Podcast
The Cardboard Court
Hosted by Fellowship of Games · EN
Welcome to The Cardboard Court, where board games stand trial. We review new releases, debate hot takes, and deliver final verdicts on the best games in tabletop gaming. From euro games to thematic adventures, every game gets its day in court.
10episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Cardboard Court 010: Is Gen Con Worth It? | Costs, Tips & Our Honest Verdict 🎲🏙️
6d ago01:00:46Tap to summarizeGen 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/fellowshipofgamesYouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25TikTok @fellowship.of.gamInstagram fog.stickerbhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgamesfellowshipofgames.com#BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #CardboardCourt #BoardGamePodcast #Gencon #GamingConvention #GenConTips #ConventionLife
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Cardboard Court 009 Does Germany Love Board Games as Much as We Do? 🇩🇪🎲
2w ago00:31:59Tap to summarizeermany 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/fellowshipofgamesYouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25TikTok @fellowship.of.gamInstagram fog.stickerbhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgamesfellowshipofgames.com#BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #CardboardCourt #BoardGamePodcast #Germany
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Cardboard Court 008: Board Game Conventions | Local vs. Regional vs. National
3w ago00:49:46Tap to summarizeFrom 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 gamersWe'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/fellowshipofgamesYouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25TikTok @fellowship.of.gamInstagram fog.stickerbhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgamesfellowshipofgames.com#BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames
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Cardboard Court 007 The Buy-or-Pass Test | How We Decide Which Games Earn a Spot on Our Shelf 🎲
4w ago01:00:16Tap to summarizeHow do you decide whether a board game is worth buying?In Episode 007 of Cardboard Court, we're pulling back the curtain on our personal decision-making process and discussing the factors that help us determine whether a game is an instant purchase, a "wait and see," or an easy pass.With thousands of new games released every year, no one can buy everything. We talk about the criteria we use to evaluate games before they ever hit our table, including theme, mechanics, player count, replayability, price, shelf space, reviews, and whether a game fills a unique role in our collection.In This Episode:🎲 What catches our attention when a new game is announced💰 How price and value influence our decisions🔄 Replayability versus one-and-done experiences⭐ How much weight we give reviews, ratings, and recommendations✅ What turns a game into a must-buyWe'll also share examples of games we bought immediately, games we regretted purchasing, and titles we were glad we skipped.Whether you're trying to build your first collection or refine an already overflowing game shelf, this episode offers insight into how we navigate the endless stream of board game releases and make purchasing decisions.How do you decide if a game deserves a place in your collection? Let us know and join the discussion!https://linktr.ee/fellowshipofgamesYouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25TikTok @fellowship.of.gamInstagram fog.stickerbhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgamesfellowshipofgames.com#BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames
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Cardboard Court 006 App-Driven Board Games | Innovation or Intrusion? 📱🎲
Jun 2100:47:33Tap to summarizeIn 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 CrimeIn 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 implementationsAre 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/fellowshipofgamesYouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25TikTok @fellowship.of.gamInstagram fog.stickerbhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgamesfellowshipofgames.com#BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #AppDriven
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Cardboard Court 005 The End of Curse of Strahd | Our D&D Campaign Retrospective
Jun 1401:00:02Tap to summarizeAfter 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 nextWarning: 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/fellowshipofgamesYouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25TikTok @fellowship.of.gamInstagram fog.stickerbhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgamesfellowshipofgames.com#BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #CurseofStrahd #D&D #DnD
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Cardboard Court 004 — Campaign vs Legacy Games 🎲 What’s the Difference?
Jun 700:37:54Tap to summarize🎙️ 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 gameWhat makes a game “Legacy”Permanent changes vs replayabilityStorytelling and progression systemsOur favorite mechanics from each styleWhat frustrates us about both formats 👀Which type we prefer for long-term gaming groups⚔️ Topics We Discuss:Narrative immersionReplay valueResetability and game preservationEmotional investment in campaignsGroup commitment challengesWhy 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/fellowshipofgamesYouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25TikTok @fellowship.of.gamInstagram fog.stickerbhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgamesfellowshipofgames.com#BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #CardboardCourt #LegacyGames #CampaignGames
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Cardboard Court 003 Hotels, Hauls & Tabletop Chaos at BoardGame Geek Con Spring 2026
May 2701:27:28Tap to summarize🎙️ 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 conventionHotel tips and what we would do differentlyFavorite games we played during the event 🎲The atmosphere and community experiencePros and cons of BoardGameGeek Spring 2026Convention budgeting and planning tipsThings first-time attendees should knowOur 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/fellowshipofgamesYouTube @fellowshipofgames-sb25TikTok @fellowship.of.gamInstagram fog.stickerbhttps://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742https://www.patreon.com/c/fellowshipofgamesfellowshipofgames.com#BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #CardboardCourt #BBGCon
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Cardboard Court 002 🔥 Firefighters, Chaos & New Ideas
May 2000:41:31Tap to summarize🎙️ 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 FlashpointFavorite mechanics and gameplay momentsEmergency scenarios we’d love to see addedExpansion and campaign ideasDream features and house rule discussionsHow 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 ⚖️
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Cardboard Court 001 — Gen Con, BGG Con & Convention Chaos!
May 1300:38:37Tap to summarize🎙️ 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
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