The Cardboard Court

CHESBORN
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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.

  1. 11h ago

    Cardboard Court Episode 16: Behind NEA Game Fest with Kiersten Heyl | Building a Convention & a Gaming Community

    Welcome back to Cardboard Court, the CHESBORN podcast where we pull up a chair and talk about all things board games! In Episode 16, we're joined by Kiersten Heyl for a special behind-the-scenes conversation about NEA Game Fest, the Northeast Arkansas charity board game convention that has become an annual tradition for us. What's it really like to build and run a board game convention? Kiersten takes us behind the curtain to talk about the history of NEA Game Fest, how the convention has grown and changed over the years, and the enormous amount of work that goes into creating a weekend of tabletop gaming. Kiersten is also one of the founders of the NEA Gamers Guild, and we discuss the role the Guild has played in building a local tabletop community and bringing gamers together throughout Northeast Arkansas. 🎙️ In this episode: 🎲 The origins and history of NEA Game Fest 🎟️ What it takes to organize a board game convention ❤️ The charitable mission behind the event 👥 Building and supporting a local gaming community 🏆 Events, Play & Win games, and convention activities 🎮 The story behind the NEA Gamers Guild 📈 How NEA Game Fest has evolved over the years 🔮 What's ahead for the convention and local gaming community As longtime attendees, we're excited to share the story of the people and passion behind a convention we look forward to every year. Have you attended NEA Game Fest? Tell us about your favorite memory—or the game you discovered there! Subscribe to Cardboard Court by CHESBORN for conversations about board games, conventions, designers, publishers, the tabletop industry, and the people who make this hobby special. NEA Game website http://www.neagamefest.com NEA Game Fest Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/neagamefest/ NEA Gamers Guild https://www.neagamersguild.org/ Pull up a chair. There's always room at the table. https://linktr.ee/chesborn YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@chesborn TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@chesborn Instagram fog.stickerb https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578805919742 https://www.patreon.com/cw/chesborn https://www.chesborn.com #BoardGames #TabletopGaming #FellowshipOfGames #Chesborn #CardboardCourt #NEAGameFest #NEAGamersGuild

    Cardboard Court Episode 16: Behind NEA Game Fest with Kiersten Heyl | Building a Convention & a Gaming Community

  2. Aug 23

    Cardboard Court 015 – Kickstarter Now or Wait for Retail? | Is Crowdfunding Worth It?

    ⚖️ Court is now in session! In this episode of Cardboard Court, we’re tackling a decision almost every board gamer faces sooner or later: Do you back the Kickstarter now, or wait for the game to hit retail? Crowdfunding can be exciting—deluxe components, exclusive content, stretch goals, expansions, and the chance to support a game before it ever reaches store shelves. But it can also mean higher prices, expensive shipping, long waits, and the risk that the finished game may not live up to the hype. Meanwhile, waiting for retail gives you the chance to see reviews, learn how the game was received, and potentially pay less—but will you miss out on content you can never get again? 🎲 In this episode, we discuss: • Kickstarter exclusives and FOMO • Deluxe editions vs. retail editions • Shipping costs and the REAL price of backing • Waiting months—or even years—for fulfillment • The risks of crowdfunding • When we think backing early is actually worth it • Why waiting for retail might be the smarter choice ⚖️ Now it’s your turn to render a verdict! Are you Team Kickstarter or Team Wait for Retail? What makes you hit that pledge button—and what makes you walk away? Tell us in the comments! 🎙️ Cardboard Court – where we put board gaming’s biggest questions on trial. #CardboardCourt #Kickstarter #BoardGames #BoardGameKickstarter #Crowdfunding #BoardGaming #TabletopGaming #BoardGamePodcast #Gamefound #Chesborn #FellowshipOfGames

    Cardboard Court 015 – Kickstarter Now or Wait for Retail? | Is Crowdfunding Worth It?

  3. Aug 16

    Cardboard Court Episode 14: Is It the Game or the Group? What Really Makes Board Gaming Fun?

    Welcome back to Cardboard Court, the podcast where we gather around the table to talk about everything board games! In Episode 14, we're tackling a question every tabletop gamer has asked at some point: What really makes a board game memorable—the game itself or the people you're playing with? We've all experienced it. A mediocre game becomes an unforgettable night because of the laughter around the table, while an award-winning masterpiece can fall flat with the wrong group. So, which matters more? Join us as we discuss how game groups, player personalities, table chemistry, and game design all come together to create unforgettable gaming experiences. We'll share personal stories, debate different perspectives, and explore whether the "perfect game" can overcome the wrong group—or if the right group can make almost any game a hit. In this episode: 🎲 Does a great group make any game fun? 👥 How player personalities shape the experience 🤝 Finding the right games for the right people 😂 Some of our most memorable game night stories 🏆 Can an amazing game overcome a bad table? 💬 Our final verdict: Which matters more? Whether you're a casual gamer, a hobby enthusiast, or the one who always hosts game night, this episode is sure to spark discussion at your own table. What do you think? Is it the game that creates unforgettable moments, or is it the people you play with? We'd love to hear your thoughts! Share your opinions in the comments or connect with us on social media. Subscribe to Cardboard Court for more conversations about board games, game nights, industry news, reviews, conventions, and everything happening in the world of tabletop gaming. 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

    Cardboard Court Episode 14: Is It the Game or the Group? What Really Makes Board Gaming Fun?

  4. Aug 9

    Cardboard Court – Episode 13: Is Gen Con Worth the Trip? Our Honest Take on the Biggest Board Game Convention

    Welcome back to Cardboard Court, the podcast where we gather around the table to talk about everything board games! In Episode 13, we're tackling one of the biggest questions in the tabletop hobby: Is Gen Con really worth the trip? Whether you're a first-time attendee or a convention veteran, Gen Con is often considered the ultimate destination for board gamers. But with the costs of travel, hotels, badges, food, and the temptation of the exhibit hall, is the experience worth the investment? Join us as we share our firsthand experiences from Gen Con, discuss what makes the convention so special, and break down both the advantages and the challenges of attending one of the largest tabletop gaming conventions in the world. In this episode: 🎲 What makes Gen Con unique💰 Is the cost worth the experience?🛍️ Shopping, demos, and the Exhibit Hall🎮 Open gaming, events, and tournaments🤝 Meeting publishers, designers, and fellow gamers📋 Tips for first-time attendees⭐ Our final verdict: Should every board gamer go at least once?Whether you're planning your first Gen Con adventure or deciding if it's time to return, we'll help you determine if this legendary convention deserves a place on your gaming bucket list. Have you been to Gen Con? We'd love to hear about your favorite memories, biggest surprises, or best convention tips! Join the conversation by leaving a comment or connecting with us on social media. Subscribe to Cardboard Court for more conversations about board games, conventions, game design, reviews, industry news, and everything happening in the world of tabletop gaming. #CardboardCourt #GenCon #BoardGamePodcast

    Cardboard Court – Episode 13: Is Gen Con Worth the Trip? Our Honest Take on the Biggest Board Game Convention

  5. Aug 2

    Cardboard Court – Episode 12: Inside NEA Game Fest 2026 | Play & Win Highlights, Convention Memories & New Discoveries

    Welcome back to Cardboard Court, the podcast where we gather around the table to talk about everything board games! In Episode 12, we're recapping our experience at NEA Game Fest 2026, one of the premier tabletop gaming conventions in Northeast Arkansas. We dive into the atmosphere of the convention, share some of our favorite moments, discuss the exciting events we attended, and talk about what made this year's gathering special. We also take a closer look at the Play & Win library, highlighting some of the standout games available to play and the thrill of having a chance to take home some fantastic titles. We'll share our thoughts on games that caught our attention, new discoveries we made, and what impressed us most throughout the weekend. The convention's Play & Win program allows attendees to check out featured games, earn entries by playing or teaching them, and win copies during the Sunday prize drawings. Whether you attended NEA Game Fest, are thinking about going next year, or simply enjoy hearing about board game conventions, this episode is packed with stories, recommendations, and plenty of tabletop conversation. In this episode: 🎲 Our overall impressions of NEA Game Fest 2026 🏆 Highlights from the Play & Win collection 🎉 Memorable events and activities from the convention 🆕 New games and exciting discoveries Have you been to NEA Game Fest? We'd love to hear about your favorite moments or favorite discoveries! Leave us a comment or connect with us on social media. Subscribe to Cardboard Court for more board game discussions, convention recaps, reviews, interviews, and tabletop news. 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 #NEAGameFest #PlayAndWin #ConventionRecap

    Cardboard Court – Episode 12: Inside NEA Game Fest 2026 | Play & Win Highlights, Convention Memories & New Discoveries

  6. Jul 27

    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

  7. Jul 19

    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

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

  8. Jul 12

    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

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

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.

Information

  • Creator
    CHESBORN
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © CHESBORN 2026
  • Show Website
    The Cardboard Court