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

If we’re talking basic, I would like to know which of you is using the new George at Asda game pieces? I’m not sure they’re U. No?

Epping

Ever since that minor member of European royalty (on the distaff side, you understand) attempted to unionise the wardens, things have sometimes got rather out of hand vis a vis knock-off pieces from Asda and others. George is only a tiny part of it, just look at what Florence and Fred got up to back in the ‘10s…

<shakes head sadly>

However.

Bloodied but unbowed it behooves me to play Chancery Lane. I’m sure m’learned friends can advise on the appropriate constitutional protocols for dealing with minor European royalty…

I've never tried a supermarket set, being as I am lucky enough to own a beautiful set gifted to me by the tree surgeon, back in, let's say, less… tumultuous times.
And I do see what Muse is saying about the unions and the supermarkets. But I would also say needs must.
In which spirit, although I'd much rather use up my floating Pinkerton, I have to be sensible about it and instead say Ladbroke Grove (demi-cocked).

Harrumph. That leaves me in a bit of a bind, but I think I can escape by playing a counterclockwise Warburton to

High Street Kensington

Very smart thinking, Maud. I hadn't thought about going counterclockwise.

Now...

...
Got it!
Under Threapleton 2006, I can claim an Apterfeilt and say Mile End.

I’ll never reach your standard Little, that is quite possibly the most genius of moves, since the semi-finals of 03. Mesmerising.

Shepherds Bush I think that’s acceptable?

Edited to add: I love a union. They’re always so keen aren’t they?

VegimalCrudite, you are much, much too kind. I was there in 2003 (the semis were Dorking, yes?) and for me it was the pinnacle. One simply tries to learn from those masters.

I do applaud your move. I've had to delve way back into el-Mahrad to come up with a robust enough response, but feel fairly confident in saying Pinner

Ahhhh Pinner. Such precious memories of the Adjutant. We were very much in love…he wasn’t even heir presumptive then. We never dreamed he would actually ascended to the title.

If pater had known I daresay he would have approved our union...

Tulse Hill.

I wonder if now is the time for a lingering rookie to make her debut? I am by no means an aficionado of the game, but I do know my Roxburghes from my Connaughts (terrible tragedy that one).

Goodge Street

I swear I saw the Adjutant at the last meeting of the DLR and Northern Line working group. He seemed rather too busy to stop and say hello, sadly.

Welcome, CaveMum! You clearly do know your stuff; a bold and stylish first move.

I can only really say Dagenham (I did spin for it, don't worry)

Using the incomplete name rule we return to Goodge Street. And move swiftly to Bond Street.

All this hopping about makes me feel quaite queasy. I have a wild card here to take us somewhere cool, verdant and safe: South Wimbledon.

Does Ruislip Gardens help at all @ChocolateCinderToffee?

It’s now or never.

Tottenham Court Road

And a warm welcome to CaveMum. I very much like the cut of your jib.

Parsons Green using an expositional adjunct.

Given today’s headlines I feel I have no choice but to invoke the Westminster Deviation (1968) and submit Rayners Lane

😜

The deviations, it is a very long time since that was played in any game I was a player in. Well played @CaveMum .

With a reverse (well two) I go to Northwood.

Steady with that double reverse @LlynTegid!

St Paul’s. Now, before you protest just have a think about it. You’ll see that it was the only logical, nay reasonable, option.

I can tell a hawk from a handsaw…

Well this is a delight. Thanks for the thread. I've always wanted to join

Can I swoop in with a swift hop to Oxford Circus ?

Common, I know but rarely played

Cavemum, that’s no rookie move. Too good. Too, too good.

It is just 7.30 pm and Friday night so I give you

Waterloo let’s all move along two to the right.

Wow, there is some very impressive play on display at the moment!

It's been a tough week so Thornton Heath.

You are naughty, CaveMum. Very naughty.

Keeping it real:

Battersea Power Station

I admit it was a daring, bordering on reckless, move for a rookie - could have got myself in quite the pickle (see Forbes 1987).

On a lovely late summers morning, I take a stroll to Maida Vale

You lot are too good for a beginner like me, but if I don't try i will never learn.

I think a Cocker's double would get us to Chalk Farm?* *in the 1973 set?

Beginner, you say, @Baital? You jest, surely!!

Latimer Road. That is using the ecclesiastical interpretation rather than the ecumenical.