![[For 2 Players] Easy Pen-and-Paper Time-Killing Game](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/EWlUF684scY/maxresdefault.webp)
[For 2 Players] Easy Pen-and-Paper Time-Killing Game
Are you looking for games you can play with just paper and a pen? On rainy days when you can’t go outside or when you have a bit of free time, many people want ideas for two-player games that really get you excited.
From classic territory-claiming games and grid-based games to ones where you play rock-paper-scissors to complete kanji, there are plenty of thrilling games you can enjoy with only paper and a pen! In this article, we’ll introduce competitive paper-and-pen games you can start right away and that are sure to heat up the fun.
Try them out with friends or family!
Versus Games (1–10)
stick eraser
Do you know the simple one-on-one game called the Stick Erasing Game, where all you need is paper and a pen? It’s also known as the 7-5-3 game.
First, you draw vertical lines arranged like a pyramid.
Players take turns erasing the vertical lines, and the player who is forced to erase the last stick loses.
There are various patterns for how you can erase the sticks.
What you can’t do is erase diagonally, and you also can’t erase a stick that’s already been erased.
As long as you set it up in a pyramid, you can use any number of vertical lines and any number of rows.
It’s a game that requires intelligence and strategy, so you’ll likely find yourself getting absorbed in it.
Dots and Boxes
Let’s play Dots and Boxes, a simple two-player game that originated in the United States.
As the title suggests, you start by drawing a 4×4 grid of 16 dots.
Players take turns drawing lines to connect the dots, and the goal is to complete more boxes than your opponent.
You can draw lines only horizontally or vertically, not diagonally.
When you complete a box, mark it with your symbol.
The player who completes a box gets to draw another line immediately.
Plan your moves while considering your opponent’s lines, and try to finish more boxes first.
It’s a game of strategy, but all you need is paper and a pen, so you can play it anywhere.
Hangman
Hangman is a popular game overseas.
It’s a simple game you can play with just paper and pen, and here are the rules.
“Hangman” literally means executioner by hanging in Japanese.
The name sounds a bit grim, but it’s a fun two-player game.
First, the questioner thinks of an English word.
The guesser tries to figure out the word.
If a guessed letter isn’t in the word, a figure is drawn on the prepared gallows, and it’s game over when the person is fully drawn.
The drawing is completed in six steps.
The guesser is allowed to make up to three mistakes.
It’s a psychological game of trying to guess what word the other person has in mind—enjoy the suspense and excitement.
Hit & Blow
Guess your opponent’s number! Here’s an idea for playing Hit & Blow.
The video we’re sharing uses an app, but you can also play with just paper and a pen.
First, choose a three-digit number and keep it secret from your opponent.
Next, the starting player makes a guess and tells it to the other player.
There are some detailed rules, but the basic idea is that the player whose number is guessed first loses.
Give it a try with close friends or family!
Triangle Territory Game
Let’s play a classic, popular two-player game: the Triangle Territory Game.
You connect randomly placed dots to form triangles.
The player who creates the most triangles wins.
The game ends when all the dots have been used.
One key rule: you can connect dots with lines, but you cannot cross existing lines.
It’s simple and can be played anytime, anywhere with just paper and a pen.
There are no complicated rules, so give it a try and have fun!
Dictation Rock-Paper-Scissors
Here’s an idea for a writing-based rock-paper-scissors game you can play during rainy-day breaks or in spare moments.
Normally, with rock-paper-scissors, you battle by showing rock, scissors, or paper with your hands.
This time, you’ll complete a kanji while playing.
First, choose a theme kanji, then play rock-paper-scissors.
The winner writes one stroke of the theme kanji on paper.
Repeat this, and the first person to complete the kanji wins!
Pencil War
Let’s try playing Pencil War, a game you can enjoy with family and friends using just paper and a pen.
Sit across from your opponent and draw your own territory on the paper.
Draw cannons within your territory and obstacles on the battlefield.
Once you decide who goes first, the game begins.
Place the tip of your pencil where the cannon’s shot comes out, standing it upright.
Flick the pencil with your finger to shoot the “bullet.” Your next move starts from the point where the last shot ended.
Take turns attacking, and if your shot enters the opponent’s territory, the game is over.
It’s simple, and even small children can join in, so be sure to challenge each other and have fun!