I enjoy them, I think because they provide a sort of structure to a gathering without inhibiting conversation (as compared to a film, for example). I also don't get terribly invested in them (these days, anyway; I do have one Shameful Monopoly Incident in my past); I'm not nearly as strategic in gameplay as I am at work or writing. I think for me it feels like a low-stakes environment where I can make mistakes without anything awful happening.

countertony doesn't like board games so for me it's always associated with socialising beyond the household - either with friends or with family. Family-wise, there's a certain amount of tradition in there as well, I think: we play Scrabble/Letterbags/Racing Demon because we always have. My brothers and I are going to play Ticket to Ride online this evening, assuming the technology works.