Sounds an awful lot like Cosminc Wimpout,, a dice game that I greatly enjoy. A set of the game dice (the dice are six-sided, but have special markings on them) and rules will set you back a mere $3.50, or there are several packages which include instructions, dice, and various accessories. The game is quick to learn and play, is not limited to a set number of players, and is great for just goofing off with. I’ve given sets of this game to several people, with great success.
There’s a lot to be said for card games, too. I’ve spent a lot of time socializing while playing cards.
I play reversi/Othello online or against a computer. Nobody wants to play me in person any more. However, it’s a great game, is readily available, and can be easily handicapped by allowing the weaker player to start off with an extra piece or two in various spots on the board.
If we’re talking card games then I simply must mention Rummy 5000. Yes, five thousand.
You’ll need a entire deck of cards - by “entire” I mean including Jokers and anything else that can be used as a joker. That one with the poker odds, for example.
Shuffle the deck, let your opponent cut if they desire, turn over the top card and put it in front of your opponent. This is how many cards total they will get that hand - if it’s a 2, they get a second card; two additional cards for a three; three for a four and so on. Face cards count as 10; Aces and Jokers count as 15. Continue for all opponents (more than three playing will require another deck).
The deal to yourself works in the same manner except you also turn over the last card in your hand. This will be wild for that hand, in addition to the jokers. If the last card is a joker then turn over the second-to-last; some also do this if the last card is an ace, you’ll see why in a moment.
Except for the wild cards, play is identical to that of 500 and “floting” is permitted. What’s most fun is working out your initial hand so as to place the wild cards in the best location, hoping to go out on the first draw.
Normally, moving around wild cards once they’re put down isn’t permitted except when they’re on the outside of a run. That part is optional and should be decided upon before playing.
Scoring is the same as in 500 except Aces and wild cards are both 100 (this is why some don’t like aces being wild) and Jokers are 250 or more. Some like to establish “big” and “little” jokers, and that poker odds card could be considered a “huge” joker worth 750 or 1000. The most I’d do is make the odds card 500; I like to keep them simple. Things in 5000 are confusing enough as it is!
Chess, Checkers, Chinses Checkers, Go, Othello/Reversi, Monopoly, Monopoly for Favors, Risk, Upwords (Scrabble variant), Stratego, Pictionary (obviously you can’t compete, but it is still a lot of fun. And you can kick everyone’s asses at the next party.)… actually a lot of the competing-group-style guessing party games are a lot of fun with just two people and no competition.
Oh, well, maybe I can expand on it. Fluxx is a card game. You start by drawing a card and playing a card every turn. However, most of the cards change the rules and the win conditions, so every game is different.
To offer a dissenting viewpoint, I dont’ think Fluxx has much replay value at all. It’s cute the first time, but it really involves no realy gameplay, imho.
I’m not sure how Guillotine works with two players… anyone tried it?
I’ve always liked Broadsides and Boarding Parties. A game doesn’t last terribly long, and it’s got a cool setup. The pair of tall ships is fun. Everyone fights over who gets to be the pirates, though it doesn’t actually make a difference.
Indeed, and one of the best is Zendo. A delightfully different game. Almost more of a puzzle, really. GonzoGal and I enjoy immensely coming up with bizarre ‘rules’ to attempt to stump each other with. You can buy it as a set, or use any icehouse pieces you have and download the rules from Zendo
