Fresno State hosts inaugural Central Valley Boardgaming Championships

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Board games can be more than just a fun family pastime. On Saturday, Fresno State hosted the inaugural Central Valley Boardgaming Championships.

About 75 students from Fresno, Kings and Merced County middle and high schools went head-to-head in nine strategy games. The event was put on by the Youth Boardgaming League -- an after-school program that helps students learn through games.

"These games are communication and critical thinking-based games that really benefit them in a hidden way. So the students will play games that ultimately teach them life skills, things like money management and group dynamics," said Dr. Greg Thatcher, a public health association professor at Fresno State.

The winner of Saturday's championship walked away with a plaque and an invitation to an awards luncheon. All participating schools also received new games for their programs.