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

Bold. A wrinkle in time to Arnos Grove.

I’ll see your wrinkle, @Vaguelyclassical, and I’ll raise you a full crease to…

Barbican

**

I may need to fold @TragicMuse
King's Cross

Hmm. Are we all forgetting Cholmondeley-ffanshawe 1973? It has to be

Tower Gateway

The DLR rule has saved many a person from a move that ends up with them being in Nidd.

Shadwell.

@LlynTegid Yorkshire? The DLR rule saves people from Yorkshire? Sorry, I had no idea how far-reaching the actions taken at the Convocation of 2001 had been. Did the Former Health Minister have a role in this?

Invoking the Charabanc Initiative and going gently and temporarily off the grid--
Brighton

Never, not after what happened with the ceremonial cake and the gardener's boy.
Snaresbrook (reticulated).

The east end of the Central line, when it was introduced just after World War 2, brought a whole new dimension to the game of games. Gardeners playing the game increased several fold.

Gants Hill.

Near miss with that move @LlynTegidplayed by Bread just a week ago. Fortunately we’re in a different calendar week so diurnal rules apply.

I think the hothouses of Kew Gardens is the most sensible option, given the unseasonal temperatures. I don’t expect the balmy climes of the Riviera just yet but neither am I prepared to accept the howling gale straight off the Steppes…

Indeed, Muse, a repetition of Gants is now allowable. Is it still the case, though, but much of the Metropolitan is not recognised in this ruling? (Welwyn Garden City General symposium 1997, I believe).
I can only really see one option: Warwick Avenue

The Bakerloo line is such a useful one for short moves- so Kensal Rise it is.

Oh dear, the options have been radically narrowed by that bit of fast-footing, @LlynTegid
A nervous glissade to Harrow-on-the-Hill.

If it’s hills you’re after,

Tower Hill

Crouch Hill . . . does this count as a flush?

The rule formerly known as the London Overground rule (or has the grand council considered it still in play?) does help a lot.

Using the bus replacement rule instead, just in case, a move to Blackhorse Road.

Oh in that case, Aldgate.

I’ve had a Monkhouse Fancy in reserve for just such an occasion. Use it or lose it, as they say…

They certainly do, TragicMuse, they certainly do.

Clapham North (on the diagonal, obviously)

That certainly livens up the proceedings, quite the shift in play there. I needed to consult with my friend, a Level 3 referee, who sadly disagreed with my reading of rule 35(b) that I hoped allowed me Mornington Crescent.

Instead I'm left with Goodge Street, along the radical.

Who is your friend, outdooryone? It isn’t (gasp) the lady campanologist, is it? I heard she was stripped of her Level 3 qualification after that calamitous weekend tournament in Llandudno but, as you know, I abhor gossip.

Tottenham Court Road

What happened in Llandudno needs to stay in Llandudno.
An easy move out to Chesham.
Nice to calm my heart rate down some.

Gosh, it's been a while since I thought about the lady campanologist. I think it was not so much Llandudno per se as the coach trip home that was the issue. That's what the steward told me, at least. Although he did tend to bear grudges, especially in the matter of bouncing cheques.

I'm going to go for a windward to Mile End

I have a feeling it was something to do with her escapades in the Robing Room. Disrobing Room would have been more accurate. Hem hem.

Highbury Corner. An appearance before the magistrates and hope to be let off with a warning. Those who like to frolic skyclad, not oneself, of course.

It was attempting the Little Bob variation in a certain northern Minster that undid her, I fear.
After all this excitement I believe a segue to St Paul's is the only possible option.

The Little Bob variation is not for the faint of heart, or the delicate of knee.

There's always that element of risk around St Paul's following a Chiddenham Turn, but I think a move to Canada Water should see us right.

Woah there, this has got too fast and loose for me. I’ve had my head in the book of books and even with help from THE head librarian, I’m coming unstuck.

I am therefore going for a clean, pure and simple

Warren Street

Phew. I’m exhausted now, has anyone got the Tiger Balm?