The best 2-player card games to play online

Whether it's a partner on the sofa, a friend in another city or a quick game on your lunch break, these card games work well with just two players.

1. Rafiki

A fast memory game where you each have 4 face-down cards. Peek, spy, blind swap and slam matching cards, then call "Rafiki" when you think you're lowest. With two players every swap is personal, because you're always swapping with the same person. Free in your browser at playrafiki.com: make a private room and send your friend the code, or play the computer alone.

2. Cabo and Cambio

The same family as Rafiki, played with a normal deck. They play well with two at a table. See the Cabo rules and Cambio rules.

3. Gin Rummy

The classic two-player game of collecting sets and runs, then "knocking". It's easy to learn, and every card app has it.

4. Cribbage

A two-player favourite with a scoring board, "fifteen two, fifteen four". It takes a little learning, but it has real depth.

5. Golf

Lay out your cards face down and swap your way to the lowest score. It's relaxed and works with any deck. See the Golf rules.

6. Speed (Spit)

A frantic race to play all your cards first. It's best in person, because it depends on fast hands.

Tips for playing online with one other person

• Get on a call while you play. Half the fun is the reaction when a blind swap goes wrong.
• Play best of 3 or 5 rounds. Rafiki lets you choose 1, 3 or 5.
• If your friend is late, warm up against a computer player.

More ideas for groups: card games to play online with friends.

Questions

What is the best card game for 2 players?

It depends on your mood. Gin Rummy and Cribbage are classics, and Rafiki or Cabo-style games are faster and more chaotic. Rafiki is free online.

Can I play a card game online with one friend for free?

Yes. At playrafiki.com you can create a private room, share the code with your friend and play free in your browser, with no download.

Can I play Rafiki on my own?

Yes. Press Quick Play and you'll play against computer players straight away.