Perfect for killing time! Games you can play with two people.
When you’re looking for a game for two, wouldn’t it be nice to have simple indoor games you can enjoy without any special equipment? It’s great to have something easy and fun to play when plans get canceled due to sudden rain or when you find a bit of free time.
In this article, we’ve gathered easy-to-start indoor activities for two, focusing on rhythm games and conversation games.
The rules are simple, but each one has surprising depth and will make you want to play again and again!
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Games using paper, pens, and tools (1–10)
Reversi ZERO
Reversi ZERO is a free Reversi game app where you can play online against players from all over Japan or take on a survival win-streak mode.
There are no complicated rules, so it’s perfect for killing a bit of time or playing during short breaks! Why not invite a friend or your partner and have a match? Another highlight is the 125 difficulty levels ranging from beginner to expert! Plus, you can enjoy the game casually with offline play for two people on the spot, even without an internet connection.
Russian amidakuji
Get ready for big laughs with prepared penalties and rewards! Here are some ideas for a Russian-style Amidakuji.
Amidakuji is that lottery game where you draw two or more vertical lines on paper, hide labels like “win/lose” at the ends, and each person chooses a starting point to see where they end up, right? This time, let’s try a Russian Amidakuji with penalty games prepared.
The video we’re introducing shows four people playing, but it’s a game you can enjoy with excitement and suspense even with just two players!
Games using paper, pens, and tools (11–20)
The “Haa” game
“Haa” is a game that calls for humor and acting skills.
Players perform using the word “haa” according to various situations written on cards.
For example, they express a “haa” that fits each scenario, such as surprise, anger, or sadness.
The other player then guesses which situation that “haa” represents.
A recommended point when playing with two people is that you can deepen your communication while enjoying each other’s acting.
By watching the other person’s expressions and interpreting their intent, you might discover something new that doesn’t come up in everyday conversation.
mosquito
Let me introduce “Mosquito,” a game where you take on roles and battle while doing calculations.
How about splitting into Spiders and Mosquitoes and trying a game that uses simple arithmetic? Even if you’re not confident with math, it’s easy to jump in because it feels like a game.
All you need is paper and a pen.
The calculations use multiplication, so anyone with basic multiplication knowledge can play—that’s part of the appeal.
By playing while thinking about tactics and strategy, you can develop planning skills, flexibility, and problem-solving ability.
Paper Drop Game
Let’s make a “Paper Drop Game” by folding and cutting paper! This idea is exciting because the process of getting ready to play—folding paper to create the game board and cutting pieces that become the heart of the game—is part of the fun.
Once you write numbers on the folded paper with a pen, you’re ready to start.
Using the creases as guides, flick or drop the paper pieces to aim for high scores—simple rules anyone can enjoy.
It’s great that you can reuse scrap paper, too! Challenge each other to see who can score higher and have a blast competing.
A game that builds arithmetic skills
@take_homestudy A game with simple setup and rules that builds math skillsTranslationEducationalParenting
♫ Otonoke – Creepy Nuts
You only need three things! Here are some game ideas to build math skills.
Strengthening math ability nurtures calculation skills and logical thinking, which are useful in many situations.
This time, let’s try a game using paper, a pen, and a die.
If you don’t have a die, you can write the numbers 1 to 6 on cards and draw them instead.
Take turns writing the numbers rolled on the die into the squares, and the person who makes a vertical, horizontal, or diagonal line that sums to 10 wins.
It’s a simple game!
Word Bingo
Try a unique Bingo that uses letters! Here are some Word Bingo ideas.
In regular Bingo, you cross off selected numbers on a card with numbers, and aim to win by lining up one row vertically, horizontally, or diagonally and shouting “Bingo!” This time, let’s try Word Bingo using letters instead of numbers.
Draw lines on a sheet of paper to make nine squares, and, without letting each other see, write one hiragana character in each square.
The first player asks the opponent questions, and as they get answers, they cross off the hiragana that apply, aiming to complete a Bingo.