Some of the best moments on LOST were the relaxed, normal human interaction (without the drama).
Hurley's "golf" course took our minds away from the relentless tension of the attacks, the smoke monster and the mysteries. It also showed a few of the main characters having uncharacteristic flaws, like Jack the Doctor not being able to hit a golf ball (contrary to the stereotypical country club physician).
Hurley's ping pong beat down of Sawyer was also funny. Sawyer had the skills to play people off each other, but when it came to a simple game against a perceived simpleton like Hurley, Sawyer was taken down a few pegs.
Kate and Jack played Sawyer poker for the return of medical supplies.
When Walt wanted to hang out with Locke and learn backgammon, it was a moment when Locke was able to teach Walt valuable life lessons, like the black and white chips. Walt was out of place going back to America with his father who was a stranger, but at the same time he felt his place on the out of place island. The conflict between symbols of black and white would guide many characters down paths of both good and evil.
One of the most shocking game moments in the series was when Kate's party attempted to rescue Jack from the Others, but found Jack playing a friendly game of football with Mr. Friendly on gthe barracks grounds. It was one of those WTH? moments.
The barracks also provided the scene for Hurley beating Sawyer in horse shoes because Hurley was "lucky." In reality, Hurley was quite good at games of chance, including Connect 4, at the mental institution. When Hurley was in deed "lucky," he was cursed (i.e. lottery win with the Numbers).
Games provide relief from the daily routine, boredom and despair of every day living . . . . and at least the LOST writers fit in a few normal moments of relaxation into the drama series. The lighter moments made things a little more believable, and more invested in the characters.