[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!
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Co-op & Party Games (1–10)
Two-Person One-Character Composition

Here’s an idea for a unique game that makes laughter bubble up bit by bit: a two-person, one-character-at-a-time composition game.
All you need is to draw a 3×3 grid on a sheet of paper, and you’re ready to go.
Each player adds one character in turn to build a composition together.
Play it with someone who shares your sense of humor or with close friends and family—you’ll be laughing before you know it! The unexpected twists and turns are part of what makes this game so fun.
It’s a charming game that seems perfect for honing your sense of humor.
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.
Back drawing copying game

Here’s a fun back-tracing drawing game that even small children can enjoy.
First, the questioner decides what the answerer will draw and guess.
The answerer turns around and gets ready with paper and a pen.
The questioner places a sheet of paper against the answerer’s back and starts drawing the picture they want the answerer to reproduce.
Relying on the movement of the pen felt on their back, the answerer draws the same picture on their own paper.
At first, it’s best to choose simple pictures.
The big reveal at the end is sure to get everyone excited!
Make it match in 4 letters

Let’s get in sync and find the right answer together! Here are some ideas for the “Match in 4 Letters” game.
It’s a unique game where you try to guess what your friends might be thinking or recall stories related to the prompt as you play.
Each person gives two letters, and the goal is to line them up to make the correct four-letter word! It might sound easy, but it’s surprisingly hard to match—making it all the more exciting.
When you’re perfectly in tune, it feels like your bond grows even stronger! Try it with close friends or family.
Who am I? game

The game takes about 10 minutes, so give it a try! Here’s an idea for a “Who am I?” game.
This is a two-player game using paper and a pen.
Invite a friend you want to get closer to, a good friend, or a family member and play together.
The two players should split into a guesser and a questioner.
The questioner chooses a topic and draws an illustration, then hands the paper to the guesser.
Holding the paper with the drawing above their head, the guesser asks the questioner questions to figure out the answer! Be sure to give it a try.
Montage Play
A montage game where you combine selected facial parts to create a face.
Write the parts in a chart on paper along with numbers—things like the face outline, eye shape, hairstyle, and so on.
Ask your partner questions such as “Which number face?” or “What hairstyle?” To make it more exciting, set a theme for the final face when asking questions, like “What kind of face would you date?” Draw the parts your partner chooses and combine them into a single face.
The key is to keep your drawing hidden until it’s finished.
If you add some funny illustrations to the facial parts, everyone might burst out laughing when they see the completed face.
Personality test

Understand your own psychology! Here are some ideas for psychology tests.
Many psychology tests include playful elements, don’t they? This time, let’s try a psychology test that helps you get to know yourself using just paper and a pen.
Draw six boxes on a sheet of paper and number them in order—once that’s done, you’re ready! Simply write your answers to the questions in each box, and you’ll gain a clearer picture of yourself.
Through these psychology tests, it seems like a great opportunity to learn more about your own personality and your friends’ character as well.



