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

Thank you! I remember attending the conference in '93 when I was just starting out in the game, and so many of the clauses went straight over my head... but I puzzled away over the years and finally found the opportunity to use it! Very exciting!

I'll start with Stratford, just to keep things open for the first few moves!* *

Oh well played Baital! 👏
I didn't see that coming at all, which shows how much I still have to learn.

Keeping it safely basic with Mile End.

Hmmm.
Penge West (I've been rereading Schlesinger on the Bridport Conundrum).

With the aid of the Windrush line rule I move to Rotherhithe.

Hainault.

Hah!!

Hah, Hainault, indeed. It was one of those late night lock-in’s at The Maypole with the Wing Commander that I really learnt my game. Memories. Memories.

A very lazy swagger, using the colour and large print board, to Perivale.

And if what I’ve heard about the Wing Co. is true, Vegimal, that won’t be all you learnt! <sniggers knowingly>

Back to the game … I’m going to follow the Newlyn Datum to Hammersmith

Ah, the days of the MC lock-in. The best were in that rather louche bar behind the laundrette in Theydon Bois. Knock three times and ask for the major; bring your own absinthe, dress code optional.

Kennington

Where do you think I’ve been all this round, Maud?

Oval which is all we can ask for, really, considering.

You mean it’s still operating, VegimalCrudite? I heard it had been closed down following a raid by the Obscene Publications Squad and environmental health, but I now realise that was just a cover story circulated by the investigative reporter to throw others off the scent. How foolish I was to trust her.

Battersea Power Station

I don't like the Northern line extension, which is not included in the 2003 set of rules as it did not exist then.

Going by the 2003 rules we would be at Oval, so a move to South Wimbledon would be the next step.

Do people still abide by 2003 rules? I remember at Harrogate there was a bit of a farrago about that. Although it was at least a little to do with the company secretary's choice of music for the karaoke element of the evening as well.

A two-step (quartered) to Seven Sisters

I have them hand embroidered on all my chemises.

Seven Sisters you say-frisky and dare I say it- a bit risky. I 2003 you to Aldgate East

[do we think ChatGPT can play MC?]

I have many things embroidered on my chemises but not, I’m not ashamed to say, the 2003 rules which are now, in my view, somewhat démodé.

Swiss Cottage

I don’t think I’ve worn a chemise since 1998. Perhaps I should rethink.

Northwick Park

Chat GPT would not stand a chance playing the game of games. Can you imagine how it would respond to a move to Brill or Verney Junction under the closed lines rule?

Pinner.

Oh are we playing closed stations? I’m in!

I’m always torn but feel I must take the opportunity to play British Museum.

And why not?

Russell Square

There was a ChatGPT incident not long ago at a social in Frinton-on-Sea. Someone half-jokingly asked it about donkeys and toffee apples and it came up with a particularly unflattering, possibly actionable, anecdote involving the choirmistress and the mobile librarian.

Moving on:
Putney Bridge

Social occasions do tend to be a little... well, explosive might be the best word to use. So many people of original intelligence getting together without the discipline of Game rules. Add in some alcohol and things get very messy very quickly...

ColliersWood

Well, if it’s alcohol and messy you want

Westminster

Oh, well played Maud! I hadn't thought about the Byfleet Exception.

Perivale

West London, a place where a move seems to reduce any tension in the game of games.

West Ruislip

Nice move, Llyn. Let’s keep things relaxed with a Crowther’s Reach to Wembley Park

Oh this is tricky now as I'm still very much a novice. I'm going to risk Elephant and Castle