Games like Monopoly, which is 80 years old this week, help to teach children about negotiation, math and the value of money. (Photo: Hasbro Inc.)

Games like Monopoly, which is 80 years old this week, help to teach children about negotiation, math and the value of money. (Photo: Hasbro Inc.)

Seemingly mild-mannered people can be surprisingly ruthless on the game board or card table. I know. I’m one of them, but it’s all in fun.

This weekend is a good time to plan a game night with family or friends. Consider pulling out Taboo, Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, a chess set or whatever you have stored in your closet or basement.

Playing games is not only good to you, but also good for you — from laughing and bonding to relieving stress and boosting your brain. Children can benefit from problem-solving, concentration and teamwork.

What's your favorite game? (Photo: Mattel)

What’s your favorite game? Add your comments below. (Photo: Mattel)

Some of my favorite memories include watching my father teach my son how to play bid whist. I also loved playing Monopoly with him and my nephews as they learned about negotiations and the value of money. (We’ve also learned to scrutinize my sister’s creativity with words in Scattergories.)

So, tell us about your favorite games from Uno to Pente and any interesting house rules — like building a jackpot of fines on Free Parking in Monopoly. (Is that even a thing?)

About Fierce Fridays — Tips for Weekend Well-Being
We each cherish those precious days off at the end of the week, but increasingly those of us who are charter members of the sisterhood of the stressed and overworked are losing our Saturday and Sunday leisure time to weekend work and domestic duties.

To make sure that you do something every weekend that’s just for you, we’ll be sharing a little advice to make those 48 hours a great time to recharge your batteries, bring a little good news into your life, or discover a quick and easy way to improve your health.