TF2 LAN shows 1/1 players

[JediAdmin]

Somewhat puzzled. My son and I have separate steam accounts. We also have separate installs of TF2. We are on the same network. Firewall rules set, ports forwarded (joining external servers work fine). We are set up on a LAN with a class C network, nothing special.
When I start a server, select the max players (in this case, 2) the server shows on his end that the server only allows 1/1 players. When I check the server properties on my PC it shows 1/1 players. Is there a cmd needed to allow more than one player on a server?

I'm sure there is a simple explanation for this...but I'm not seeing it. Please help.

[Legendary old man]

Why would you set max players at 2 on a private network? No one else can join a local game anyway. Try setting that number higher and make sure he refreshes the LAN list after you make changes.

[Butter Nutter The Science ♥♥♥♥♥♥]

same issue. I have no clue how to fix it...

[JediAdmin]

Originally posted by facedown:

Why would you set max players at 2 on a private network? No one else can join a local game anyway. Try setting that number higher and make sure he refreshes the LAN list after you make changes.

Does 2 not mean the same as player vs player? Um, I set the max players because there is only two players. Point is moot. We no longer play that flawed game.