Top 5 Games to Share Over Tea
There’s nothing like curling up with a hot mug of tea and another warm body for a cozy two‑player game session. Tea has that way of slowing down time, encouraging conversation, and coaxing out little giggles as you brew both the perfect cup and the perfect plan. So put the kettle on and settle in — here are five wonderful two‑player games that pair beautifully with your favourite loose leaf (none of them actually about tea, but all as soothing as a sip of chamomile).
1. Patchwork – Quilting With Buttons and Brews
If your idea of a perfect afternoon involves stitching together scraps while sipping on Earl Grey, then Patchwork is your jam (and toast). In this two‑player tile‑laying game, players compete to make the most aesthetic (and high‑scoring) 9×9 quilt. At the start, all patches are laid in a circle, and each player starts with five buttons — the game’s currency. On your turn, you either purchase one of the three available patches (paying with buttons and advancing along a time track) or pass. Purchased patches are placed on your personal quilt board; you can’t overlap them, so you’ll want to fit them together tightly. Passing means moving your time token ahead of your opponent’s and taking a button for each space you move. With every stitch, you must juggle your dwindling buttons, the ticking time track, and the urge to create the perfect pattern.
Why it pairs with tea: Patchwork’s gentle pace and tactile feel are perfect for long sips. The satisfaction of placing a patch is like the satisfaction of dunking a biscuit — and just like a good cuppa, a well‑timed patch can warm your soul.
Buy it here: Patchwork on Amazon
Publisher: Lookout Games
2. Jaipur – Trading in Spices, Not Sugar Cubes
Put on your merchant hat and imagine you’re one of the two most powerful traders in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. As the local court invites only those merchants with two “seals of excellence,” you’re racing against your opponent to out‑trade, out‑sell and out‑camel them. Jaipur is a fast‑paced card game of tactics, risk and a pinch of luck. On your turn you either take cards (by swapping cards with the market, taking one card or taking all the camels) or sell a set of identical goods to earn chips. The trick is that chip values decrease the longer you wait, but selling larger sets yields hefty bonuses. Camels can’t be sold, but they’re crucial for trading — and may even be worth a few points at the end.
Why it pairs with tea: Jaipur plays in about 30 minutes, giving you just enough time to finish a pot. The theme of trading spices and textiles complements the exotic aroma of chai, and the camel‑collecting antics are far less stressful than debating how long to steep oolong.
Buy it here: Jaipur (Second Edition) on Amazon
Publisher: Space Cowboys
3. The Fox in the Forest – Trick‑Taking With a Twist
Your tea bag isn’t the only thing with a string attached! The Fox in the Forest is a delightful two‑player trick‑taking game. Aside from standard ranked and suited cards, fairy characters like the Fox and the Witch have special abilities that let you change the trump suit, lead even after you lose a trick, and more. You score by winning more tricks than your opponent — but beware: win too many and you become the greedy villain of the tale, losing points. It’s a clever twist on classic trick‑taking games, with just the right amount of strategy to keep your brain engaged while your hands hug a mug.
Why it pairs with tea: The ebb and flow of winning just enough tricks mirrors the delicate balance of pouring milk before or after the tea. The fairy‑tale art and whimsical theme feel like reading a bedtime story, and its 30‑minute playtime is perfect for a quick infusion.
Buy it here: The Fox in the Forest on Amazon
Publisher: Foxtrot Games / Renegade Game Studios
4. Lost Cities – Adventures for Two
Ever dreamt of embarking on archaeological expeditions while waiting for your kettle to boil? Lost Cities is a classic two‑player card game in Kosmos’ two‑player series. Players use a deck of cards numbered 2–10 in various colored suits (plus special “handshake” investment cards). On your turn you must play one card — either to an expedition (in ascending order) or to the matching discard pile — then draw one card from the deck or a discard pile. Expeditions yield points equal to the value of their cards, but investment cards (handshakes) double or triple your results, so timing is crucial. The game ends when the draw pile is empty, and players score each expedition (subtracting 20 points if they never invested!).
Why it pairs with tea: Lost Cities is a tug‑of‑war between pushing your luck and playing it safe — exactly like trying to steep a green tea without making it bitter. Its simple rules and surprising depth make it ideal for conversation between plays.
Buy it here: Lost Cities Card Game on Amazon
Publisher: KOSMOS
5. Mandala – Patterns and Peacefulness
The mandala is an ancient symbol of the universe created with colored sand, then ceremonially destroyed. Mandala (the game) evokes that calm but competitive ritual. You’re trying to outscore your opponent by collecting valuable cards — but you won’t know which colors are valuable until they reach your “river.” Players place colored cards into two shared mandalas, creating mountains and personal fields. When a mandala contains all six colors, players take turns choosing cards from the mountain and adding them to their river and cup. At game’s end, the cards in your cup are worth points based on their position in your river: the first color collected is worth the most, and later colors are worth progressively fewer points. It’s a beautifully tense push‑and‑pull where each card you play might make a color valuable for your opponent.
Why it pairs with tea: Mandala’s slow burn and contemplative scoring system encourage thoughtful sips and introspective discussion. The linen playmat and art create a zen atmosphere, and the constant evolving value of colors mirrors the way the taste of your brew changes as it cools.
Buy it here: Mandala on Lookout Spiele
Publisher: Lookout Games
