Pinch punch - let's net get too wobbly - Mornington Crescent...

[Arlanymor]

Well good evening... I'll start without too much pomp and circumstance (because they cancelled the b*stard elephant). No I am fine, I AM FINE.

And find myself on the platform at Blackfriars... not sure if I am heading east or west...

Oh! What a stunning move.

Under the Bishopric Convention, last Friday in June also means all gates are open westward.

The only reasonable, no, rational, move is to go straight to Canada Water.

I've never been that fond of Bishopric. It leaves a person wide open to a challenge from the Metropolitan end. But, seeing as there’s been a lateral fourth played recently, I can save the day and make a shirred root to Chigwell.

I've been completely outplayed today by two talented players with superb knowledge of the rules. 😢

Hopefully, I can just about hang on in the game with:

Baker Street 🎷

Unfortunately the incorrect name rule can only be played if three moves have not been made since the mistake. Otherwise being back at Highbury and Islington would have made the next move much simpler.

Regent's Park it is therefore.

Hmm. I can see everyone’s in a feisty mood, so I will attempt to fight fire with fire.

Clapham North

Well, the play matches the weather, hot and sultry! As it’s the last weekend in June and the number of the year is odd, I shall dare to employ that rarity- the Furtwangler twist. A favourite of great Aunt Fanny, but sadly it was the reason why her engagement to that dashing young airman ended. And so, for Fanny - Gidea Park.

Goodness, what stunning gamesmanship and daring play going on since my last foray.

After a brief recap of the Finsbury edition , and in the spirit of adventure and summer sultriness, I propose a swift move to Rectory Road.

Not sure if your Dear Aunt Fanny would approve but vicar surely will.

Ah, Furtwangler. What a fine player he was, and his twist strengthens the connection between music and MC. Indeed, I spent this afternoon with my great niece Lettice watching Glastonbury, and speculating on which performers there might be devotees of the game of games. My money’s on that nice Mr Cocker.

Barons Court

Funnily enough Maud I have a tenuous (at best) connection to Mr C and sad to say, The Glorious Game isn’t for him. I recollect spending a very early morning trying to teach him the finer points, but it got to cock call and he looked at me and said “No, it’s just daft” we haven’t spoken since. However, those lovely lasses from the Human League are excellent players, we amended it to Upperthorpe Road, based on the bus routes of our home city.
And so to Northolt Road.

Oh, that’s a little disappointing. I had great hopes of young Jarvis, although Lettice assures me the girls are fine exponents of, and ambassadors for, the game of games.

Cockfosters

I can play the incorrect name rule and take us from Baron's Court to South Ealing.

You have a gimlet eye @LlynTegid well spotted.

I was somewhat hors de combat this morning, one too many of the Major’s rather delicious punch. He does mix ‘em stiff.

Ravenscourt Park

Good Heavens. I seem to have strayed into Pedants’ Corner. I’ll aim to rectify matters:

Loughton

The east end of the Central line seems to have a particular place in the game of games, especially in the 50s and 60s after it was created. Many a player then was flummoxed by a move to such environs.

So I will remain there with a move to Debden.

How deliciously retro @LlynTegid! And such intimate knowledge of time past in our dear game, you are a fount of wisdom! Brava, dear one, brava!

With Debden in mind…and you have left me in a tricky little bind you naughty thing!…oh! I have it!

Tottenham Hale. On a lateral, of course.

I hope you enjoy my little caprice!!

Good heavens, the game has moved on apace while I was otherwise occupied (a busy weekend with the organist, doing the flowers; and no, none of that is a euphemism).

As far as Glastonbury personages go, I have it on good authority that Nile Rodgers isn't averse to a tilt at the game of games. Apparently he knows his way around a Holt's Tangle better than anyone.

Given the prevailing percentages after that cat's corner to Loughton, I'd better say Temple.

Ah yes. I suppose Nile Rodgers’ chanson ‘Good Times’ might indeed be a reference to hours spent on the backstage MC circuit.

At this stage, I can only proffer

Sloane Square

A bifurcated Harrison to Chiswick Park

Well I never! Just as you think it can’t get any hotter, LittleBitofBread raises the temperature with a Harrison, and a bifurcated one to boot. All I can manage now is an obverse Middleton to

Aldgate East

Aldgate East is near to Toynbee Hall, which I was reminded of when discovering I had met someone who was witness to a part of the Profumo Affair, which led to Mr Profumo spending years doing charity work there. No idea if before his downfall he ever played the game of games, cannot imagine it though.

Stepney Green

Oh. Ah. This is a tricky one…

Knightsbridge

No. Don’t say anything. I know, I know, I know. But sometimes a Brompton Pass is the only available option.

There are no words, TragicMuse, adequate to express my admiration for that sublime move. It inspires me to proffer an anti-clockwise demi-shunt to

Balham

Afternoon all. I’ve been taking a prolonged break from the game on medical grounds (I’m sure some of you know how it is) but after consulting my therapist I think I can dip my toe back in the water.

Nine Elms

Llyn, I agree, one can't quite see it. There's been a story floating around for decades, though, usually brought out by the curate's great-aunt, about that poor unfortunate osteopath who got caught up in it all. Apparently she has it on good authority that he used to attend concordances – largely to sort out players' backs and wrists and whatnot, but he could be persuaded to join in sometimes.

Neasden

I was not aware of the curate's great aunt. The one in my family (long since deceased) I suspected was a formidable player of the game of games, and woe betide anyone who incorrectly stated where she came from.

Northwood Hills