My girlfriend loves to play games. And every time she asked to play a game, I'd groan. Ever since I was infected by teenage-itis, I never played many board games. I traded board games for video games, my computer, books, and the beach.

Recently, while staying at my girlfriend's house for vacation, a miracle happened. I played Yahtzee for the first time, with her and her dad. It was so much fun! Never before had I played a game with such a magnificent blend of chance and strategy.

Yahtzee made me realize how awesome board games really are. There are some really smart guys out there who think up some really great stuff! Games that are challenging, but not so challenging that you (usually) cannot not enjoy them.

The best part about board games is that it brings people together. Family and friends can turn off the TV, sit around the table, and do nothing but enjoy each other's company. It's almost a little surprising to me just how much more fun it is to BS and laugh with friends, while playing a simple board game, than it is to sit in front of this computer screen.

Another great thing to have is a deck of cards. A deck is so cheap, and then once you have one you can play anything! Imagine - this single "apparatus" can spawn an unlimited number of different games to play! I'm tempted to print out the longest list of card games I can find on the Web; it will surely come in handy when I move back to school next weekend.

More and more video games are being made that have phenomenal multiplayer capabilities. The "Mario Party" series (which I haven't played yet), is in fact a board game on the screen. It was designed for the purpose of BSing and having fun with your buddies. There are many other great multiplayer games that I play and thoroughly enjoy. The most fun to be had from a computer game is to play a first-person-shooter at a LAN party, with the computers in close proximity. Our LAN parties are always chaotic.

I'm starting to find out, however, that it's hard to beat a simple, good old-fashioned board game. We have to remind ourselves often that we don't need technology to have fun. The games that require you and your friends to sit around a table and set up a board, or deal a hand of cards, are the games you will have the most fun playing.