The inevitable return of Mornington Crescent

[ComeIntoTheGardenMaud]

As winter approaches and the nights draw in, one’s thoughts naturally turn to wholesome, homely entertainment. Instead, though, I invite experienced players and novices alike to join me in a game of Mornington Crescent.

To keep the pace gentle, I’ll begin with an inverse Lepton to

Seven Sisters

Crikey! The game is accelerating in every sense. All I can do is attempt a divergent shuffle to

Kew Gardens

Always wise to stick with defensive play on a Friday morning - perhaps the standard shunt to Chiswick Park is sufficiently safe. * *

Tricky one there, so after much consideration I'm going Edgeware Road

A very considered move, HazelBite.

The temptation is always strong to revoke at this stage, however a lateral move to Oxford Circus should remove that option for the next few moves.* *

Hampstead. Obviously.

Sadly, or even tragically, TragicMuse, you seem to have overlooked the Turandot Proviso, which dictates that we should now go to

Covent Garden

The Turandot Proviso? In November? How very continental!

Following that logic, I cam only assume that we should proceed to Holborn

*can!

I am considered well travelled, FinsburyCircus. The Colonel and I have circled the globe many times, pursuing the game of games, attending tournaments and staying in the finest hotels.

Lambeth North

That would explain the somewhat...ah...outre flavour to your strategy Maud.

Somewhat disapprovingly, I shall utilise the Regulation Link to Elephant and Castle and thus attempt to restore order.* *

Quite right too, Finsbury. I’ll keep us on the straight and narrow with

Warren Street

Outré? Outré? I learned that move at the summer school in Rangoon in ‘74, in a session led by the Brigadier who had just chaired the committee charged with resolving the Charing Cross Paradox.

Old Street

Old Street! Wonderful - that naturally leads to an elegant demi-shuffle to Moorgate (The signature move of the late Lady Pembroke if I recall correctly)* *

Employing a Pangbourne reverse to Euston Square.

The Archbish love a Pangbourne reverse. Happy memories...

Ah, do you remember when Lady Pembroke and the Archbishop went head to head in the semi-finals in Antwerp in 1996? Fifteen exhilarating hours of superlative play, fuelled by shrimp vol au vents and a case of absinthe.

Chalfont and Latimer

Well it's been a few years since I last dipped a toe, and as a result I fear I've lost my touch somewhat and I'm not sure if this is a stroke of genius or just plain 'brave' ... here goes anyway -

Burnt Oak

Hah!

Oh dear math, I think you are heading for trouble there. However, I can offer an Eccles assist (revised Limoges rules 1933) and take us both to

Cockfosters

I do remember that game distinctly Maud, sometimes when the moon is full I still smell the shrimp on the wind and feel the tension in the air.

Rather bold, but I will take us to Green Park, then enforce the follow on all the way to Fulham Broadway.

Some daring play this morning! I remember that game as well, Maud. The Archdeacon went off in a huff after Lady Pembroke did a reverse shuffle to Queens Park. He said it was unladylike.

I’m feeling emboldened to try the Seymour Manoeuvre to Archway.

Yes, it was (some say) a pivotal moment in the development of the modern game, although I fear Lord Duckworth has never recovered from that unfortunate incident with the tipsy butler and the soup tureen. Speaking of which

Sloane Square

I don't suppose either of you were present at the famous 'Putney Pirouette' game in the...was it the 92 or 93 season?

A decidedly obvious but safe move to Paddington

Why do you ask, FinsburyCircus?

Marylebone

The less said the better about the '93 season. There were...well, let's just say matters of state hung in the balance and it was a close-run thing.

And on that note...Tower Bridge

DYAC!

Tower Hill of course.

I know no one ever admits to being there, but I've always wanted to know the truth about the cheating allegations. The Undersecretary was certainly not as squeaky clean as everyone supposed.

Aldgate