Yes, I know that another thread has served this purpose in some regard, but it was initially designated a chess thread, and it hasn't seen the light of day for some time. This is a Nolan-esque reboot. Are you okay with that?
With the pleasantries out of the way, what board games do you like to play? I myself enjoy numerous board games and for various reason. I will start with just a few.
Chess--Yes, yes, I could have just stuck with the first thread. Well, I'll get it off my chest. I love this game, and wish I were as good as I used to be. I've never been fantastic, but I could consider myself respectable by mere mortal standards at one point.
Shogi--Not mentioned here that I've see, this is the Japanese version of chess. The pieces are flat and pointed, and all of the same color. What is interesting is that once you've captured a piece, you can turn it around and re-enter it on the board as your own piece! It really is a fascinating game, and I recommend that any chess lover try it out.
Risk--No game in my mind has taken more undeserved flak than Risk. Sure, it is simplistic and long at times. But it's not the game itself I love; it's the metagame, comprised of diplomacy and politics. In my mind, there are few games (i.e. the obvious Diplomacy) that allow for such subtlety in manipulation, even despite its lack of finesse in anything else. Particularly relevant to me is Same Time Risk from the PC game Risk II. I converted this PC only game to an actual board game, and for those interested, you can look here, here, here, and here to learn more about it. It's simultaneous play, and truly allows the best aspects of the metagame come to the forefront. This is a game where I truly excel. The reason is not because I roll the better dice or really am the better general. The reason is that I set my enemies against each other, all the while creating the perception that I am nearly harmless and innocent. I usually win the game while looking like the least aggressive player. I'm the better politician :)
Tell us about your game interests.