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

Ah, the Birds of a Feather play. Smart and underrated. Bravo.

Only one move will suffice here.
Walthamstow Central

I'm going pre 1975 rules now if you're going via Walthamstow Central which can only lead to
Turnpike Lane!

If we’re playing pre-1975 then we’ll need to clarify whether it’s a purists’ pre-decimal suite please @HazelBite.

I’ll take a risky £sd shunt to Blackfriars.

It's Monday morning so I am assuming by the 2020 adaptation all stations are in play.

So Arnos Grove

2020 adaptions be damned! They were only brought in to monetise the game and attract sponsors but look what had happened to the 1890’s Variation! And County matches are under extreme pressure too…

Nevertheless, as it’s predawn and only one other player is awake, surely Highgate or I will be in nidd?

Come on. Enough is enough.

Camden Town

Euston for Triple Interchange points with additional Overground exchange points.

Hmm. I’ve never seen a Perkins’ Jink played that way before, but I’ll concede it has a certain rustic charm.

Cockfosters

Mornington Crescent!

Phew! I've been hanging on, thought no-one would play Cockfosters!

It was the Perkins' Jink that did it, if you look at it on the diagonal, but I acknowledge it is pretty archaic...

Favourite of Willie Rushton, if I remember correctly, though he liked it best when combined with the Curate's Gambol

Brava, TragicMuse! Such an elegant finish. I remember when games here would take weeks to reach a conclusion - we often spent days in a Maunder’s Impasse - but this game has attracted players of the very highest calibre who would never fall into such traps.

As winner, it falls to you to open the next game. I know it will be something spectacular.

Bravo @TragicMuse. Alas you just beat me it it. Magnificent play.

Curate's Gambol

Well, well. I always heard that as curate's gamble (à la Pascal's wager). You learn something every day playing this game.

Me too, Fat Oaf. Perhaps this is why the game of games is reputed to be so popular amongst professors of philosophy? I heard from a very reliable source that it’s often played at high table and has made or broken many otherwise illustrious academic careers.

Brava Muse!! Nothing tragic about such exquisite timing and delicate finessing of your opponents.

I was only saying to the Lord Mayor last Wednesday, that I hoped to meet another group of skilled and brave players in my life time and lo, this merry band appeared!

Happy days!

Thank you for such kind words! I fee
Quite loved!

Next round...

We open with that old favourite, Hangar Lane. The gyratory system is in play but only widdershins...

Let's play!

Park Royal

Am I reading widdershins correctly? I get mixed up between watchwise and anti-sundialwise.

That's a very well played game. Fantastic @TragicMuse

I think with that opening I'm going gently to goodge street

If we're playing the adjusted 1948 version that allows for the Northern Line in play at this stage.

If I'm wrong then I'll bow out quietly. Nobody wants a re-enactment of the Milan Vs Crutchley match in 1995.

Ahh. I’ve had a tendresse for Hangar Lane ever since the First Sea Lord and I spent a relaxed evening there, playing the game of games in Lulu’s Speakeasy (knock three times and ask for Fifi). So, feeling energised, I offer you

Cannon St

Nearly done Oaf! Your reading is just right.

Neatly not nearly.

Sorry, the absinthe is causing me problems!

How exciting to find this thread! I once had the great honour and pleasure of playing MC with the late Tim Brooke-Taylor. He was very complimentary about my triple platform loops and kind to an amateur.

St. John's Wood (with apologies to Old Stovold).

Recalling the 1932 game that lasted for 81 hours in Bourg-on-Bresse and directly influenced the election of Édouard Herriot, where this move was used with devastating effect.

Moor Park

Tim Brooke-Taylor! <stands and salutes> <plays Land Of Hope And Glory> <cries>

I'm playing the Funeral March Twist to

Plumstead