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Why Lacuna Might Be the Best Two-Player Board Game You Haven’t Tried Yet
- Alex Critchell
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
In this week’s article, we take a close look at Lacuna, the elegant two-player strategy game about collecting floating flowers from a moonlit pond. Beneath its serene theme lies a surprisingly strategic experience that rewards tactical placement, forward planning, and clever spatial thinking.
Will Lacuna shine brilliantly like moonlight on water, or fade quietly into the night? Let’s dive in.
First Impressions
Upon receiving the game, the colourful, high-contrast artwork immediately stood out. The vibrant flowers burst against the deep background, giving the box a dreamlike quality. The title lettering is crisp and readable, though personally I would have preferred it to be a more prominently featured.
The back of the cylindrical box however is less compelling. Rather than showcasing components or gameplay imagery, it repeats the floral pattern and places the blurb on the bottom. For store-shelf appeal, this feels like a missed opportunity.
But once you open the box?
Lacuna transforms.
Inside lies one of the most luxurious sets of components I’ve seen in a small strategy game:
A silky soft game mat
Metal player markers
Smooth wooden flower tokens
Every piece feels premium and tactile, making the act of playing just as delightful as the gameplay itself.
How to Play Lacuna
Lacuna is a cosy two-player abstract strategy game where players collect flowers by drawing imaginary lines between matching pairs.
Setup
Each player takes their six metal pawns.
Randomly determine a first player; that player selects one flower token to add to their scoring area.
Pour the wooden flower tokens from the box into the inner circle of the mat. Any that bounce outside are returned to the centre.
Spread the flowers so that they’re evenly distributed without clumping.
Gameplay
On your turn, you must:
Choose two flowers of the same colour that can be connected by an “imaginary line.”
Ensure that the line is not blocked by an opponent’s pawn or a flower of a different colour.
Place your pawn anywhere along that invisible line.
Collect both flowers and add them to your scoring area.
Players alternate turns until all 12 pawns are placed.
Then comes the twist.
End-Game Flower Claiming
Once all pawns are on the board, players automatically claim any flower token that is closest to one of their pawns. The included ruler settles tie-breakers.
This second scoring phase adds a layer of strategic foresight:You’re not only trying to make good moves now but also positioning your pawns for the final flower sweep.
Winning
Players count how many flowers they have in each colour.
If you collect 4 or more of a colour, you win its majority.
Whoever wins the majority in more colours claims victory.
The result is a fast, elegant, puzzle-like experience with just enough depth to stay engaging across multiple plays.
What Makes Lacuna Special?
Positives
✅ Super Simple to Learn
A great choice for new gamers and mixed-experience couples. Rules can be taught in minutes.
✅ Tactile and Luxurious
Every piece feels wonderful in the hands. It’s the type of game you want to leave on the table and touch.
✅ Puzzly and Strategic
Your choices matter both early and late in the game. The dual-phase scoring keeps you thinking ahead.
✅ Low Downtime
Turns are quick, encouraging multiple back-to-back plays. Negatives
❌ May Be Too Simple for Some
If you prefer heavier strategy games, Lacuna might feel a bit lightweight.
❌ Forgettable Packaging
The back of the box does little to sell the game’s true beauty and quality.
❌ Bulky Storage
Despite playing like a portable filler, the cylindrical box takes up more space than expected. A travel pouch would have elevated the practicality.
Final Thoughts
After several plays, Lacuna has firmly earned its spot as one of my favourite filler-weight two-player games. Its calming theme, satisfying tactile components and clever strategic layers make it perfect for cosy evenings, especially with a hot chocolate in hand.
If you love games like A Gentle Rain or any puzzle-based abstract game with beautiful components, Lacuna will be an instant hit.
Other Great Two-Player Tactile Games
If Lacuna sounds close but not quite right for you, here are a few alternatives:
Architects of Amytis
A compact tile-laying strategy game using an engaging noughts-and-crosses-style selection system. Excellent for players who like small tactical puzzles with variable scoring paths.
Qwirkle Travel
A portable classic with chunky, tactile tiles. Match colours or shapes to score points and aim for the satisfying six-tile “Qwirkle.”
We’d Love to Hear From You!
What’s your favourite two-player game to relax with?
Share your thoughts in the comments, we love discovering new gems. You can pick up your own copy of Lacuna at:
You can discover more about the other games in this article at:
FAQ: Lacuna Board Game
Is Lacuna good for beginners?
Yes. The rules are intuitive, and new players pick it up quickly.
How long does a game of Lacuna take?
Most games take 10–20 minutes, making it perfect for quick sessions or travel.
Is Lacuna suitable as a gift for couples?
Absolutely. Its tactile components, beautiful design and relaxing playstyle make it a wonderful gift for couples or two-player households.
Does Lacuna require a lot of table space?
Moderate space is needed to lay out the mat comfortably, but much less than most full-size board games.
What age is Lacuna best for?
Recommended for ages 8+, though younger children can often grasp the core mechanics.
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