Two Player Abstract Board Games

Matt Robertson · Nov 05, 2025, 10:56

Two Player Abstract Games
I have a sizable collection of 2-Player Abstract Games that I would like to get to the table more often. This post is to compile a list of interested players with the intent to establish a semi-regular cadence of planned 2 player abstract game nights.

People Interested
If you are interested in these types of games, post in this thread. No tire kickers please, make sure you are indeed interested prior to signing up.
01. Matt Robertson
02. Elaine Rissling
03. Patrick Crowthers
04. Jon Hoffman
05. Bryan Orthner
06. Carmen Pauls Orthner
07. Isha Crowthers

2 Player Abstract Games in our Group

GAME	-	OWNER(S)
(1) GIPF	-	Matt / Jon / Bryan
(2) TZAAR	-	Matt / Jon / Patrick / Bryan
(3) ZERTZ	-	Matt / Jon / Patrick / Bryan
(4) DVONN	-	Matt / Jon / Patrick
(5) PUNCT	-	Matt / Bryan
(6) YINSH	-	Matt / Jon / Patrick / Bryan
(7) LYNGK	-	Matt / Jon
(n/a) TAMSK	-	Matt
MATRX GIPF	-	Matt
Hive	-	Matt / Jon
Volcano (IceHouse Game)	-	Matt
Pikemen (IceHouse Game)	-	Matt
Laser Chess	-	Matt
Quarto	-	Matt / Patrick
Kulami	-	Matt / Jon
Santorini	-	Patrick
Camelot (Inside Moves)	-	Jon
Patterns	-	Jon
Shobu	-	Jon
Caro	-	Elaine
Mandala (Not pure Abstract)	-	Jon
Azul (Not pure Abstract)	-	Elaine

Ranking the GIPF games as we play them

Matt Robertson
1. ZERTZ
2. DVONN
3. GIPF
4. TZAAR
5. PUNCT

Carmen Pauls Orthner
1. ZERTZ
2. TZAAR
3. GIPF

Jon Hoffman
1. ZERTZ
2. GIPF
3. TZAAR

Weirdlife · Nov 05, 2025, 18:28

So I also have Santorini, if that counts!

Jon H · Nov 05, 2025, 20:00

I have the following:

GIPF
ZERTZ
DVONN
YINSH
TZAAR
LYNGK
Hive w/MLP
Kulami
Inside Moves (Camelot)
Mandala (one of my favourites but not a "pure" abstract)
Patterns
SHOBU

Matt Robertson · Nov 06, 2025, 04:39

Quote from: Weirdlife on Nov 05, 2025, 18:28So I also have Santorini, if that counts!

Do you have any of the above games as well Patrick?

Matt Robertson · Nov 06, 2025, 04:58

I am going to suggest we start with the GIPF system and focus on games where we have at least two copies so we can gather as a group for the nights we play and have one teach with multiple of the same game being played. I am so looking forward to this.

Northgreyraven · Nov 09, 2025, 19:39

What are your thoughts on frequency / scheduling? Carmen and I are both interested, but finding free nights could be a challenge.

Matt Robertson · Nov 13, 2025, 08:16

Okay people, now to make this happen.
Please answer the following questions so we can zone in on planning these events. I am happy to host for a location and ChewsDay Challenge is an option.

(1) What frequency would you like for playing 2 player abstracts?
a) Weekly
b) Bi-Weekly
c) Monthly
d) Ad-hoc (Whenever)

(2) What days are good for you for playing these?
a) Monday Nights
b) Tuesday Nights (at ChewsDay Challenge)
c) Wednesday Nights
d) Thursday Nights
e) Friday Nights
f) Saturday Days
g) Saturday Nights
h) Sunday Days
i) Sunday Nights
j) Ad-hoc (Whenever)

Jon H · Nov 14, 2025, 13:52

1) b or c
2) b or e

Weirdlife · Nov 15, 2025, 07:32

1) C or D
2) B or J

Elaine · Nov 15, 2025, 07:34

1) c or d
2) b - i

Weirdlife · Nov 15, 2025, 07:38

Quote from: Matt Robertson on Nov 06, 2025, 04:39
Quote from: Weirdlife on Nov 05, 2025, 18:28So I also have Santorini, if that counts!

Do you have any of the above games as well Patrick?

I have the 4 giph games i just picked up from you,(I can't remember their names off the top of my head though sorry) as well as Quarto, and Santorini.

Elaine · Nov 15, 2025, 07:40

Sorry, I don't really have abstracts in my collection to offer. We have Caro and arguably Azul is an abstract. That's it. It's a new space for me I'm excited to try out.

Matt Robertson · Nov 15, 2025, 09:17

Looks like we are shaping up for a monthly Abstract night at ChewsDay Challenge. Now to decide which ChewsDay to allocate...
1st, 2nd, 3rd, or 4th ChewsDay of the Month. Any current regular or ongoing CC commitments we need to schedule around?

Elaine · Nov 15, 2025, 09:25

I'm scheduled for a game on the 18th. I'm in two different legacy games that are often played at Chewsday, Arcs and Regicide. Neither are regimented, scheduling-wise, so with a little heads up I am free most Tuesdays.

Jon H · Nov 15, 2025, 18:40

I won't be able to make it on the 18th but am free otherwise (no other ChewsDay commitments).

Matt Robertson · Nov 18, 2025, 04:53

Let's make this the fourth ChewsDay of each month as a plan going forward.
I will post November Abstract

Carmen Pauls Orthner · Nov 18, 2025, 16:41

That works for me.

Carmen Pauls Orthner · Nov 18, 2025, 16:43

Are there not 3 copies of the November game? If not, I guess Bryan and I will sit out this one.

tlh878 · Nov 18, 2025, 22:36

I believe Deron and I have GIPF that we can bring if you would like to borrow it. I will check.

Northgreyraven · Nov 19, 2025, 11:29

Games owned:

Carmen and I do not currently own any of the two-player pure abstracts listed. We do have Azul, Sagrada, and Santorini. I have played Othello, Connect 4, Chinese Checkers, and other games with some similarities to the list posted, and look forward to trying out some of these games.

Carmen Pauls Orthner · Nov 19, 2025, 17:27

We are flexible in our schedules to some extent. ChewsDays we reserve for gaming, so doing the 2-player games on one of those nights each month will be fine. Mondays from September to early December and then January to early May are booked for Bryan's choir practices. We have a regular Friday night games group, and a bi-weekly campaign game in progress with another group that usually meets Thursdays. And Sunday mornings are out. Hope that helps!

Matt Robertson · Nov 20, 2025, 10:25

Quote from: Carmen Pauls Orthner on Nov 18, 2025, 16:43Are there not 3 copies of the November game? If not, I guess Bryan and I will sit out this one.

We can add a third copy into this mix if you and Bryan wish to play, I was basing four players as I was only aware of two copies of the game. I see you just signed up for Waterdeep. What is your preference so we can finalize arrangements?

Weirdlife · Nov 21, 2025, 17:38

Finally have the names of the gulf games I have,
Yinsh
Zertz
Tzar
Dvonn

Along with Santorini and quarto (obviously not part of the series)

Matt Robertson · Nov 26, 2025, 09:23

Two Player Abstract Game Night Recap
Episode #01 - GIPF (2025-11-25)
Matt, Jon, & Patrick met at ChewsDay Challenge to play GIPF. Since there was three of us, we decided we would try three games with each of us playing each other once. This format worked well as the games are short. I think we will be fine with player counts of 2-6 players.

GIPF was a great launch to the series and all three games played very differently. I will track results here, not for any reason but to diarize our sessions.
01a: Jon vs Patrick (Patrick won)
01b: Patrick vs Matt (Matt won)
01c: Jon vs Matt (Matt won)

Next up to play is TZAAR. I will book it. It looks like we have at least three copies.

If anyone wants to play GIPF in the next month in the leadup to the next 2 Player Abstract Game Night, I am happy to bring out / teach.

Elaine · Nov 26, 2025, 09:40

I'm sorry I missed it. Glad you were able to make it work!