When nothing else will do - Mornington Crescent anyone?

[NicolaMarlowsMerlin]

Feels like we could all do with a robust tournament round about now. May I start?

I know this is cheeky, but I’ll begin with...

...Osterley

Which sets me up nicely for

Pimlico

where the Colonel and I will be visiting the light installation at the Tate.

My first ever visit to the Tate was notable for seeing the late Screaming Lord Sutch- no idea whether he would play a reverse move to Harrow on the Hill or Pinner, his stomping grounds. Sadly 21 years since he died so we will never know.

Vauxhall is the logical next move, so I will move there.

Clapham North

Gosh, StCharlotte! That’s an audacious move for a Friday lunchtime. I’ve just been reading about this move in a back issue of the MC Chronicle (July 1947) - apparently it was all the rage at the time, so I’m keen to try it out

Swiss Cottage

I was not surprised at the Clapham North move Maud, though to be fair, it is more often seen on Mondays, especially on a bank holiday such as the tournament in West Norwood in 2003, which I was unfortunately unable to attend owing to weekend engineering works.

A work colleague who was not averse to the game of games once told me that Neasden was the centre of the world. He may be right so I move there to investigate.

Indeed, nosswith. Erstwhile readers of Private Eye (and I have long suspected that its editor may play the game of games) may recall that at one time Tesco Road, Neasden was a cultural hub as, of course, is West Norwood where that epic tournament (at which you were sorely missed) took place.

But now there’s only one thing for it

Southfields

I’m fortunate to have a few back issues of the Chronicle myself. They certainly make the winter lockdown evenings fly past. I’m particularly partial to the 1989 Christmas supplement.

Inspired by this, I think the only riposte to the last move is Tottenham Hale

1989 needed a Christmas supplement after the August tournament ruined by the reverse shunt to Ealing Broadway.

I shall move to Walthamstow Central.

The Colonel tells me that he'll be selling annual subscriptions to the Chronicle - ideal Christmas presents at only £90 each. Simply PM him your account number, sort code and password and he'll sort it out.

I'm feeling frisky, so

Farringdon

Oof. Another striking move there Maud.

However, given what I’ve learnt about the Colonel, I don’t think I’ll take up his kind offer.

Latimer Road

But what could possibly go wrong, DuckOnABike? Why not make a start on your Christmas shopping? And in that spirit I head to

Bond Street

Any number of things, Maud. And I have already done my Christmas shopping. Thank you all the same.

Kilburn

Well as no one can eat in a McDonalds I might as well head for

East Finchley

Some very clever moves in the last 24 hours and so this confirms to me that I am amongst expert players of the game of games.

I am now having to use the Northern Heights extension rule to make my next move, taking me to Finsbury Park.

The play here has indeed been exhilarating. I feel emboldened to play an Obverse Wolfington to

Ickenham

Yes, things have really gone up a level. Well played everyone. I’m going to venture a Marchbank Circuit to Northwick Park. Fingers crossed I get away with it!

Four tracks are indeed very useful here otherwise the bus replacement rule would have to be played, which of course in parts of December has not been able to be used since the invention of things such as cyber Monday.

Enabling a move to Willesden Green.

Well as it is Sunday i'm going to completely open the game with Bank

Well, that’s thrown the cat among the pigeons! After some reflection, I think my best option now is

Aldgate East

Bank on a Sunday is a minefield and does not only affect the pigeons. If there are station works then Maud deserves a medal for not getting lost amidst the escalators and walkways. There are less complicated mazes.

Stepney Green has a nice cafe which may be doing takeaway coffees. Better find out.

A quick slant wise move to Pudding Mill Lane, attracted mainly by the word pudding.

Well I have to invoke the St Andrew's day amendment to head north to Cessnock.

I suggest then moving to the east coast and Dunbar.

Wow. This is difficult - risk of stubbings in all directions - but I hope I can evade that with a shunt to

Dalmarnock

I’m in rather unknown territory here, both geographically and as regards the game. Would a move to Paisley be permitted as it’s the last day of the month?