winning: The last player with any dice remaining wins the game.

Why Liar’s Dice Single Hand is Great for Two Players:

Liar’s Dice, also known as Bluff or Perudo, is a classic game of deception and social deduction. The Single Hand version is perfect for two players, creating an intense, psychological duel. With hidden information and bidding mechanics similar to poker, Liar’s Dice is all about reading your opponent, managing risk, and executing convincing bluffs. This intermediate-level dice game, usually taking 15-20 minutes per game, will test your powers of deduction and ability to outsmart your adversary.

5. Pig: The Simple Dice Game of Risk and Reward for Two

Materials: One die, a way to keep score (paper and pencil, phone, etc.).

Gameplay:

1. Turns: Players take turns rolling the die.
2. Roll: On your turn, roll the die.
3. Scoring:
   • 2-6: Add the roll value to your turn total.
   • 1 (Pig): You lose your turn and all unbanked points for that round.
4. Hold or Roll: After each roll of 2-6, choose to either:
   • Hold: Bank your current turn total, adding it to your overall score.
   • Roll Again: Risk losing your turn total for a chance to accumulate more points.
5. Winning: The first player to reach or exceed 100 points wins the game.

Why Pig is Great for Two Players:

Pig is a classic, fast-paced, press-your-luck dice game that’s perfect for two players. Games are quick (typically under 10 minutes), the rules are incredibly simple, and the gameplay is easy to grasp for players of all ages. The constant risk/reward decision of whether to hold or roll creates exciting tension and makes every turn a gamble. With only two players, there’s minimal downtime between turns, maximizing the dice rolling action. Pig is a great choice for families, children, and anyone looking for a fun, easy-to-learn, and highly engaging dice game.

6. Shut the Box (Canoga): A Dice and Number Game of Skill and Luck for Two

Materials: A Shut the Box board (with numbered tiles 1-9), two dice.

Gameplay:

1. Game Objective: The goal is to have the lowest score after a set number of rounds.
2. Rolling the Dice: On your turn, roll both dice.
3. Shutting Tiles: Add the dice together. You can shut any combination of tiles that add up to your dice total. For example, if you roll a 7, you could shut the 7 tile, or the 1 and 6 tiles, or the 2, 3, and 2 tiles.
4. Additional Rolls: If you were able to shut at least one tile, roll the dice again. Continue rolling until you can no longer shut any tiles.
5. Scoring a Round: Add the numbers on any open (unshut) tiles. This is your score for the round.
6. Multiple Rounds: Play a predetermined number of rounds (e.g., 5 or 10). The player with the lowest total score across all rounds wins the game.

Why Shut the Box is Great for Two Players:

Shut the Box, also known as Canoga, is a classic pub game and a compelling blend of luck and strategy, perfect for two players. This dice and number game provides a satisfying combination of simple gameplay and tactical decision-making. Two-player games tend to be fast-paced and allow for direct competition, heightening the experience. While easy to learn, Shut the Box offers surprising depth as players try to optimize their tile closures and minimize their score. Game length is typically 10-20 minutes, making it suitable for both adults and families.

7. Yahtzee: A Classic Dice-Rolling Game for Two

Materials: Five dice, scoresheets, pens or pencils.

Gameplay:

1. Game Objective: The goal is to achieve the highest total score after 13 rounds.
2. Rolling and Re-rolling:
   • Roll 1: Roll all five dice.
   • Keep or Re-roll: Choose which dice to keep and re-roll the rest. You get three rolls total per turn.
3. Scoring: After your third roll, choose a scoring category on your scoresheet to record your score. Each category can be used only once. Scoring categories include upper section number matches (ones, twos, etc.), and lower section combinations like Three-of-a-Kind, Four-of-a-Kind, Full House, Small Straight, Large Straight, Yahtzee (five of a kind), and Chance. The Upper Section offers a bonus if you reach a certain score threshold.
4. 13 Rounds: The game consists of 13 rounds. After each round, players record their scores in a chosen category on their scoresheets.

Why Yahtzee is Great for Two Players:

Yahtzee is a classic dice game known for its blend of simple rules and strategic gameplay. While easy to learn, the choices of which dice to keep and which scoring categories to use offer surprising depth and replayability. Two-player games are relatively quick (20-30 minutes), allowing for focused competition and strategic blocking. Yahtzee is a great option for families and adults, appealing to a wide age range and skill level. This dice-rolling and combination game, with its exciting potential for Yahtzees and high-scoring rounds, is sure to be a hit at any game night.

8. Bunco: Adapting the Social Dice Game for Two Players

Materials: Three dice, scoresheets, pens or pencils. (No bell needed for two-player games).

Gameplay (Two-Player Variant):

1. Rounds: Play six rounds. Each round has a target number (Round 1 = 1s, Round 2 = 2s, etc.).
2. Rolling the Dice: On your turn, roll all three dice.
3. Scoring:
   • Matching the Target Number:
     • One Match: 1 point.
     • Two Matches: 2 points.
     • Three Matches (Bunco): 21 points.
   • Three-of-a-Kind (Not the target number): 5 points (Mini Bunco).
4. Rolling Limit: Since there’s no head table in a two-player game, you can either:
   • Set a roll limit (e.g., three rolls per turn).
   • Roll until a target score is reached (e.g., 10 points) within a single turn.
5. Winning: After six rounds, the player with the highest score wins.

Why Bunco Can Be Fun for Two Players:

Bunco is traditionally a social dice game enjoyed in larger groups, with its signature table rotations and head table adding to the excitement. However, with a few rule adjustments, Bunco can still be a fun and engaging experience for two players. This adapted version retains the core gameplay of rolling dice and aiming for specific combinations while introducing a strategic element with the rolling limits. While you might miss out on some of the social aspects of a large Bunco party, the two-player version offers a more direct, competitive experience, testing your luck and decision-making skills. The game remains easy to learn and quick to play, making it a good choice for families, adults, and anyone looking for a casual and entertaining dice game.

9. Farkle (or 10,000, Zilch, Greed): A Dice-Rolling Game of Risk and Reward for Two

Materials: Six six-sided dice, scoresheet, pen or pencil.

Gameplay:

1. Game Objective: The first player to reach or exceed 10,000 points wins.
2. Starting Player: Highest individual die roll goes first.
3. Turns: Players take turns rolling the dice and scoring.
4. Roll all Dice: On your turn, begin by rolling all six dice.
5. Scoring Combinations: Check for the following combinations:
   • Individual Dice: 1s (100 points), 5s (50 points)
   • Three-of-a-Kind: 100 times the die face (Three 2s = 200, Three 3s = 300, etc.), Three 1s are worth 1000 points.
   • Four-of-a-Kind, Five-of-a-Kind, Six-of-a-Kind: Scoring for these combinations start with the three-of-a-kind value and doubles for each additional matching die.
   • Straight (1-6): 1500 points.
   • Three Pairs: 1500 points.
   • Four-of-a-Kind + a Pair: 1500 points.
   • Two Triplets: 2500 points.
6. Farkle: If no scoring combinations are rolled, you Farkle, score zero points for the turn, and your turn ends.
7. Hot Dice: If all dice score in a single roll, you have Hot Dice. You get to roll all six dice again and continue scoring.
8. Banking Points: After each roll with scoring dice, at least one scoring die must be set aside (banked). A player may then choose to either bank their current turn total and end their turn, or roll the remaining dice.
9. Winning: Play continues until one player reaches the target score of 10,000.

Why Farkle is Great for Two Players:

Farkle, also known as 10,000, Zilch, or Greed, is a fast-paced, exciting dice game that combines luck, strategy, and risk management. The two-player format creates a dynamic where players can focus on maximizing their own score while also trying to anticipate and react to their opponent’s moves. Farkle is easy to learn, making it a great choice for families and game nights, yet it offers enough strategic depth to remain engaging for experienced players. This push-your-luck game, typically played in under 30 minutes, provides an adrenaline rush as players balance the potential rewards of rolling again with the risk of Farkling and losing everything.

10. Ship, Captain, and Crew (6-5-4): A Nautical Dice Game for Two

Materials: Five six-sided dice.

Gameplay:

1. Game Objective: The player with the highest cargo score after a set number of rounds wins.
2. Turns: Players take turns trying to assemble their ship, captain, and crew.
3. Rolling for Ship, Captain, and Crew: You get up to three rolls to achieve the following:
   • Roll 1: Look for a 6 (your Ship).
   • Roll 2 (If you rolled a 6): Look for a 5 (your Captain). You can only keep a 5 if you’ve already set aside a 6.
   • Roll 3 (If you rolled a 6 and a 5): Look for a 4 (your Crew). You can only keep a 4 if you already have a 6 and 5.
4. Cargo: The two remaining dice become your cargo. Add their values together to determine your cargo score for the round.
5. Re-Rolls (Optional): If you’ve secured your ship, captain, and crew in fewer than three rolls, you may re-roll both cargo dice to try for a higher score. However, you must keep the new cargo score, even if it’s lower.
6. Winning a Round: The player with the highest cargo score wins the round. Ties are broken with roll-offs, where tied players continue to roll until a winner is determined.

Why Ship, Captain, and Crew is Great for Two Players:

Ship, Captain, and Crew, also known as 6-5-4, is a fun, fast-paced, push-your-luck dice game with a nautical theme. The game is easy to learn and suitable for players of all ages, making it a good option for families. Game length is typically short (10-15 minutes). While luck plays a significant role, the decision of whether or not to re-roll cargo dice adds an interesting layer of strategy, making Ship, Captain, and Crew more engaging than a simple game of chance. The two-player format makes for quick turns and direct competition, creating a fun and engaging head-to-head experience.

11. Las Vegas: A Fast-Paced Dice Placement Game for Two

Materials: Eight dice per player (different colors), six casino boards (numbered 1-6), banknotes ($10,000-$90,000).

Gameplay:

1. Game Setup: Arrange the casino boards numbered 1-6. Shuffle the banknotes and place them face-up on each board until each board’s total value is at least $50,000.
2. Turns and Rounds: The game is played over four rounds. Each round, players take simultaneous turns.
3. Rolling Dice: Each player rolls their eight dice simultaneously.
4. Dice Placement: Choose one number you rolled and place all dice showing that number onto the corresponding casino board. This is a crucial strategic decision, as you aim to have the most dice on the most valuable boards while anticipating your opponent’s placements.
5. Payout and Tiebreaker:
   • Tiebreaker: If multiple players have the same number of dice on a board, all tied dice are removed, and no one receives money from that casino.
   • Winning a Board: The player with the most dice on a board wins the highest value banknote from that board. The player with the second-most dice takes the next highest value banknote, and so on.
6. Next Round: Restock each casino board with banknotes until each has a total value of at least $50,000.
7. Winning the Game: After four rounds, the player with the most cash wins. Ties are broken by the number of banknotes a player holds, then shared victory if still tied.

Why Las Vegas is Great for Two Players:

Las Vegas is a fast-paced, strategic dice placement game ideal for two players. This casino-themed game, typically lasting around 20-30 minutes, involves simultaneous turns, creating a dynamic of direct competition and strategic gambling. Players must balance maximizing their potential payouts with mitigating the risk of tiebreakers, which can wipe out hard-earned winnings. The strategic depth and exciting gameplay make Las Vegas an engaging choice for adults and families looking for a competitive and thematic dice game.

12. Higher or Lower: A Simple Dice Guessing Game for Two

Materials: Three six-sided dice.

Gameplay:

1. Game Objective: The first player to collect all the dice wins the game.
2. Turns: Players take turns rolling and guessing.
3. Player 1’s Roll: Player 1 rolls all three dice and secretly adds their total.
4. Player 2’s Guess: Player 2 guesses whether their own roll will be “higher” or “lower” than Player 1’s secret total.
5. Player 2’s Roll: Player 2 rolls all three dice and calculates their total.
6. Outcome:
   • Correct Guess: Player 2 wins two dice from Player 1.
   • Incorrect Guess: Player 1 wins two dice from Player 2.
7. Next Round: Players alternate turns, repeating steps 3-6.
8. Winning: The game continues until one player has collected all the dice.

Why Higher or Lower is Great for Two Players:

Higher or Lower is a simple, fast-paced, and easy-to-learn dice game perfect for two players of all ages, especially children. Gameplay is incredibly straightforward, relying on chance and guessing rather than complex strategy. Games are quick (usually under 5 minutes). Higher or Lower is a great way to introduce young children to dice games or for adults and families looking for a lighthearted, easy-to-play filler game. It’s a fun and engaging game that can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their experience with dice or other types of games.