Welcome to the final episode of 2018.

In contrast to the happenings of the real world, we close out the year on a high note, talking about some recent plays and recent releases that have us excited to sit down at the table again.

Enjoy.

LAGRANGE POINTS:

00:10:40 -- Thank Yous
00:13:27 -- Resolutions and our Giveaway
00:26:07 -- Managers Wanted
00:29:21 -- Martian Rails (Session)
00:52:52 -- KeyForge Throwdown (Session)
01:06:07 -- The Dalmore 15 yo Single Malt
01:10:00 -- The Flow of History (First Take)
01:24:39 -- SpaceCorp (In-depth First Take)

With the December chill in full swing we need to get down with something hot, so we're talking a couple new releases that were highly anticipated here in the dungeon. Could they live up to our expectations? Do they play? Do they have legs? Will our travels be rewarded?

The answers to those questions and much more can be heard in our latest episode. Have fun.

TIMETABLES:

00:09:20 -- Blood on the Ohio contest
00:13:03 -- The Good, The Disappointing and the Frustrating
00:31:42 -- The Republic of Rome
00:41:08 -- 18Lilliput
01:08:39 -- KeyForge
01:43:44 -- Book Club #2: Beartown, by Frederik Backman

The boys are back in town and doing well, and all is right with the world. In this episode, the BGG CON experience and a smattering of games, both old and new.

Enjoy.

SCHEDULE:

00:09:20 -- Another Year?
00:12:06 -- December's Book Selection
00:22:26 -- The BGG CON Experience
00:31:25 -- Crayon Rails (Martian Rails, Iron Dragon)
00:43:15 -- Lowenherz
00:48:02 -- Web of Power
01:05:01 -- Random Shout-outs
01:08:47 -- The Mayor of Eurotown
01:14:13 -- Hockey Game Hijinks
01:29:19 -- Underwater Cities
01:47:02 -- Blackout: Hong Kong

Welcome to a lively episode. In this one we dip our toes back into the Eurogame-o-sphere, and we are fairly excited about the waters.

Also, the first installment of the Punching Cardboard Book Club, which results in a heady and exhilarating discussion. As they say in sportsball, we left it all on the field in this one.

CHAPTERS:

00:18:52 -- Wilderness War
00:30:55 -- Francis Drake
01:04:12 -- The Estates
01:19:45 -- Westward American Single Malt
01:30:07 -- TV Diversions: Daredevil Season 3, Patriot
01:36:10 -- Coimbra
01:59:39 -- Book Club #1: Transatlantic, by Colum McCann

It's that time, and we roll the dice and lay out the games that have caught our attention in this year's Essen preview show.

First we cover 10 games nominated by our guild using a complex and patented formula. Then we each take a shot at adding five games of our own discovery. Throw in some expansion discussion, and you have a show of partially educated guessing that is sure to wow even the most cynical gamer.

SPOILERS:

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00:14:49 -- The Guild 10 plus
00:16:03 -- Tramways Workbook
00:17:58 -- Barrage
00:2303 -- 18Lilliput
0026:37 -- SpaceCorp
00:30:45 -- City of the Big Shoulders
00:34:20 -- Reykholt
00:37:43 -- Pipeline
00:44:06 -- Teotihuacan
00:49:05 -- Captains of the Gulf
00:56:20 -- Pax Emancipation
01:03:42 -- Blackout: Hong Kong
01:12:30 -- Our Fives
01:15:05 -- Architects of the West Kingdom (Jim #5)
01:18:56 -- Ancient Civilizations of the Inner Sea (Jim #4)
01:20:20 -- Underwater Cities (Jim #3)
01:22:04 -- Europa Universalis (Joe #5)
01:24:09 -- Pandoria (Joe#4)
01:25:22 -- Dominant Species: Marine (Joe #3)
01:28:06 -- Imaginarium (Joe #2)
01:30:37 -- Expedition Zetta (Jim #2)
01:34:02 -- War Room (Jim #1)
01:37:20 -- Newton (Joe #1)
01:44:11 -- Expansions and Other Riff Raff

Ramshackle. I like the word ramshackle. Ramshackle Day Parade is a great Joe Strummer song. Streetcore. Track five.

And it's a bit the way we're feeling here in episode 140. Run down. Beat up. We wander through this episode and take on a series of topics pertaining to the state of the hobby, or pertaining to where we exist in it. We go a bit low key, somewhat reflective, and we let the conversation lead us. Hopefully you can dig it.

It's all a little ramshackle.

VERSES:

00:07:38 -- Shirts, Essen Lists, & Other Monkey Biz
00:18:04 -- First Plays With Friends
00:33:35 -- Looking toward 2019
00:49:38 -- Advice to Our Younger Gaming Selves
00:52:49 -- The Social Media Inter-connectedness Blues
01:13:25 -- Book Club!?
00:19:45 -- No Collaboration
01:22:43 -- Wolfburn Single Malt
01:35:39 -- Beak music
01:42:33 -- Failure to Connect (Caylus, Yellow & Yangtze, Sands of Time)

Sometimes you can't fit all the information that's fit to say about a game in one episode. Such was the case with our discussion of Pendragon in Episode 138. In response, we've created a new segment, The Follow-Up. And it debuts here as we attempt to add to our in-depth coverage of heavy games and game systems.

Also, how concerts are and how they should be, a beer and a dram, and a short look at a new abstract. Cheers.

SETLIST:

00:10:03 -- Pendragon (follow-up)
00:44:05 -- A Beer and a Dram (Blanton's Single Barrel & Crux Play Wave Pale)
00:51:09 -- Rockin' All Over Town
01:13:16 -- 43 Minutes (Trapper Schoepp - Run Engine Run)
01:16:28 -- All You Need is 43 Minutes (Paul McCartney - Egypt Station)
01:19:29 -- War Chest (First Take)

Whosoever pulleth this sword from this rock shall, um, I don't know, do some stuff, vanquish some folks, and then become king of someplace. Right? 4th Century A.D., 5th?

We're talking Pendargon: The Fall of Roman Britain here in episode 138. That, and a bit of list nonsense, and little dram of something nice as well.

No pillaging allowed!

RAIDS:

00:02:55 -- Scooters From Hell
00:16:36 -- Pendragon: The Fall of Roman Britain (in-depth)
01:23:29 -- Oban 18 yo Ltd. Ed.
01:32:17 -- The Best Games at Each Player Count (from 1-6)

Here ya go kids, all the way from the lands of Antiquity, episdoe 137, take 2. We sewed all the parts together and shocked it into being. Because we care.

Sincerely,
Dr. Frankenstein

PARTS:

00:15:03 -- What We Did on Our Summer Vacation
00:35:11 -- Condottiere
00:41:04 -- Legend of the Five Rings -- Casual Decks Need Not Apply??
00:44:38 -- Sessions: Lisboa, Shogun, Age of Steam
00:51:17 -- Lost Valley
00:55:22 -- Root
01:06:16 -- The Music of Our Lives
01:32:15 -- A Dram and a Beer (Sexton Irish Single Malt / Saint Archer Mandarina Pale)
01:38:59 -- Emily Post and Gaming
01:54:53 -- Antiquity (in-depth)

P.S. -- We still forgot the scooters!!!

It's Summertime! Here's something for a long drive in a rented car or a lazy afternoon at the beach.

MILEAGE:

00:09:57 -- Dusting Off The Shelves: Argent: The Consortium (Session)
00:27:47 -- Quartermaster General: 1914
00:33:54 -- Tigres & Euphrates
00:39:47 -- A Midsummer Night's Questions
01:06:27 -- Music: Rolling Blackouts CF, Gaz Coombes, Kamasi Washington
01:39:58 -- GLOW
01:42:21 -- A Little Light Non-fiction: Apollo8, Seabiscuit, Ben Franklin
01:43:57 -- Bios Megafauna, 2nd Edition (in-depth)

As Summer settles in we look to take it a little easy. Some shelves are dusted off, and a couple titles come back to the table after resting a few years. Also, a rare abstract finds it's way into our rotation. 

We also recount a few sessions and some trips to some gigs. Easy Breezy, as Joe might say.

PARTICLES:

00:11:13 -- Bruges & The City on the Zwin
00:17:23 -- Innovation & Echoes
00:28:52 -- Automobile
00:35:03 -- Portland 18XX Con
00:40:57 -- What is it With 18XX?
00:46:55 -- Going to the Shows (Starebaby, Robert Plant)
01:15:28 -- Bob Dylan Makes Whiskey
01:29:19 -- Azul (in-depth)

Hey there.

We discuss a sprawling, big Euro game, a compact, tense Euro game and five albums that should be filling your ears. All that and a debate on the state of the hobby in episode 134 of the 'cast.

Please enjoy.

MOMENTS:

00:10:49 -- The John and Company Not Monopoly Contest Results
00:18:40 -- A Trade to Make? (Tash Kalar & Terra Mystica for 18CZ)
00:21:10 -- Joe plays Feudum (multiple sessions)
00:49:42 -- The Burning Question: Sturgeon's Law and Board Games
01:21:35 -- This Week in Spins (Neko Case, The Magic Numbers, The Pineapple Thief and more)
01:42:18 -- Carthago (in-depth)
02:16:33 -- It is all just a Tire Fire, Lusty or Not.

We serve up something a little different in this episode. On tap is a play by play, blow by blow, and drink by drink recap of our trip to Denver for Heavy Con and its impromptu satellite cons. Did we have fun? Did we play enough games? You be the judge.

Welcome aboard the Punching Cardboard World Tour 2018.

ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES:

00:09:12 -- A John Company Pre-Post-Production Contest
00:20:05 -- Day 1: On the Road; Old Men Tempting Altitude; Bison; Comfort Sleep
00:34:10 -- Day 2: 1000 to 1 odds in Dynasty League; Imposters; The Tower of Ginkgopolis
00:54:56 -- Day 3: Ridin' the Rails in 1830; Kings Forged in Steel; John Company negotiations
01:21:29 -- Day 4: Uber Heat; Pax Renaissance Tournament; Wings & Beer; K is for Killed
01:31:42 -- The Whisky Break
01:51:06 -- Day 5: 1714 Works No Matter the Rules; A Pax Ren Finale
02:02:22 -- Day 6: BBQs and Hail Storms
02:04:10 -- Day 7: Denver International Airport Wins Again

When you most expect it, and pretty much the way you like it. Episode 132. A handful of games, a little whiskey and a few good tunes. All of it, wrapped up into a semi-coherent conversation. Enjoy.

COLORS:

00:07:36 -- Heaven & Ale (quick take)
00:14:38 -- The Trouble With Mombasa?(quick take)
00:26:58 -- Isle of Skye: Journeyman Expansion (quick take)
00:38:17 -- Old Forester 1920 Prohibition Style Bourbon
00:41:28 -- Music (Dr. Dog, Al Stewart)
00:48:57 -- The Year of the Cat
00:54:16 -- Lost in Vegas, Free Thinker Shoutout
00:56:46 -- Legend of the Five Rings (in-depth)

Bruce may be dropping the needle and saying a prayer over at ol' Mary's place, and Frank's ghost sure as hell is still jammin' over at Joe's garage, but there's a cool breeze on a warm evening over here on Jackie's porch.

We've got a little bourbon neat, a few slices of pie and some fancy cards; it's a juxtaposition of thinkiness and relaxation. Come on over and join the band.

SOUNDS:

00:02:07 -- No Con For You!
00:08:16 -- A Burning Question #1: Why Portland?
00:25:38 -- Joe's first Magic experience
00:42:18 -- The Fail Us of Caylus
00:46:17 -- Knob Creek 9 yo Small Batch
00:52:05 --Thinky Music: Dan Weiss' Starebaby, Jonathan Finlayson & Sicilian Defense, Giraffes? Giraffes!
01:08:31 -- The Notness: Conquest of Paradise (in-Depth & Session)

Using our trusty mobile recording device, we gather at a secret location (Joe's) and leave our comfort zone to lay down the riffs that comprise episode 130. Some games covered, some stout imbibed and some stories related. This is a loose episode. The information is fractured. Our thought train, a bit derailed. Still, it all comes out fine in the end. And no gorillas were harmed in the making. Enjoy.

WOODLAND FACTIONS:

00:09:28 -- How to Avoid Gaming
00:22:53 -- A Con Job?
00:30:07 -- Terra Mystica After a while (Special Appearance by The Gaia Project)
00:37:09 -- Root (Initial Impressions & a $400 clutch)
00:49:52 -- The Stumbler Bourbon Barrel Aged Stout.
00:57:20 -- A Sloan Experience
01:08:30 -- The 7th Continent (Special Appearance by Gloomhaven)

Episode 129 is here. We discuss a few chunky, meaty games. We examine a new musical release from a well respected indie duo. And we imbibe a couple of weighty bourbons.

Won't you join us on this magical journey of hope and glory?

SCHEDULE:

00:12:55 -- Will There Ever be a Punching Con?
00:21:15 -- Broken Spirits & Resurrections (Through the Ages & Shogun)
00:48:13 -- Wye Oak, The Louder I Call, the Faster it Runs
01:01:22 -- A Tale of Two Bourbons (Bad Guy vs. Elijah Craig Barrel Proof)
01:14:57 -- Crisis (In-Depth)

Chaos. Uncertainty. Disloyalty. Keywords of the day. But we can handle it. We can fling Loyalty challenges across the table with the best of them. We can arrange a Renaissance marriages and take over religions and funnel coins from one bank to the next like it's water flowing through pipes. Oh, yes we can. And then we can turn it all up to 11 and list the Euros that should remain on our shelves.

Yep, that's all happening here in episode 128.

DECREES:

00:14:18 -- It Was a Time (some recent plays)
00:21:36 -- Pax Renaissance (the Eklund Experience)
00:46:57 -- Sekigahara (Session Report)
01:07:55 -- Yellow Stone Ltd. Ed. 2015
01:16:55 -- A Little Light Music (Superchunk & Will Johnson Redux)
01:27:08 -- 11 Euros that cans stay on each of our shelves.

No one's going to accuse us of following the cult of the new in this one. We talk about a couple older games that have hit the tables around here while shaming ourselves about a good number of titles collecting dust on our shelves. Our whiskey's been nicely aged as well (Unfortunately, the fine salted caramel stout decided to collide with some rusted trains).

So, tip your servers and enjoy the session, and please, please, please, don't spill your beer.

RELICS:

00:04:38 -- The Best Damn Guild on BGG.
00:08:45 -- The Punching Cardboard Baseball Association
00:15:04 -- Our Shelves of Shame
00:37:48 -- On Gaming Clubs for Middle/High Schoolers
00:56:24 -- And the Winner Is . . . (Gamesurplus.com Agra Giveaway)
01:04:56 -- Willett Pot Still Reserve
01:10:20 -- Bruxelles 1893 (Revisited)
01:29:27 -- Story vs. Form in Film
01:46:05 -- 1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties (In-depth)

As the supernova known as February fades we are able to conquer the light years and arrive on a fairly sane planet. It is here where we attempt to answer your questions and guide you through the Gaia Project.

Then, after our usual efforts, we wade into uncharted territory with a serious discussion on a very serious topic. Passengers will be warned and given a chance to depart beforehand, but we do recommend taking the entire journey.

Will we succeed, or will a horde of alien races destroy our babbling civilization? 

MISSIONS:

00:12:27 -- Joe visits Board Game Blitz Con
00:23:09 -- The Q&A Begins
00:26:14 -- Maintaining Interest in Medium Weight Euros (Steampunk Rally embed part I)
00:44:42 -- If We Only Had a Normal Deck of Cards
00:56:33 -- If We Were Olympians
01:03:10 -- Top 5 Older Games
01:12:37 -- Some Game Mechanics That We Don't Dig (Steampunk Rally embed part II)
01:25:12 -- Getting Jim in Trouble (USA Womens' Hockey vs. USA Mens' Hockey)
01:35:05 -- The Agra Giveaway
01:38:40 -- The Q&A Ends
01:38:53 -- The Ardmore Legacy
01:43:53 -- Gaia Project (in-depth)
02:25:50 -- #NeverAgain (This Needs to be Said)

Here be episode a buck and a quarter. We're doin' the usual. You're doin' the usual. It's like we all get along or something. Enjoy.

ITEMS:

00:21:50 -- Iberian Rails (in-depth)
00:51:53 -- Westland American Oak Single Malt
01:02:49 -- Albums by Jeff Rosenstock and Will Johnson
01:28:11 -- Wildcatters (in-depth)

On Episode 124 of As the Cardboard Turns: Joe continues to show off his quick thinking with his ability to jab and dance and commentate. In addition, we a treated to a stellar performance of the word turmeric. Meanwhile, right in front of your ears, Jim loses his battle to a nasty cold.

Will the headhunters come calling to offer Joe a better gig on a more prestigious show? Will Jim’s battle against the evil Mucus be for naught? Will the dog notice that Timmy has fallen into the well? Well, we’ll just have to wait for the next episode for those answers. Until then, enjoy this week’s descent into board game madness.

PROGRAMS:

00:05:55 — Helping a Brother Out
00:16:05 — Rajas of the Ganges and other Tomfoolery (Short Take)
00:34:29 — A Mini Rails flaw?
00:38:01 — 18CZ: The Railway Comes to Czech Lands (Session Report)
01:28:15 — 57 Channels and Something On (Featuring The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel)
01:43:50 — Agra (In-Depth)

Welcome to the first show of 2018. It's a good show. It's a fun show. It's a show containing discussions of games new and old. And it's it's chock full of the stuff that makes Punching Cardboard great.

(Wait, Punching Cardboard is great??? (Sure is, just roll with it before someone notices.))

So kick back, pour a wee dram, and enjoy the lively banter and thoughtful analysis.

RESOLUTIONS:

00:07:14 -- The Christmas Joy and Space Truckin'
00:15:13 -- Joe's First Airport Rant
00:25:13 -- Brackets! This about Brackets?
00:27:04 -- Help a Brother Out, aka Another Dinger's Thingers Giveaway
00:30:32 -- Warriors of Jogu: Feint (Quick Take)
00:48:33 -- 1960: The Making of the President (In-depth)
01:19:03 -- Transatlantic (First Take)
01:30:34 -- Laphroaig Triple Wood
01:34:49 -- Keyper (In-depth)