Board game enthusiasts from across the country will gather in Sydney this week for Australia’s largest board game convention.
The South Sydney Events Centre will be packed with Monopoly, Catan and Trivial Pursuit fans for Play Con, where over 300 different games will be played and won over the three-day event.
Play Con organizer Jules Watson said gamers young and old will attend the sold-out event.
read more:How You Can Win a Stay at the World’s First KFC Hotel
“We know there are people coming from Tasmania, there are groups from Perth, even people from New Zealand flying in for this,” Watson said.
There are many [board games] To choose from. There’s Splendid Jewell, Unrest, and The Castles of Burgundy.
“There’s plenty of time to play lots of games, drink lots of water, and stretch your legs, but come with a good attitude, come to have some fun and make some new friends.”
For some, it’s serious stuff that requires physical effort, mental strength, and overall skill.
The Green family had been training for this moment their entire lives.
The family passion began with father Andrew, who would play once a week with his friends.
“It’s a great social thing to do right,” he said.
“We made really good friends through this experience. We had a lot of fun.”
He has passed on his obsession to his wife and children, who play backgammon most nights after dinner.
“It builds a better, stronger relationship between all of us,” said his wife, Lauren.
“It teaches kids to win and lose gracefully, too.
“It’s fun because he brings board games home every week and we get to try them out…just like this new game here,” said his son Fletcher.
For many Play Con attendees, it provides an opportunity to step away from screens and reconnect.
Board games are a great way for kids and families to relax and learn, says Lauren Ehrenfeld, a child psychologist and board game expert.
“It stimulates your brain, it enhances thinking skills, training and different cognitive skills that are great for kids to develop,” Ehrenfeld said.
“Anything that promotes positive interaction within the family unit and positive social communication is very important.”
