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

I think Googe Street would be more appropriate @ComeIntoTheGardenMaud at this juncture

You’re quite right to suggest it, HazelBite. I was dithering between the two and can see now that Goodge Street would have been the better choice, bearing in mind the Stephenson-Bunthorpe ruling of 2011 and everything that flowed from it. In memory of dear Hermione:

Great Portland Street

Her-me-own would be proud @ComeIntoTheGardenMaud So very proud!

I have enjoyed that little hop, skip and jump. It put me in mind of life before The Great Schism. Happier, more innocent, times. Well. Quite.

Covent Garden.

Point of order - I thought the rules did not allow schism and garden in the same move? This is to prevent hedge discussions.

The Penultimate Tuesday rule is in play! Fortunately for me!

Though Hedge and the omission of your move (even on a point of order) means I can only play Hainault. Sorry, but them’s the rules!

Yes, outdooryone. It is all well and good reminding us of that rather arcane rule about schism and garden, but you must then observe the rudimentary rule of playing a move. But, the sun is over the yardarm and the butler has just brought me a schooner of sherry and so I’m in a lenient mood.

Seven Sisters

Schisms are something I try to avoid. The French game Chatelet les Halles I thought came from the disagreement at the 1964 tournament, but it turned out to have been played beforehand in secret. So no schism and no need to have a unity conference.

PImlico

No great schism, but definitely a diet of worms.
Popping to Wapping.

Sorry for my absence, comrades. I have been in (slightly) sunnier climes and, funnily enough considering the evocation of the Stephenson-Bunthorpe ruling of 2011 above, was lucky enough to be able to observe a game played in the slightly unusual Maastricht configuration. Fascinating, if a little intimidating. I need to put some serious study in, was my abiding impression.
Plaistow, I think, using the Carr Exception.

Ah the exception. So little used in modern play.

Upminster Bridge

I like to wheel it out every now and then. It's useful for building up the necessary hedge for the perennial problem with the Metropolitan Line.
Chigwell

The Metropolitan line is a perennial problem…

Kensington (Olympia) is the natural solution. And who am I to argue against nature?!…

Ah, nature. Kew Gardens.

It's been a tiring weekend and I can only think of an Integrated Swiss to Acton Town

So a short move to Osterley seems appropriate.

Let's take it to the limit one more time. Heathrow terminal 5.

Ooh, smooth.
Cricklewood, using an Italian Slide.

Nicely done! I shall deploy my Swinburne (obverse, naturally) to

Cockfosters

Cockfosters - after the introduction of ULEZ facilities, I can use the secret passageway to get me out to Morden for a cuppa.

Oh well, if you’re doing secret passageway I’m opening up a closed station.

Aldwych.

In which case, I'm leaving the station to see the muffin man on Drury Lane, adding a coffee at Covent Garden.

Gosh! This has suddenly becoming very exciting, not to say challenging. Now is the moment, I think, for a downward lateral to

Russell Square.

And has anyone seen the Colonel? Or the mezzo soprano? Or the case of vintage Chateau Lafite Rothschild recently delivered to the croquet club but inexplicably missing?

If you're hanging about Russell Square, Maud, I believe you might find the Colonel contemplating the Sutton Hoo hoard in the British Museum.
And speaking of ships, buried or unburied, I shall tack across to West India Quay.

I have not heard about the Colonel or indeed the Major for a long time. I wondered if there is some secret society playing the game of games to which none of us are invited. Or the invite has not been delivered because the pigeon was scared off by the neighbour's cat.

South Quay DLR

I heard the mezzo was taking the cure. Up in the Tyrol I thought…

Hyde Park Corner