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

Oh Blimey, I can only go to Liverpool Street

As you say, FinsburyCircus, nobody willingly admits to being there, but I hear there are forensic samples stored in a sealed vault at a secret location, so one day the truth may emerge. Liverpool Street is a useful stop from which to move to

Russell Square

I've not attempted this backwards since the days when I was young and agile, but I think I can pull off the Double Eagle all the way to

Dagenham Heathway* *

As it's nearly Sunday I thought I'd try a cheeky shunt to Totteridge & Whetstone. The last time I tried this the Colonel had a fit but it was legal then and should be now.

Ah, the Colonel and his apoplexies. So easily triggered, especially since that unfortunate contretemps in Baden Baden.

Hainault

Aha, Hainault I can only go to Grange Hill!

Yes, he became quite unhinged towards the end - I well remember the last time I played with him, in 04, it was most embarrassing for all those present.

That opens up the Circular Rule stations, and will take us all the way to Blackfriars

Sunday afternoon so off we go to Putney Bridge

Ahhhhh Covent Garden.

Hmm. I’ve been pondering this for a while. With Taurus in retrograde and the Piccadilly line in knockings, I don’t have much choice other than

Stockwell

Masterful game Maud, you've almost got me in Nidd. I think the only legal move forward is by reverting to pre-1984 Lambeth rules and squeezing through the junction to

Canada Water

I’m always wary of the pre-1984 Lambeth rules. Remember what happened to the Colonel and the professor of botany in Trondheim in ‘98. Traumatic for all concerned and millions paid in compensation.

Southwark

Of course the prevailing mood at the match in Trondheim was distinctly influenced by the exchange rate problems at the time. The professor of botany was too preoccupied with the situation in the Baltics to apply an alternative rulebook correctly.

Monument

Very true, alas. Let’s go crazy

East Croydon

East Croydon! On a Monday!! Dear me, this is NOT ON.

It has to be Hatton Cross. Nothing else will do.

Embrace it, RomanMum!

Heathrow Terminal 4

Excellent, I've been waiting for that move! Heathrow Terminal 4 is one of the stations included in Stovold's Gresham Gambit which allows us to return to...

Mornington Crescent!

Gosh! I haven’t witnessed such a speedy conclusion to a game since the Grand Duke won the 1970 championship with a lightning-quick downward drift to South Kensington. Brava, FinsburyCircus! As ever, the honour of starting the next game falls to you.

Yes I remember that game! Most of us had hardly taken our seats when His Excellency stunned us all with his lightning-fast moves.

I think I'll start with a gentle Penge East. I've had a soft spot for it since I won the Wessex Junior Trials in 1986 on the Regional Variations Model.

Ah, Penge East, the Elysian Fields of south London, inspiring a move to

Battersea Power Station

Aha! As we're in that part of the world I trump you with East Croydon. Twice! On a Monday too!!

Brazen I know, but it's Great Uncle Gawain's birthday and he loves a feisty MC match. GUG, this is for you.

Ah, was it Great Uncle Gawain I met at the fancy dress party at the quarter-finals in Toulouse in ‘86?! I’ve never seen a Dior gown worn with such panache and the diamond-encrusted monocle was the perfect accessory. For Great Uncle Gawain:

Bromley South

I've always enjoyed the Great Uncle Gawain stories! Missed the occasion in Toulouse as was playing the South American circuit at that time.

As the Principle of Parity applies in Zones 5-6, we can move neatly to Chislehurst.

Incidentally RomanMum, if he is your Great Uncle, you must be the heir to the baronetcy?!

Lower orders contributing (I have no illustrious ancestors)
Carpenders Park