The sport of kings: Mornington Crescent

[ComeIntoTheGardenMaud]

Good morning, all. What better way to begin the long weekend than a new game of the ineffable Mornington Crescent? All are welcome - veterans and newbies alike.

To set the tone, I will start with one of my favourite moves - a double shunt to

Kew Gardens

Lots of new housing in the area so I think we need to seek out evidence that the game of games is being played there- Colindale.

I feel inexorably drawn to Tooting Bec. No idea why, I’m a north-of-the-river girl…

Such are the vagaries of chance wanderings in the game of games!

Going back to north of the river @TragicMuse the best I can suggest is Bounds Green without veering very close to Nidd!

Hoping that this doesn't put me in Nidd, but I'm going to plump for Maida Vale.

No, Maida Vale is a place where no-one has ever been put in Nidd as far as I am aware. Even during the notorious fin de siecle 1999 tournament.

Willesden Junction

Maida Vale is pretty much a liminal space, tbh. Nothing bad ever happens with Maida Vale in play.

Swiss Cottage

That's as maybe, Muse, but introducing a Seventh Rest at this point is, never mind liminal, nothing short of wildly divisive... Exciting, though, I grant you.
I think my best option is Brondesbury. And yes, I know it means I've created a Mexican Superposition, which can be treacherous, but needs must.

Yikes! Jeopardy on all sides! Can I escape by means of a sliding Pendleton (anti-clockwise with double de-clutch) to

Oxford Circus?

Moving southwards to Green Park.

Deceptively simple there, Llyn.
Tower Hill using Choudhury's Rule.

Choudhury’s always adds a bit of excitement to proceedings!

I venture it’s not too early in this game to play Chalk Farm. IYKYK…

Excitement is one word for it. Were you at Paignton last year?

I'll take a lesser Scarpa to Pinner.

Paignton? Please let us not discuss Paignton! There were some moves played there which should never have seen the light of day and I shall never forgive the wing commander for what he did on the Northern Line.

Brixton

It is a badge of honour for the wing commander to collect people who won't forgive him for the Northern Line.
Personally I was OK with it. It was his conduct over the ratification of Bengt's Theorem that I find difficult to move on from.

Leyton (demi-crocked)

The Wing Commander is a very distant cousin on my mother's side. The Northern Line is very least of his indiscretions, if family lore is to be believed.

A Flying Stromboli takes us to
Wimbledon Chase

In that case, PunksVersusBrats, I shall refrain from giving any further opinion on the wing commander or his conduct unbecoming, beyond saying that I suspect the worst of it has long been expunged from your family lore.

Clapham South

The Wing Co. once invited me to review his negatives in the dark room. I was young, I thought he really was a student of the photographic arts…

Thank GOD for observant footmen who have known one from girlhood is all I’ll say.

South Kensington.

Oh, not you too, TragicMuse? He is indeed a cad.

Goodge Street

I'm not sure about photography TragicMuse but he was certainly a keen artist in his younger years and rather accomplished when the right inspiration took him. I gather that his 'Startled Nun with Pekingese and Castanets' is still displayed in a discreet corner of the Palace of Westminster, with viewings for the more discerning guest by appointment every other Tuesday afternoon.

St. James' Park

How fortuitous to return to the game just as conversation turned to the Wing Commander. As it happens, I am slightly acquainted with the young lady who modelled for the artwork that Punks mentions, and I understand that she is, shall we say, no longer a nun.

Kensington High Street

I believe that I must count myself very lucky never to have made the acquaintance of the Wing Commander. In a spirit of celebration I shall head towards Baker Street

You’re really challenged us there @NearCanongate, what an excellent move! I can’t see any other option than Willesden Green.

I believe that switches all gates westward. Do with that as you wish. But be careful, the Last Tuesday rule is in play so anything south of the Plimsoll Line is invalid until the off-peak period…

Under the Lisbon-Algiers Accord (1993, of course, NOT the 1959 Accord - the less said about THAT the better) I think i can move to...

Mornington Crescent

I say, Baital, well done! I was coming on to suggest a Flockington-Hartnell, but can see now you've played your hand how simplistic that move would have been.

Your turn to start a new round.

Oh brava, Baital! My breath is bated as I await the next thrilling game.