Splendor Duel

I loved the idea of Splendor, but it was too long a game for my husband and I. We LOVE this simplified version. We've played multiple times over the past few weeks and have recommended it to other friends. Easy to play, and it goes pretty quick when you learn the rules and get your strategy up. Pretty cards, and durable.

This game is awesome for two players. I love the original splendor game, but this one is probably even more fun for me. I love playing with my kids or with my husband. Very high-quality cards and board. It’s easy to learn and quick to play, probably takes about a half hour to play a game. Art work is really nice and I really do just love this game. I love playing games with my kids and friends and family. But this really is my favorite. My 8 year old can play pretty decently, my 11 year old is a contender.

Splendor Duel has quickly become one of our absolute favorite two-player games. It’s fast, strategic, and incredibly fun without ever feeling overwhelming. The gameplay adds a fresh twist to the classic Splendor formula with dynamic gem drafting, tighter head-to-head strategy, and gorgeous components that give it a premium feel at the table. It’s genuinely perfect for couples who want something competitive but still easy to replay night after night. Our copy arrived in perfect condition, and the cards, tokens, and board are all high-quality with vibrant colors and sturdy materials. Overall, it’s a standout addition to any board game collection.

I have the original Splendor and I think it plays fine for two players. I heard a lot about this game so I decided to try it out when it went on sale. It does offer more challenge for two players: the pearl and the different powers you can activate add some variables. It's a different experience for two players but the main mechanism is the core Splendor mechanism so it's easy to learn and fun to play. If I could only have one game, I would still pick the original Splendor. But if you have space or mainly play with only two players, or you want a smaller box, then Splendor Duel would work well.

One of the best two-player board games on the market, super easy to setup, learn and play, but with constant scrutiny of your opponent's moves. This is the classic Splendor with a twist that makes it crazy fun! A few attacks, a dynamic board affected by each other's moves, and soon you find yourself scrambling to get the last card to put your score over the top. Like it better than the original game for sure, but just awesome for two players

This game is so fun. I do wish they made a regular size version as the tiny cards are difficult to see. We play this regularly though and enjoy the replayability as every game is different. We like it better than the original Splendor (which is also fun).

I am writing this because I just don't see enough reviews for this masterpiece. We have been playing the original Splendor for years, and more often than not, as a two-player game, which it affords. It has always been one of what I call "Clean rule" games. That is to say-it is logical, and the rules make sense. No ambiguities, which we like. I was so excited to see this "duel" variant come out. First, because we love the original. Secondly, it is a small, portable option, and we love throwing a few games into the car when we hit a café on the weekend-Res Arcana and Wingspan are two favs, and the boxes are quite big. It's great. This game plays in the Splendor world, but adds some new victory conditions, the three of which are: 20 total points 10 points in the same color gem stack Ten Crowns Those of you who have played the original will note the addition of crowns. There are also scrolls that allow you to take a gem before your turn, as well as card that have additional powers of allowing you to steal a gem from your opponent (other than gold), take another turn, or take a scroll. There is a new mechanism for taking gems as well as a new gem-the pearl. Another reviewer notes that this pearl gem (of which there are only two) are a bit OP and very necessary making them a bit much, but to that reviewer I will note-gold can be pearls, so ostensibly, there are five possible pearls. We love it. It's a great, two-player game, and a much beloved addition to our two-player fun. Recommended.

I had a patient in the hospital playing g this game with her husband and bought it out of interest. We watched a video online how to play and played the game. By the end of the game we understood what to do and felt like we could play it, but it did take the entire game to understand. I would recommend it and it's a pretty fun competitive type of game.

Great two player strategy game, is more nuanced that Splendor. Very interesting and fun to play

It's a lot better 2 player game than regular Splendor, and it is quite charming and fun game. Phenomenal introduction to set collection, open drafting, and engine building mechanisms.

This is a great game for 2 people. You don't need to read so easy for my 11 and 6 year old to play together. I find a lot of kids games soul-destroying to play but I love this one. Can be played quite quickly and is neat to take away with you.

Good board game

What I Needed It For: I’m always on the lookout for good two-player games that are suitable for adults, particularly ones that can add some variety to regular game nights. What I Liked: * It’s a good game that’s easy to pick up and play * Not overly challenging, but it has enough going on to stay interesting over multiple plays with different outcomes * The components are well made and good quality * It’s compact and transportable, which is a bonus What Didn’t Work as Well: Nothing specific, it plays exactly as intended. It’s just not one of our absolute favourites, which comes down to personal taste rather than any fault with the game itself. How It Compares: Compared with other two-player games we own, this is a solid option rather than a standout. It’s the kind of game we’re happy to take out of the cupboard occasionally to mix things up. Final Thoughts: I’d recommend Splendor Duel if you’re looking to add some variety to your two-player game collection. Whether it’s a perfect fit will really depend on what you enjoy in a game, there are others I personally prefer, but there’s nothing wrong with this one at all. It’s well made, easy to play, and worth considering.