USA Weekend ran an article last weekend by relationship columnist Dennie Hughes praising the social benefits of board games and touting the popularity of game nights.

The column said that not only are board games sales hot, with increased sales of 18% last year, games are, 'a great way to gain insights about those you think you know.'

She included tips on hosting a game night and specifically recommended picking three types of games: one simple to grasp (childhood classics); one that requires more concentration and strategy; and one that 'encourages loud, boisterous team play.'

For beginners, Hughes suggested games like Monopoly, Clue, Candy Land, and Chutes and Ladders; for mixed groups, she recommends So Sue Me!; for combative games, she listed Debate This! and Controversy!; and in the 'something for everyone' category, she named the Scene It? DVD series.

Board games have been the brightest part of the game market for several years, and with this kind of mass reinforcement, it looks like that will be a continuing trend.