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 thank HEAVENS for Matcham's Stride! I can play Harlesden.

Nice move Tragic.

Feeling athletic, so a Warner’s Leap to Brondesbury Park.

Hi, ho, silver lining. On to

Silver Street

If we lingering in North London White Hart Lane

On a Sunday after dusk, the rules (consolidated 2022 version, naturally) permit a Venetian Longitudinal to

Island Gardens

I was briefly troubled by that move, Maud, as I was unsure of its legality, having consulted the comprehensive 1969 edition of the rules. However, once I reflected that Island Gardens wasn’t opened until 1987 it all became clear.

I believe there was similar confusion at a game at Oxford in 1952, using a 1913 revision of the rules that had been found down behind a book stack in the Bodleian Library, when the Vice Chancellor attempted a move to Maida Vale. There was a most amusing write up of it in the MC Review (vol. 14, 1956, pp 27-48).

Bermondsey

Taking a chance here Bounds Green

Yes, DuckOnABike, it can be confusing. I find a nightly revision session, flicking through back copies of the MC Review, is a great help in both consolidating my knowledge and keeping abreast of new developments. And, of course, the annual summer school is an opportunity to learn from the crème de a creme of the games of games.

Penge West

The evenings of revision with Nanny are etched on my memory...she was a demon with Baxter's Latitudinal!

Talking of which, Rayners Lane.

Ooh an elegant move indeed! Nanny clearly knew the game of games.

So many options from here but I will employ a traditional demi-shunt to

Alperton

Which must, perforce, take us to

Gloucester Road

Ooh, I do like to see a Staverton Shuffle!

Bond Street

It’s a classic move and one which should be in every player’s repertoire. Do you remember when the Colonel used it to defeat the Archbishop in the final in Zanzibar in ‘84? The standing ovation went on for hours.

Russell Square

Russell Square, that takes me back to 1980 the London training programmes so I feel compelled to go with Googe Street

So overcome with recollections I mispelt I do of course mean Goodge Street

Oh sweet move!

I feel in the need for some concrete brutalism. Barbican.

À la recherche du temps perdu,

Stamford Hill

Que le son du cor est triste au fond des bois!

Hendon Central

Cor blimey, guv’nor

Charing Cross

Je ne comprends pas, c'est tres difficile, mais Moorgate

Bravo Hazel!

Hackney Central

Apologies for my recent absence.

West Ham

How lovely that you’re able to rejoin us, LlynTegid. It’s Saturday night and I’ve had a snifter or two, so let’s go wild:

Maida Vale

Interesting move. The Bakerloo line does often create interesting options. I'm going to have to play the rail replacement rule to help get us to Wood Lane

Hmm ….

<thinks deeply>
<rubs chin>
<pours more absinthe>

Holborn