The Cardboard Court

The Cardboard Court

Video Podcast
by CHESBORN
GamesHobbies
Season 1

Cardboard Court 011: Is There a Best Board Game Mechanic? 🎲⚙️

Every great board game is built on a foundation of mechanics—but is there one mechanic that stands above the rest? In Episode 011 of Cardboard Court, we're diving into one of the biggest debates in tabletop gaming: Is there such a thing as the "best" board game mechanic? From worker placement and deck building to engine building, area control, and beyond, we discuss the mechanics that keep us coming back to the table... and the ones we'd rather avoid. We'll share our personal favorites, our least favorites, and discuss how mechanics shape the overall gaming experience. Along the way, we'll highlight games that showcase these mechanics at their very best. 🎲 In This Episode: ⚙️ What exactly is a board game mechanic? 🏗️ Our favorite mechanics and why we love them 🙅 Mechanics that just don't click with us 🎮 Games that perfectly showcase their mechanics 🧠 How mechanics influence strategy, replayability, and fun 🏆 Our verdict: Is there really a "best" board game mechanic? We'll also talk about how different gaming groups enjoy different mechanics and why the "best" mechanic often depends on the players sitting around the table. Whether you're a fan of crunchy Eurogames, thematic adventures, or fast-paced family games, this episode is sure to spark some friendly debate! What's your favorite board game mechanic? Is it worker placement, deck building, trick-taking, cooperative play, or something else entirely? Let us know and join the conversation! https://linktr.ee/fellowshipofgames YouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25 TikTok @fellowship.of.gam Instagram fog.stickerb https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742 https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgames fellowshipofgames.com #BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames
S1 · E11
Jul 27, 2026
45:42

Cardboard Court 010: Is Gen Con Worth It? | Costs, Tips & Our Honest Verdict 🎲🏙️

Gen Con is the largest tabletop gaming convention in North America—but is it really worth the time, money, and crowds? In Episode 10 of Cardboard Court, we take a deep dive into the Gen Con experience. We discuss the real costs beyond your badge, share practical advice for first-time attendees, and reveal the tips and tricks we've learned to help you make the most of your convention. Whether you're planning your first trip to Indianapolis or wondering if Gen Con belongs on your gaming bucket list, this episode will help you decide if the experience is right for you. 🎲 In This Episode: 🎟️ What a Gen Con badge actually gets you 💰 Hidden costs beyond the ticket price 🏨 Hotels, parking, food, and travel expenses 🛍️ Budgeting for the exhibit hall and exclusive releases 📅 Tips for planning your schedule and event registration 🎒 What to pack for a long convention day 🤝 Advice for first-time attendees 🏆 Our final verdict: Is Gen Con worth the investment? We'll also share our favorite moments, biggest surprises, and the mistakes we'd avoid if we were attending for the first time all over again. If you've ever wondered whether Gen Con lives up to the hype, this episode is for you! Have you attended Gen Con? We'd love to hear your favorite memories, best tips, and whether you think it's worth the trip. Join the conversation in the comments! https://linktr.ee/fellowshipofgames YouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25 TikTok @fellowship.of.gam Instagram fog.stickerb https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742 https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgames fellowshipofgames.com #BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #CardboardCourt #BoardGamePodcast #Gencon #GamingConvention #GenConTips #ConventionLife
S1 · E10
Jul 19, 2026
1:00:46

Cardboard Court 009 Does Germany Love Board Games as Much as We Do? 🇩🇪🎲

ermany is often called the heart of modern board gaming—but does it really live up to its legendary reputation? In Episode 009 of Cardboard Court, we share stories from our recent trip to Germany, where we set out to answer one question: Do Germans love board games as much as we do? From exploring local game shops and discovering hidden gems to comparing the gaming culture with what we experience in the United States, we discuss what surprised us, what impressed us, and what every board gamer should know before planning a gaming trip to Germany. 🎲 In This Episode: 🇩🇪 Our journey through Germany's board game scene 🏪 The incredible game stores we discovered 🎲 Differences between German and American gaming culture 🛍️ What we found (and bought!) along the way 🍻 The atmosphere of local game shops and cafés ✈️ Tips for board gamers planning a trip to Germany 🏆 Does Germany deserve its reputation as the board game capital of the world? We'll also share our favorite stores, memorable experiences, and the games that caught our attention while traveling through one of the hobby's most influential countries. Whether you've always dreamed of visiting Germany, are planning your own board game pilgrimage, or simply enjoy hearing about gaming culture around the world, this episode is for you! Have you ever visited Germany for board games? We'd love to hear about your favorite stores, conventions, and experiences. Share them in the comments or join the conversation! https://linktr.ee/fellowshipofgames YouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25 TikTok @fellowship.of.gam Instagram fog.stickerb https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742 https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgames fellowshipofgames.com #BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #CardboardCourt #BoardGamePodcast #Germany
S1 · E9
Jul 12, 2026
31:59

Cardboard Court 008: Board Game Conventions | Local vs. Regional vs. National

From friendly local gatherings to massive convention halls packed with thousands of gamers, not all board game conventions offer the same experience! In Episode 008 of Cardboard Court, we're comparing local, regional, and national board game conventions and discussing what we love—and what we don't—about each style of event. Whether you're attending your first convention or planning your next big gaming trip, we'll break down the pros and cons of every level of the hobby. In This Episode: 🎲 The charm and community of local conventions 🌎 Why regional conventions strike a great balance 🏢 The spectacle and scale of national events 💰 Cost, travel, and overall value comparisons 👥 Meeting designers, publishers, and fellow gamers 🛍️ Vendor halls, events, and exclusive experiences ⚖️ Which type of convention best fits different gamers We'll discuss what makes each convention experience unique, where each one shines, and why there's room in the hobby for all three. From intimate game nights with familiar faces to the overwhelming excitement of conventions like BGG Con and Gen Con, every event has something special to offer. So, which do we prefer: local, regional, or national? Tune in to hear our verdicts—and a few stories from conventions we've attended along the way! What kind of board game convention is your favorite? Let us know and join the conversation. https://linktr.ee/fellowshipofgames YouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25 TikTok @fellowship.of.gam Instagram fog.stickerb https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742 https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgames fellowshipofgames.com #BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames
S1 · E8
Jul 5, 2026
49:46

Cardboard Court 006 App-Driven Board Games | Innovation or Intrusion? 📱🎲

In this Episode of Cardboard Court, we're diving into the world of app-driven board games and discussing whether digital companions enhance the tabletop experience—or get in the way of it. From immersive storytelling and automated game management to concerns about longevity, accessibility, and screen time at the table, we explore both the strengths and weaknesses of app-assisted gaming. We'll share our experiences with some of the hobby's most popular titles and discuss what works, what doesn't, and where we think this style of game design is headed. Games Discussed: 🎭 Mansions of Madness: Second Edition 💍 The Lord of the Rings: Journeys in Middle-earth 🏛️ My Father's Work 🕵️ Chronicles of Crime In This Episode: 📱 What makes a board game "app-driven" ✅ The benefits of companion apps 🎲 Enhanced storytelling and gameplay possibilities ⚠️ Concerns about app support and game longevity 👥 How apps affect the social tabletop experience 🏆 Our favorite and least favorite implementations Are app-driven games the future of tabletop gaming, or do they take away from what makes board games special? Join us as we make the case for both sides and share our thoughts from years of gaming experience. Let us know where you stand on app-assisted games and which titles you think get it right! https://linktr.ee/fellowshipofgames YouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25 TikTok @fellowship.of.gam Instagram fog.stickerb https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742 https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgames fellowshipofgames.com #BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #AppDriven
S1 · E6
Jun 21, 2026
47:33

Cardboard Court 005 The End of Curse of Strahd | Our D&D Campaign Retrospective

After countless encounters, hard-fought battles, unexpected twists, and memorable roleplaying moments, our Curse of Strahd campaign has finally come to an end! In this episode of Cardboard Court, we look back on our journey through the dark and gothic land of Barovia. We'll discuss our favorite moments, biggest surprises, unforgettable characters, epic victories, devastating setbacks, and what it was like to bring this legendary Dungeons & Dragons campaign to its conclusion. Whether you've completed Curse of Strahd yourself, are currently adventuring through Barovia, or are simply interested in hearing about a long-running D&D campaign experience, join us as we reflect on the adventure and share the stories that made it memorable. In This Episode: 🎲 Our overall thoughts on the Curse of Strahd campaign 🦇 Favorite moments and memorable encounters ⚔️ Character highlights and party dynamics 🏰 The challenges of surviving Barovia 🎭 Lessons learned as players and storytellers 📜 What we're planning to play next Warning: This episode contains major spoilers for Curse of Strahd. Grab your favorite beverage, settle into your gaming chair, and join the court as we discuss one of D&D's most beloved adventures. https://linktr.ee/fellowshipofgames YouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25 TikTok @fellowship.of.gam Instagram fog.stickerb https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742 https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgames fellowshipofgames.com #BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #CurseofStrahd #D&D #DnD
S1 · E5
Jun 14, 2026
1:00:02

Cardboard Court 004 — Campaign vs Legacy Games 🎲 What’s the Difference?

🎙️ Welcome back to Cardboard Court — the podcast where we talk all things board games, tabletop gaming, and the experiences that keep us coming back to the table. In Episode 004, we’re diving into one of the biggest modern trends in tabletop gaming: Campaign Games vs Legacy Games. What’s the difference between the two? Why do some players absolutely LOVE permanent changes and evolving stories while others avoid them completely? And which style creates the better tabletop experience? From branching narratives and character progression to ripped cards, stickers, and permanent consequences, we break down what makes each style unique—and discuss the things we personally love and dislike about both. 🎲 In This Episode: What defines a Campaign game What makes a game “Legacy” Permanent changes vs replayability Storytelling and progression systems Our favorite mechanics from each style What frustrates us about both formats 👀 Which type we prefer for long-term gaming groups ⚔️ Topics We Discuss: Narrative immersion Replay value Resetability and game preservation Emotional investment in campaigns Group commitment challenges Why Legacy games changed the hobby 🎲 About Cardboard Court: Cardboard Court is a podcast dedicated to board games, tabletop culture, reviews, discussions, industry topics, and the stories that happen around the table. If it involves cardboard, dice, meeples, or game night debates… it belongs in the Court ⚖️ Do you prefer Campaign games or Legacy games? What’s your favorite game in either category? https://linktr.ee/fellowshipofgames YouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25 TikTok @fellowship.of.gam Instagram fog.stickerb https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742 https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgames fellowshipofgames.com #BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #CardboardCourt #LegacyGames #CampaignGames
S1 · E4
Jun 7, 2026
37:54

Cardboard Court 003 Hotels, Hauls & Tabletop Chaos at BoardGame Geek Con Spring 2026

🎙️ Welcome back to Cardboard Court — the podcast where we talk all things board games, tabletop gaming, and the stories that happen around the table. In Episode 003, we’re sharing our full experience from BoardGameGeek Spring 2026! From travel planning and hotel experiences to nonstop gaming and unforgettable convention moments, we break down everything that made the convention such a blast. 🎲 We also talk about the pros and cons of the convention, what surprised us the most, and tips we learned that could help first-time attendees make the most of their trip. Whether you’re thinking about attending a board game convention someday or you’re already a convention veteran, this episode is packed with stories, laughs, advice, and plenty of tabletop excitement. In This Episode: Our travel experience getting to the convention Hotel tips and what we would do differently Favorite games we played during the event 🎲 The atmosphere and community experience Pros and cons of BoardGameGeek Spring 2026 Convention budgeting and planning tips Things first-time attendees should know Our funniest and most memorable moments 🎲 About Cardboard Court: Cardboard Court is a podcast dedicated to board games, tabletop culture, reviews, discussions, industry topics, and the stories that happen around the table. If it involves cardboard, dice, meeples, or game night debates… it belongs in the Court ⚖️ https://linktr.ee/fellowshipofgames YouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25 TikTok @fellowship.of.gam Instagram fog.stickerb https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742 https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgames fellowshipofgames.com #BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #CardboardCourt #BBGCon
S1 · E3
May 27, 2026
1:27:28

Cardboard Court 002 🔥 Firefighters, Chaos & New Ideas

🎙️ Welcome back to Cardboard Court — the podcast where we talk all things board games, tabletop gaming, and the ideas that keep us thinking long after game night ends. In Episode 002, we’re putting the spotlight on Operation Flashpoint and diving into a full brainstorming session about mechanics, expansions, emergency scenarios, and ideas we’d love to see added to the game in the future. From new firefighter tools and rescue situations to wild disaster concepts and campaign possibilities, this episode is packed with creative tabletop discussion and plenty of “what if?” moments 🔥🚒 🚨 In This Episode: Our thoughts on Operation Flashpoint Favorite mechanics and gameplay moments Emergency scenarios we’d love to see added Expansion and campaign ideas Dream features and house rule discussions How the game could evolve in the future 🎲 About Cardboard Court: Cardboard Court is a podcast dedicated to board games, tabletop culture, reviews, discussions, industry topics, and the stories that happen around the table. If it involves cardboard, dice, meeples, or game night debates… it belongs in the Court ⚖️
S1 · E2
May 20, 2026
41:31

Cardboard Court 001 — Gen Con, BGG Con & Convention Chaos!

🎙️ Welcome to the very first episode of Cardboard Court — a tabletop gaming podcast where we talk all things board games! In Episode 001, we’re diving into our experiences with board game conventions like Gen Con, BGG Con, and more. From massive game halls and late-night gaming sessions to unforgettable moments, favorite discoveries, and convention survival tips, we’re sharing what makes tabletop conventions such a huge part of the hobby. Whether you’re a convention veteran or thinking about attending your very first event, this episode is packed with stories, insights, laughs, and plenty of cardboard-fueled chaos 🎲 About Cardboard Court: Cardboard Court is a podcast dedicated to board games, tabletop culture, reviews, discussions, industry topics, and the stories that happen around the table. If it involves cardboard, dice, meeples, or game night debates… it belongs in the Court ⚖️ RSS
S1 · E1
May 13, 2026
38:37
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