Mornington Crescent

[Oolon Colluphid]

Time for another Mornington Crescent, I think.

I feel that we should keep it simple, so that newbies can follow the strategy and gameplay easily. We can always have another round for more advanced players later. So I propose we use the Standard Rules, with just the Third Trumpington Amendment and the simplified Nibblerqvist scoring system (don't worry, the ins and outs of that will become apparent as we go along), just to keep it interesting. (Remember: overground stations are wild with the 3rd TA.)

So, I'll open:

Heathrow Terminal 5

Rather daring, I think you'll agree :D

[Jobar]

So, would

Gatwick

be a legal response?

[Oolon Colluphid]

So, would

Gatwick

be a legal response?
:eek:

I refer you to your copy of Stovold (page 772 in my 1953 edition, so probably around p.15 if yours is newer). Given that we're using the Standard Rules, we'd need a ruling from the Chairman as to whether even DLR stations are playable! So I hardly think that having to change at Victoria before you get on the network makes for a good opening move. I mean, I suppose you could start at Launceston, with changes at Bristol Temple Meads and Paddington if you felt like it, but the rest of us will be on the Northern Line while you're waiting in Left Luggage... :rolleyes:

[Puck]

Greyhound bus terminal, end of the line, po-dunk, GA, USA.

(in other words, I have no clue)

[Lisa0315]

Greyhound bus terminal, end of the line, po-dunk, GA, USA.

(in other words, I have no clue)

Me either!

[PostMortem]

Greyhound bus terminal, end of the line, po-dunk, GA, USA.

(in other words, I have no clue)

Nice try Puck… You are clearly trying to LUL us into believing that you don’t know what you are doing. However if that is your game then you shouldn’t have attempted such a masterful move. Did you not think that the more experienced players here wouldn’t recognize the Naohiro Takahara Gambit?

However, I know just the move to put you in your place:

Cockfosters.



(YEAH! My first post on Secular Cafe and it's in a Mornington Crescent game. I'm SO happy!)

[Lisa0315]

I read the thread title as Morning Crescent and assumed it was something dirty like Morning Wood. :D

[DMB]

Nah, it's an obscure game based on the London tube network.

[Notta]

I read the thread title as Morning Crescent and assumed it was something dirty like Morning Wood. :D
I thought it was going to be about breakfast pastries...:confused:

[Puck]

However if that is your game then you shouldn’t have attempted such a masterful move. Did you not think that the more experienced players here wouldn’t recognize the Naohiro Takahara Gambit?

However, I know just the move to put you in your place:

Cockfosters.

Um.... Okay?

Do I counter with Dickadopters?

[Oolon Colluphid]

Fraid not, Puck. According to the 1976 'Hot Summer' subclause (or as TBT put it, the "Ooh what a scorcher!" manoeuvre), we're too early in the year for the removal of so much clothing -- unless you're in the southern hemisphere, in which case I understand the mistake -- it's August down there at the moment, right?

Meanwhile, I think we're all overlooking the obvious. At the risk of appearing a little smug here: a reverse shunt via the Jubilee takes me to:

Barking

And, sorry Jobar, that leaves you in Spoons.

[PostMortem]

Well caught on the "Ooh what a scorcher!" manoeuvre Oolon.

I'm in a bit of a rush right now, Samantha seems to be having some car trouble so I offered to lift her bonnet and have a feel around, as such I'm afraid I don't have the time to make a well considered move. Instead I'll just have to play it safe by crossing over to Euston Square.

[Oolon Colluphid]

Well well well. Euston Square. Cunning. Blocking both me and Jobar and causing engineering works on the Circle Line too. It would be ungentlemanly of me to repeat my initial thoughts on that you swine...

Right then. With no chance of a Slingsby Kaiser, I'll have to pivot off Ealing Broadway and play:

Chorleywood.

It lets Jobar out of Spoons, but at least I gain one blue token.

[PostMortem]

Oolon, can you tell me are we calling blue tokens down/green reverse? I have to admit that I'm having a hard time playing under the Standard Rules, it has been so long since I've needed to bring my playing 'down' to this level, but I suppose it helps the beginner spectators keep score.

Ickenham - MC in three.

[Oolon Colluphid]

I know, it is tricky, but it's the only way our less experienced players will follow it. When I was learning, back in '79-ish, I remember being completely gripped by what I was told by my Dad was actually a really dull match (Bill Tidy, John Junkin, Bob Holness and Ted Moult -- nuff said).

Anyway, it's green down, blue reverse. And remember that an Oyster Card cannot be substituted for a Get Out of Kilburn Free one, thanks to dear ol' Ken Livingstone.

And unless you can do something about my Perivale, I think you're a little optimistic about your MC in three.

[Anne]

Oh my!

That tome I dug out of neighbor's trash at 12 years old and spent two summers studying may finally pay off.

Is the 1967 Olmstead edition accepted in this game? I'm afraid since I am only an American, it's the only version I've actually held and been able to read.

If it is ok, in that case, I will play...

Marylebone...

(Hex would rock at this game)

[Hex]

(Hex would rock at this game)

Oh, I'm allowed to play then? I was afraid my ranking with a 5-Station handicap would keep me from it.

As for Marylebone, Anne, I think that trying the 'Number 22b' maneuver with a change at Baker Street is rather advanced for the standard rules, don't you? Tsk.

And, with green down and blue reverse (a nice touch strategy-wise there Oolon ;)), the move that will put PostMortem in Nidd would be to spend a red chit and drop him squarely at Goodge Street.

Unless of course, that abysmal ruling from 1976 is being used here? :rolleyes:

[dug_down_deep]

I believe you've just spent a penny, if my reading of the Boswell is correct. But please, continue. I'm just kibbitzing.

[Puck]

Fraid not, Puck. According to the 1976 'Hot Summer' subclause (or as TBT put it, the "Ooh what a scorcher!" manoeuvre), we're too early in the year for the removal of so much clothing --

Ah, my mistake. Having grown up in Florida, we disregarded that ruling after the Boynton Debate. It was, essentially, a generational war, but the final ruling came on a particularly hot day in February, and the judges were sweltering in their official robes. It took all of 15 minutes for them to decide on the younger people's side, doff their robes and head across the sands for the Gulf of Mexico. After which they gathered at the local beach bar and wondered if they'd made the right choice, but it was too late. Let's just say cameras were involved.

[PostMortem]

that will put PostMortem in Nidd.....

Unless of course, that abysmal ruling from 1976 is being used here? :rolleyes:

The 1976 ruling is NOT being used here, however the Third Trumpington Amendment does have a proviso that would allow a player to get out of Nidd provided he/she watch the government funded 'educational' film "The Commie, Puberty, Homo, Premarital sex, Refer, VD, Menace and YOU!" An eleven hour 1940's propaganda epic.

As we all know the Third Trumpington Amendment was instituted during that brief but horrible period in the 1960's when Mary Whitehouse and her ilk managed to gain control over the rules committee. She considered Mornington Crescent the greatest threat to the morality of Britain and the World, but at the same time she knew it had the greatest influence on the minds of young people. So rather than destroying the game she and her allies went about establishing many rules changes that would force players to play in a more 'moral' fashion. Many of the rules she installed have since been found and removed, unfortunately some still linger.

Luckily, I've played under the Third Trumpington Amendment before and have one of the few remaining copies of the film. I'm just fortunate that I didn't end up in Double Nidd, otherwise I'd be forced to also watch the sequel from the 1950's "Jesus Christ, Nuclear Power, Our Precious Bodily Fluids, Full Frontal Lobotomies, The Strap, and Asbestos, are our Friends and Future!" (27 hours)

See you in eleven hours.

[dug_down_deep]

They remade that in the U.S., but it's a sitcom starring Cloris Leachman.

[Hex]

The 1976 ruling is NOT being used here, however the Third Trumpington Amendment does have a proviso that would allow a player to get out of Nidd provided he/she watch the government funded 'educational' film "The Commie, Puberty, Homo, Premarital sex, Refer, VD, Menace and YOU!" An eleven hour 1940's propaganda epic.

...

See you in eleven hours.

Wait! Before you go and waste 11 precious hours, need I remind you of the Hutton Cranswick Referendum of June 1971? It explicitly states that, due to the ruling against Lord Nebbish's exploitation (during the 1970 season) of the 'Morality (Loop)Holes', that Whitehouse et al introduced:

If the Trumpington Amendments are to be used in any game, they must be tempered by the Nebbish Proviso or they shall be null and void and the players invoking any part of the Trumpington Amendments shall be up the junction.(emphasis mine)

As any afficianado of the game knows, the Nebbish Provisio is only there to maintain game balance by making sure that the player is actually able to climb the nearest belltower while holding at least ten, but not more than fifteen, of their markers, of any color. After this requirement has been satisfied, they may only make a move on the Bakerloo, Central or Waterloo & City lines, and then, they may only move two stations in an east-west direction.


Have you a tower handy for after your epic movie?

[Brother Daniel]

Marble Arch.

Not because it's a good move (it isn't, particularly), but because it'll annoy the hell out of all of you by rendering most of your rule debates moot!

[Don Alhambra]

Brother Daniel, you know full well what you've just got us into. Let's run through the options.

I'd quite happily play Bank but unfortunately I am a gentleman, which renders my options quite limited in this case; I refer you to Milliner (1968) for discussion. One might have thought that Swiss Cottage would be a good move too, based on the celebrated case of the prophylactic and the vicar's wife (and we all know how that turned out!) but, again, a protracted court battle that ended just last year optioned all the rights to that particular novella... for details, try the excellent review by von Kurtzstag (2008).

Since it is still just about Wednesday in Mornington Crescent time zone (GMT of course), you would think I'd still be eligible to play a rowdy Piccadilly... but you know what? My backhand isn't what it was, and in cases like these (cf. Genry 1992, Genry & Genry 1993, and Genry, Genry & Genry 1994) there is actually no precedent for that kind of play. Playing East Finchley is, as ever, unthinkable.

And unfortunately that leaves us, as it is the first week of the month, and an odd-numbered year, with a single, unpleasant alternative:

Dollis Hill

References

Genry, H.G. (1992). "Rowdiness and backhands: a systematic study of the Piccadilly play." Int. J. Morn. Cresc. 254: 188-192

Genry, H.G. & Genry, G.H. (1993). "Why is the Piccadilly play so controversial?" J. Morn. Cresc. 5578: 23-32

Genry, H.G., Genry, G.H. & Genry, H.G.H. (1994). "Multiple personality disorder and the Piccadilly play." Clin. J. Morn. Cresc. 334: 255-266

Milliner, I.M.H. (1968). "A gentleman's guide to Mornington Crescent: part XXVIII." J. Morn. Cresc. 2236: S335-337

von Kurtzstag, D.M. (2008). "Rubber and cloth: the whole story?" Rev. Morn. Cresc. Lett. 234: 77-88

[PostMortem]

Have you a tower handy for after your epic movie?

Unfortunately no. The last bell tower in the area was destroyed by the bloody Germans. Not during WWII mind you, just last week in fact. The driver of a German tour bus got distracted due to boisterous singing by his passengers and lost control during a rousing rendition of Komm gib mir deine Hand (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bEKPg-mnEfg). Totally leveled the old tower.

Thankfully though Brother Daniel's move has removed me from Nidd, and not a moment too soon I must say. After watching seven hours of that film I really was beginning to think that the Commies were coming to get me.

Marble Arch.

Not because it's a good move (it isn't, particularly), but because it'll annoy the hell out of all of you by rendering most of your rule debates moot!

I can't complain too much since you did get me out of Nidd, but really sir!!!

And unfortunately that leaves us, as it is the first week of the month, and an odd-numbered year, with a single, unpleasant alternative:

Dollis Hill

*groans*
Of course I realize that you had no choice. Let's see if I can get out of this...

Well I think I can try for Neasden. OH BUGGER! That's caused a self-reverse loop and I shunt straight to Dollis Hill.

Well that's the best I can do for this round, better luck to you other chaps.

[Hex]

Well I think I can try for Neasden. OH BUGGER! That's caused a self-reverse loop and I shunt straight to Dollis Hill.

Well that's the best I can do for this round, better luck to you other chaps.

While Neasden would seem the only reasonable move at this point, you could look to the Bromsgrove match of August 23, 1992 for guidance, where Archibald Rumsley found himself in just the same situation, but took the bold, unexpected (and some say scandalous) move of choosing Blackfriars. While this should work under normal circumstances, due to the fact that the stop has been closed since the 2nd of this month, and will be until some time in 2011, of course, this move isn't currently valid, a situation which might put lesser players thinking that they're behind a pint or two. This, I know, is going to change the game for the duration, negating some pivotal strategies by such legends as Wilkins, Conkey, and Howard.


However, my dog-eared copy of Widdershins' Rules (the 1965 paperback, not the good hardcover :o) clearly shows a valid move if one has the reversed kumquat card and three blue chits (which, I do). While it might not be the prettiest move, it is functional in escaping the self-reverse loop that Dollis Hill presents at this time, though it does open up two likely points for exploitation, as noted by Rumsley after the 1992 match, "No guts, no ... Oh what's that thing? You know, when you've got that sandwich that's too big? The stick with the frills on it?"

So, without further ado, I'll offer up Kew Gardens.

[Brother Daniel]

"Not the prettiest move"? You, sir, have a gift for understatement. That was bloody inelegant. However, much as I'd like to argue about the legality of it, I don't believe I can.

Hmmm. Who's next, then?

[Hex]

"Not the prettiest move"? You, sir, have a gift for understatement. That was bloody inelegant.

Well, you do have to admit that there weren't a whole lot of options, given the state this match has worked itself into. :dunno:

The only other option, even worse than Kew Gardens, would be to have used a red-rimmed coal tit card (which I did not have in my hand) and invoked the 'Hanover Proxy' (and wasted it for the rest of the match) only to end up in Woolwich Arsenal. :eek:

It's a prospect that, at this stage is frankly best left uncontemplated, especially if this is to stay as a 'basic' match.

So, as you can see, it was inelegant, but still Kew Gardens is the better choice, surely.


And, of course, since I didn't state this before, my apologies for those looking to get out of this latest quagmire of the match.

[Brother Daniel]

Well, you do have to admit that there weren't a whole lot of options, given the state this match has worked itself into. :dunno:
I guess I have to accept my share of the blame for that. :evil:
The only other option, even worse than Kew Gardens, would be to have used a red-rimmed coal tit card (which I did not have in my hand) and invoked the 'Hanover Proxy' (and wasted it for the rest of the match) only to end up in Woolwich Arsenal. :eek:

It's a prospect that, at this stage is frankly best left uncontemplated, especially if this is to stay as a 'basic' match.

So, as you can see, it was inelegant, but still Kew Gardens is the better choice, surely.
OK, I agree with all that.

But I was thinking you could contrive to end up nearly anywhere between Hammersmith and Royal Oak, simply by treating PM's Neasden attempt as a betrugszwang (noting the placement of his red tokens).

ETA: Oh crap. Don't tell me I misunderstood that rule too.... Mea culpa.

[Oolon Colluphid]

Oh cripes.

Ummm... if I... no, not Rickmansworth, ever since the small café incident... Snaresbrook, perhaps? Drat, that'll just Kiblett the Jubilee line and pivot me straight back to Dollis Hill, won't it? Dammit Don, what have you done?!

Hmm. Possibly Parsons Green, the famous Fairport Nine manoeuvre? Nonono.

You know, I think I'm stumped.

I wonder if the DLR can help. Being new, I'm not sure if it's even playable, but in the circumstances, I'll go for it: Cutty Sark for Bank.



Oh well. I tried. I forgot about Stockwell being both at an intersection and underground.

Dollis Hill <sigh>

Don, you got us into this mess. Since you have better library access than I do, can you have a look in Int J Dollis Hill Studies. Probably Vols 82 or 83 (1974). I recall something...

[Mung Dynasty]

What the fuck are you wallies on about?

[Oolon Colluphid]

And bang on cue:
What the fuck are you wallies on about?
This always happens at about this point in a game. No problem. Mung, please consult the page Mornington Crescent: The Unofficial, truncated, simplified rules for beginners (abridged) (http://www.daemoneye.com/mc.html). I should warn you that that really is so simplified as to be effectively unplayable for any regular player, rather like trying to play proper tennis with a foam ball and big, kids-style racquets.

[Mung Dynasty]

Ah. I understand now. You're all completely bonkers. Carry on.

[Don Alhambra]

Don, you got us into this mess. Since you have better library access than I do, can you have a look in Int J Dollis Hill Studies. Probably Vols 82 or 83 (1974). I recall something...

Hey, don't blame me. I gave very good reasons for my inability to play any other station! I can go over them again, if you like.

Looked up the reference in the library (we don't have an electronic copy). Unfortunately that volume is composed entirely of small five-letter words arranged in a pleasing spiral pattern, coupled with a few beat poems and references to drug use. Also, the pages are tie-dyed. It was the 1970s, remember, and Macendon's post-hippie-backlash-hippie-backlash revival was in full swing. I haven't smoked enough illicit substances to be able to make head nor tail of the arguments contained therein.

In the mean time, Dollis Hill

[Hex]

I admit this is quite the hole to find ourselves in, but I think that I may be able to offer a bit of a solution.

You see, during last night's drowsy workings on the very problem, whilst grabbing for my copy of Widdershins' Rules, I accidentally grabbed the wrong book. Unfortunately, it was Moby Dick: Or The Whale, and by the time I finished that I was thoroughly sozzled, and again grabbed the wrong book, though this was actually a boon.

What I ended up with in my hand was The Junior Book of Mornington Crescent, Illustrated Large Print Edition (1952). While it brought back all those memories of reading it for the first time, and the overly simplistic idea that from Dollis Hill one could simply (ha!) slide to Finchley Road make the transfer to the Metropolitan line and have plenty of options (totally missing the double platform reverse and the possible looping that could occur).

However, it did have in the footnotes a mention of the 1949 Treatise On Mornington Crescent International Play: French and Germans Allowed as a useful document in the context of rebuilding the German beer and chocolate industries after the War, clarifying the rules of Bank station, and abrogating self-reverse loops on the Jubilee line.

Would anyone perchance have access to this?

I find that I'm at a loss as to where to go, unless we get a provisional ruling from the chairman.

[Brother Daniel]

Who's chairing this anyway?

[David B]

Sorry, I must have dropped off.

Carry on, Hex

[Oolon Colluphid]

Sadly, my Dad lost his copy in the floods of '63.

I feel that a little slight of hand may be required if the chairman isn't looking. As we know, the problem of the Dollis Hill Loop is that it requires some pretty impressive geometry to escape, geometry that can be but rarely configured. The only time I've seen it done was by Fry (1997), with a Paddington move. I believe the principle behind it has become known as the Fry-Paddington Theorem: the sum of Euston Square on the Hyde Park Corner line is equal to the sum of the Squares on the other two lines (Leicester and Russell).

So, if I triangulate off of Leicester Square... with Shadwell opposite and Upney adjacent... I believe I can... yes!

High Barnet!

[dug_down_deep]

*quickly checks slide rule*

You cheeky bastard.

[Hex]

Aha! Well done!

(Though, I do have to point out for those who might want to try that in a future game, it's very lucky for Oolon that it's a Thursday with a Waxing Gibbous moon of more than 60%, but less than 79% of the full surface exposed, or he'd have been hit with a two-turn penalty.)

And, my thanks to the chair, since we don't have to worry about the sanctioning committee creating an injunction on that move.


Now we can get back to the match, and I must say, the placement at High Barnet does create some tricky maneuvering at best, since we're on the Northern line, and just a few zones away from the goal, the best move here is a defensive one. Again, my mind goes to Lord Nebbish's playbook, as he found himself in a very similar position against Terrance Hodges in 1969. Lord Nebbish ended up taking the long route to end in an acceptable zone but on the other side of the river, which he described as a 'Substantial Bridging Maneuver' (which was sanctioned by the Hutton Cranswick Referendum mentioned before).

Following along with that then, I'll have to expend all of my remaining blue chits to make a change at Stockwell and end the move at Vauxhall in a rather exhausted state. Best of all, that placement will take two green chits to move out of due to Lambeth local regulations.

Best of luck with that then ...

[Brother Daniel]

Ummm... That happened in their 1967 match, not the 1969 match (which was admittedly more famous, albeit for rather different reasons) -- if the Mornington Crescent section of my wife's old 1993 Brittanica Almanac is to be believed.

Anyhoo, Vauxhall always seems to be rather bad luck for me. Under the current circumstances (given the number of players who've spoken up so far), it seems fairly obvious to switch at Oxford Circus and wobble over to Warwick Avenue.

Yes, it's a simple, even boring, move. But (with basic rules at least) it's hard to see how you could stop me from getting to MC in 2 -- unless you all act in concert, and (here's the catch) completely trust each other.

Here's what's nagging at me, though. It's too obvious. Given that I'm (probably) the least experienced player here, I know that there's no way in hell that you'd've let me get away with doing that, if it really were as simple as it appears.

So there's something important I'm missing, and I don't know what it is.

Bugrit. Warwick Avenue. Let's make it official. The worst that can happen is I'll lose the game, and I'll probably learn something along the way.

[PostMortem]

Ah. I understand now. You're all completely bonkers. Carry on.

Typical philistine reaction. Simply because your mind is too pedestrian to comprehend even the simplest form of the game you choose to lash out at those of us who are your betters? You need not return.

I find that I'm at a loss as to where to go, unless we get a provisional ruling from the chairman.

I think you may have something there Hex, good luck to you. However, I have my own plan in mind.

I believe I can get out of the Dollis Hill Loop another way, though Queensbury. I was reminded last night of a set of little known rules while watching a pair of pugilists pummel each other. You see the original "Queensberry rules", were not in fact named for the Marquess of Queensberry. The Queensberry rules, as we know them now, were in fact simply an addendum to a much larger set of rules for a new and beautiful Mornington Crescent strategy that centred around Queensbury on the Jubilee line. The new rules however were so radical as to cause many a fistfight to break out. This may seem unthinkable to us now, but need I remind you that Mornington Crescent has not always been the gentlemanly game we enjoy. As such the MC rules committee ordered that an addition be made to the back of the "Queensbury Rules" outlining how rules disagreements were to be settled, and on the final page were a set of rules on how to conduct a fair fight if all other avenues of settlement had been exhausted.

The simplicity and brilliance that imbues all Mornington Crescent rules was particularly evident in these new "Queensbury Fighting Rules". So much so that the London Boxing Association decided to plagiarize these rules to bring some civility to their ring. For some unknown reason they didn't wish to credit the MC Rules Committee so they went about creating a false history for their new rules. Changing the name in the process to the "Queensberry rules", and to add insult to injury the London Boxing Association then put forth the story that it was in fact the Mornington Crescent Rules Committee that had stolen the rules from them. Ridiculous of course!

So looking though my basement I've managed to find my copy of the complete Queenbury rules including the addendum, I've had time to skim it and come up with a plan. I believe that if I spend 3 blue tokens and 2 green that will allow me to bypass Neasden and Wembley Park provided I do a runaround at the far end of Wembley. Once that is done I can proceed to Kingsbury which should take me into a new zone and so long as I pay the five pounds this shouldn't be a problem. Now here is the brilliant part, I must bypass Queensbury by exchanging 17 orange chits for 3 purple chits and once I've gotten to Canons Park I can play a Wilhelmina shunt/reversing card back to Queensbury landing me on the opposite platform. Now provided nobody plays Stanmore, which would force me back to Dollis Hill I should be safe.

[Brianna]

Ah. I understand now. You're all completely bonkers. Carry on.

They are English. it is to be expected... I suspected they all had their blood sucked out by vampires long time ago in the underground!

[PostMortem]

Typical philistine reaction. Simply because your mind is too pedestrian to comprehend even the simplest form of the game you choose to lash out at those of us who are your betters? You need not return.

I must apologise Mung. My reaction was uncalled for. I'd forgotten how difficult I found Mornington Crescent when I first started playing. I blame my outburst on the stress I was feeling due to my current position in the game which I'm afraid is not too good at the moment. However that is no excuse, and I hope you will accept my apology.

[PostMortem]

They are English. it is to be expected... I suspected they all had their blood sucked out by vampires long time ago in the underground!

Canadian here! I realize that most of the great players are English however with a lot of hard work and study I believe I've brought myself up to an acceptable level. (Not that you could tell from my current playing)

[Hex]

So looking though my basement I've managed to find my copy of the complete Queenbury rules including the addendum, I've had time to skim it and come up with a plan. I believe that if I spend 3 blue tokens and 2 green that will allow me to bypass Neasden and Wembley Park provided I do a runaround at the far end of Wembley. Once that is done I can proceed to Kingsbury which should take me into a new zone and so long as I pay the five pounds this shouldn't be a problem. Now here is the brilliant part, I must bypass Queensbury by exchanging 17 orange chits for 3 purple chits and once I've gotten to Canons Park I can play a Wilhelmina shunt/reversing card back to Queensbury landing me on the opposite platform. Now provided nobody plays Stanmore, which would force me back to Dollis Hill I should be safe.

The nerve! :eek:

[Brianna]

Canadian here! I realize that most of the great players are English however with a lot of hard work and study I believe I've brought myself up to an acceptable level. (Not that you could tell from my current playing)

Eh. I am almost Canadian. You spend too much time with the mooses. :D

[Brianna]

I must apologise Mung. My reaction was uncalled for. I'd forgotten how difficult I found Mornington Crescent when I first started playing. I blame my outburst on the stress I was feeling due to my current position in the game which I'm afraid is not too good at the moment. However that is no excuse, and I hope you will accept my apology.

http://www.rationalpagans.com/images/smilies/poke.gif

[PostMortem]

The nerve! :eek:

Sir, if you do not find my play to your liking there is of course the final "Queensbury rules" we could use to settle it!

Otherwise shall we play on?

[Hex]

Sir, if you do not find my play to your liking there is of course the final "Queensbury rules" we could use to settle it!

Otherwise shall we play on?

Oh we shall. Most assuredly, we shall.

I'm just biding my time until other have made their move (and ransacking my library in the meantime) ...

[dug_down_deep]

Now provided nobody plays Stanmore, which would force me back to Dollis Hill I should be safe.
Stanmore





No, I'm just pretending to play. Carry on. Sorry.

[Oolon Colluphid]

Stanmore? Oooooh, Stanmore.

Sod Dollis Hill... the chances of a random guess producing the position we now have... you're not fooling me for a moment Dug. Stanmore. Stanmore! A stroke of genius.

Gosh, Stanmore. Yeah, I know it's only Stanmore... but look what he's done!

I shall have to rethink my entire strategy.

[dug_down_deep]

*blushes and tries to hide copy of Mornington Crescent for Dummies*

[Mung Dynasty]

http://www.rationalpagans.com/images/smilies/poke.gif
My honour has been slighted. Methinks I should challenge him to a duel. :cool:

[Brianna]

My honour has been slighted. Methinks I should challenge him to a duel. :cool:

I didn't think you had any honor, but if you must duel, perhaps you can use my mud pit ;)

[Mung Dynasty]

Gentlemen do not duel in mud pits.

[Hex]

Gentlemen do not duel in mud pits.

Drawn f'ing typewriters at dawn?

[Brianna]

Gentlemen do not duel in mud pits.

I don't see any gentlemen here! :evil:

[Mung Dynasty]

Fuggorf ya gnarly bint.

[Brianna]

Fuggorf ya gnarly bint.

If you don't think I get the gist of this ya bloody twat waffle, you got another thing coming.

:evil: fs, don't bring it if you can't handle the gridfire, git.

[Mung Dynasty]

*sulking* :p

[PostMortem]

My honour has been slighted. Methinks I should challenge him to a duel. :cool:

I'm going to stop doing this now: :digging:

Despite what some here may say let's continue our game in a gentlemanly fashion.

[Hex]

Despite what some here may say let's continue our game in a gentlemanly fashion.

Well, despite some of the plays made in the match, I would say that decorum has been upheld nicely.


Now as to the matter of the playing of Stanmore, there are two ways that one could avoid the Dollis Hill quagmire, but one of them might broach that 'gentlemanly fashion' we're looking for.

First, one could take a chance on Wembley Park using two plum cards, as they hold trump this round, to make the change to the Metropolitan line where the available move being Rayners Lane. Of course, this is a horribly vulnerable placement, but it's regulation.

The other, perhaps not so reasonable move, uses the highly controversial 1983 'Utility Corridor' caveat. Since there a passage in the International Standard Mornington Crescent Rulebook (1966) that specifically mentions the utility shunts and emergency connecting tunnels, some players (like Conkey, Grendel, and Mole) have argued that this interpretation can allow for line changes without connecting stations. Here, between Queensbury and Kingsbury the corridor marked on some of the post-bombing surveys (of which I have the 1948 map of the tubes showing the intact tunnel) connects the Jubilee line and the Bakerloo line just south of Kenton.

And, since I don't want to end up with another Dollis Hill looping event, nor do I want to end up putting myself in a bad position, I'm forced to choose Kenton, and may the gods have mercy on my soul.

[PostMortem]

An excellent strategy Hex. I have something similar in mind to keep safe.

I shall invoke Pinkerton's Transfer Partition allowing me to take refuge on the Northern Line (obviously crossing the river will be involved at some point). I have only played Pinkerton's Transfer Partition on a handful of occasions, but as far as I am aware the Annexed Bifurcation Clause (52b, (see pp 56-976), to be exact) outlaws any attempted "box-stepp' style play south of Old Street. So I should be safe at London Bridge. And that is where I shall stay for now.

[Oolon Colluphid]

Right then. Strategy rethought, and lesson* learned. Sorry it took all weekend.

* "Never underestimate a player with a copy of ... for Dummies."

So. PostMortem's London Bridge leaves me clear on the Bakerloo. Kenton blocks any chance of a Tiddlington Gambit, but I can still perform a Stilton crossover to Hangar Lane, bypassing zone 4, collecting three steggles and avoiding going into Spoons at Limehouse. So there.

[PostMortem]

Oolon, I appreciated the weekend breather it gave me a chance sit back and really absorb the game play so far. I look forward to seeing this new strategy of yours (unless of course it's simply a retooling of the Alex Blaine Layder Stratagem of 1954, which by your crossover to Hanger Lang, I strongly suspect it is).

After careful consideration and consultation with Stovington's 3rd edition on game play and jam making, specifically the section regarding the use of the southern part of the Northern Line, I'm going to go for:
Tooting Bec

[Hex]

I concur with PostMortem on the time to think. I spent the weekend playing the different strategies out on the wall-sized map with marker pins and twine. (A lovely diversion, by the way.) And it has lead me to a couple of possible moves of my own, and served as a great reason to finish yet another bottle of bourbon. :thumbup:

However, this last move by our esteemed competitor does leave me wondering for a tick or two.

Tooting Bec?

Are you sure that you didn't mean Tooting Broadway, PostMortem? Yes, I know you cited Stovington's (which admittedly does do a wonderful gooseberry preserve), but if you know your Stovington's then you must certainly know what Admenson's Commentary On Mornington Crescent Strategies of the 1950's; A Summary, Critique, and Unabashed Demolition points out about the loophole you're trying to exploit.

And that's discounting the fact that Oolon has collected three steggles on his Hangar Lane move. :eek:

So, unless you have some ace up your sleeve besides the Stovington strategy (which I certainly hope is the case for your sake), you have to recognize that a sizable portion of the southwestern District line is in close proximity and set to put a spanner directly in your works! It's in this that I have to question if you chose the right station in your move, in choosing Tooting Bec instead of Tooting Broadway.

The defensibility of a Tooting Broadway position after a move on the Central line is well known (see Harold's West Ruislip to Mornington Crescent: Using The Central Line Tactically To Win (1972) and Wilson's There And Back Again, A Comprehensive Analysis of the Circle Line (1949)), but the proximity of Tooting Bec to Stockwell, Kennington, and Elephant & Castle makes it a (practically) undefensible position that only Sir Henry Woodward has made to stand, and that has been attributed to his long tenure in the Boer War and a sizable revolver brought to the match, an effective, but currently illegal move due to the Geneva Protocols that nearly ended the Russian matches during the 1930's.

Now, I can only assume that you have some brilliant strategy planned in making such an obvious and (seemingly) foolhardy move, and this makes me worry that you know that I know, and so your plan relies on my making an obvious move so that your plan moves forward. And yet, you'd have to know that I'd know, and know that I'd know you'd know, so that such moves would have to be built into your plan.

And with that in mind, I, of course, have no choice. The absolutely best move in this situation is the simple one posited by Wensleydale (June 23rd, 1967) to make the transfer on the Jubilee and end at North Greenwich. Not only is this a highly untenable situation for any of Stovington's strategies (One has to wonder if the man had a phobia of the place :dunno:), but it also nets me the gold watch and a spot of tea and figs.

[PostMortem]

Now, I can only assume that you have some brilliant strategy planned in making such an obvious and (seemingly) foolhardy move, and this makes me worry that you know that I know, and so your plan relies on my making an obvious move so that your plan moves forward. And yet, you'd have to know that I'd know, and know that I'd know you'd know, so that such moves would have to be built into your plan.

I know. I also know that there are known knowns, there are known unknowns, but there are also unknown unknowns. And I'm afraid that this final category is the one you fit into, in this particular case. I will simply allow my move to speak for itself and all will become clear:

Waterloo

[Brother Daniel]

So that's what I was missing. :notworthy:

[Hex]

Waterloo

Ooooh! Why you! :bang:

Why didn't I realize that you were going to try Hudson's Gambit!

Oolon, I hope you've something up your sleeve besides your elbow that can hold him off whilst I bone up on some of those classic blocking maneuvers that Rafferty was so good at ...

[PostMortem]

Oolon, I hope you've something up your sleeve besides your elbow that can hold him off whilst I bone up on some of those classic blocking maneuvers that Rafferty was so good at ...

Oolon must be working on an absolutely corking strategy!

[Hex]

Oolon must be working on an absolutely corking strategy!

Aye. I'm sure that my imagination is nothing compared to what Oolon's great wealth of knowledge on the game is likely to come up with. Though, I'll warn you, I feel I've got a bit of a corker in the works myself, depending on what Oolon has in store ...

Best we all just fortify ourselves for what lies ahead. :pint:


Though, I must say, this has been quite the match so far ... But then, it all lies in worthy opponents, I say. Cheers all!

[Oolon Colluphid]

Indeed, cheers all!

Now then. To business. I think you'll find this strategy, which I am about to uncork, to be something akin to a fine Chateau Margaux.

I was going to explain my reasoning, but feel it better to play my cards close to my chest at this point. Not that there's any element of surprise: once you see what I'm up to, you'll see that there is an inevitability to my arrival at MC similar to that which an unsupported object feels to the earth.

So I'll just give you a hint: Snitterling 1972, augmented by Kibbitz 1980.

And so: dervishing the Metropolitan, and a Scotch filibuster at Hyde Park Corner...

Oval.

Sorry guys, but there it is.

[Hex]

Oval in context with Snitterling '72 and Kibbiz '80?


I'll admit that I was, at first, suprised. No, surprised isn't right, stunned. If you're going to try to pull a 'Spanish Endive' and hit MC in 2, then I've got to step up my game. What a way to drive us right to a cutthroat push!

I had considered a number of Rafferty's defenses, so my mind is drawn immediately to Shepherd’s Bush Market, but with Oval down, of course, we can all see the folly in that.

No, in this situation, an offense, such as 'Cardigan's Folie' (see Bosquet's famous critique from '54) is more of what's called for, and with that in mind, I'll double down through Moorgate to switch to the Hammersmith & City line, ending squarely at Mile End.

And yes, this play is legal. Bournesmith and Bournesmith's detailed extremely detailed account and analysis of the 1965 Garsdale Head match which included Conkey and Filis Weaver, not Ted, of course, cites all the precedent for it, so long as you can read around the complaints about the particular barkeep who refused to tap a new keg during the match.

I know, I know, you'll all be clamoring on and on about the 'horrible fix', the 'roundabout escape', or the 'treacle effect' that go along with this move, but, as Sternn is so noted for saying in such situations, "I've got an angle." :evil:

[PostMortem]

WOW! That leaves me precious few options. My best choice has some possible problems so I think I need a rules clarification.

In the Third Trumpington Amendment is the DLR (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docklands_Light_Railway) considered playable? Only, there was a debate on that a few years back, and that got pretty messy at the regional invitational tournament in Dudley. I never did hear how that resolved. I heard it was going to be addressed by a special sitting of the 103rd Mornington Crescent Comparative Rules Adjudication and Interpretation Council, but I never heard what the decision of the council was. As well, provided the DLR is playable, are we allowed transverse laterals on weekends?

The answers to these questions will allow me to choose between two equally unpleasant options.:(

[Oolon Colluphid]

Yes.

[PostMortem]

Alrighty then, I shall go to Canary Wharf then try a transverse lateral to the adjoining DLR station and make a quick final move to Prince Regent.

[Hex]

In the Third Trumpington Amendment is the DLR (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docklands_Light_Railway) considered playable? Only, there was a debate on that a few years back, and that got pretty messy at the regional invitational tournament in Dudley. I never did hear how that resolved. I heard it was going to be addressed by a special sitting of the 103rd Mornington Crescent Comparative Rules Adjudication and Interpretation Council, but I never heard what the decision of the council was. As well, provided the DLR is playable, are we allowed transverse laterals on weekends?

Well, so far as I know, the fact that you never heard about the Dudley Decision is that it was never fully resolved! Gooch and Harris had at first agreed that it was fully legitimate, while Yo and Duncan argued against. I had a friend who sat through the proceedings, and by his account, by about halfway through, Gooch and Yo had switched sides, leaving the debate to rage on. One would think that by the end of this meeting there would have been a resolution, but in fact, Yo and Duncan came to blows over the description of a woman once seen by both men in the Limehouse station, and, by the time emergency services had arrived, all four of the judges were bloodied and bellicose, and were immediately put under sedation for their own protection. Ah, to have been a fly on the wall ...

Unfortunately, I don't have access to the 103rd Council's decisions, however, I did find that in Blakely's memoirs he did mention something about the 'dangers embroiled' in the 'DLR controversy' in what he described as "Willmington's letters and effects". I can only assume that this reference was to Albion Willmington III, who, if I understand correctly was on the senior council at the time of the 103rd Council meetings, which would have made him privy to quite a bit of behind the scenes information.

And, since I had little else to do today and was looking to expand my strategy past any spanners you fellows might be thinking of tossing into the turbines, I did hit upon something relevant. Conkey once (Chipping Sodbury Tourney: Cup Match, January 15, 1977) tried a shunt on the DLR from Bow Road to Canary Wharf, and while it initially drew an orange card, that was subsequently overruled when it was found that Conkey was holding a confluence straight backed by seven green chits (I wish that I could pull some of Conkey's brilliance in accumulating green chits). Using those, the orange card was backed off to a blue card, drawing a standard penalty, and allowing play to continue.

Now, it was a Saturday, but I've yet to see anyone with Conkey's ability to rake in the green chits.

I certainly hope this helps, because a run to Bow Road and a switch there to the DLR certainly wouldn't hurt my position, but I think you'll find that the 'treacle effect' will hamper your progress to anywhere tactically safe, and the 'roundabout escape' may put you in Nidd with the Haverstrom 1965 decisions ... :dunno:


ETA: Didn't post fast enough. Oolon, where did you find that ruling?

[David B]

WOW! That leaves me precious few options. My best choice has some possible problems so I think I need a rules clarification.

In the Third Trumpington Amendment is the DLR (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Docklands_Light_Railway) considered playable? Only, there was a debate on that a few years back, and that got pretty messy at the regional invitational tournament in Dudley. I never did hear how that resolved. I heard it was going to be addressed by a special sitting of the 103rd Mornington Crescent Comparative Rules Adjudication and Interpretation Council, but I never heard what the decision of the council was. As well, provided the DLR is playable, are we allowed transverse laterals on weekends?

The answers to these questions will allow me to choose between two equally unpleasant options.:(

My adjudication, having just woken up after having tried to keep up with Barry in the pub before the recording, is...carry on, Post Mortem/

[Hex]

Alrighty then, I shall go to Canary Wharf then try a transverse lateral to the adjoining DLR station and make a quick final move to Prince Regent.

But certainly the Prince Regent falls under the West Ham Stadium Remembrance Referendum (1974) rules for overland travel, when we're looking at weekends? If I recall correctly, the Speedway Hammers fans were highly powerful in the lobbying of 1973-74 on the issues of recognition and respect ...

If not, then ... This game just got a lot more interesting ... ;)

[Hex]

My adjudication, having just woken up after having tried to keep up with Barry in the pub before the recording, is...carry on, Post Mortem/

Would a new pint sway the chair?

[David B]

The chair, like Barry, is swayed enough already.

Take your time, there is no rush, the audience aren't getting restive, though Samantha, who is sitting on my right hand, is beginning to squirm a bit.

[Anne]

<squirm>

[Tawny]

You can all quote as many obscure rulings and rulesets as you like, but everybody knows the decisive set are the 1994 B-line Initiative. In which case I will take a sideswipe double backstep to Amersham, using the Tempo fringe.

I stand victoriously unbeaten!

[Hex]

You can all quote as many obscure rulings and rulesets as you like, but everybody knows the decisive set are the 1994 B-line Initiative. In which case I will take a sideswipe double backstep to Amersham, using the Tempo fringe.

I stand victoriously unbeaten!

Not so fast, there, Tawny!

Even in such a basic game, you should know that using the Third Trumpington Amendment will not allow a Tempo fringe-style move without penalty, so saying that you 'stand victoriously unbeaten' is premature, to say the very least. http://rationalpagans.com/images/smilies/sign0195.gif

Ellison et al. have a serious critique of the ramifications of the situation you're now in, starting of course with the placement at on one of the termini of the Metropolitan line. Using a Tempo fringe-style move limits movement to within the same zone, and the Thompson Concordance And Doorstop notes that when this occurs on the Metropolitan line, the moves gain a multiple turn leap-frog hindrance.

And, since you've ended the move in Zone 9, it takes some serious movement to actually get anywhere.

Given that, I'll offer up a Fibernachi-Selbert numklpkgul-ftoomsch, starting at Amersham, adding in Chalfont & Latimer to end at Rickmansworth.

Hah!

ETA: Bollocks! I neglected to compensate for the Zone A Steam changeover. Nothing for it, now, I'm afraid. This puts us back at Amersham again. :bang:

[Anne]

I must honestly say, I never thought I would see anyone attempt a Fibernachi-Selbert numklpkgul-ftoomsch in my lifetime.

I feel like I am watching an epic game.

[Brianna]

I must honestly say, I never thought I would see anyone attempt a Fibernachi-Selbert numklpkgul-ftoomsch in my lifetime.

I feel like I am watching an epic game.

I am feel like I am reading gibberish! :cool:

[DMB]

Strange spelling of "Fibonacci". :dunno:

[Oolon Colluphid]

Hardly, DMB, hardly. The great Sir Roderick Fibernachi-Selbert (DSO, DMC and Northern Line Bar) was, of course, well known for his Mornington Crescent play (not forgetting being a remarkably well-trousered gent). I remember my grandfather relating one game where he performed a Reibber Bedigood rotation to achieve MC from Richmond, which had Humph lost for words.

Which, actually, gives me an idea. If I hinge at Perivale, I believe that the Third Trumpington allows me to straddle across and land at Swiss Cottage.

[Tawny]

Why on earth do you people not think before you try such reckeless moves? Hingeing at Perivale when attempting a Third Trumpington is quite frankly suicidal, chuck in a straddle and you are lucky to still be playing!

I however, being an intelligent woman will do a frame leap with a corner and using the Ronald Tscolium Sequence will land safely on Covent Garden

[Hex]

I remember my grandfather relating one game where he performed a Reibber Bedigood rotation to achieve MC from Richmond, which had Humph lost for words.

And if I recall correctly, this was the origin of such stumped and wordless players to 'Humph' (or alternatively use the corruption of 'Harumph') at a particularly diabolical move. In all, quite an imortalization of a classic player.

So, Covent Garden, is it? I'll think for a few before positing any rash moves, shall I?

[Tawny]

And if I recall correctly, this was the origin of such stumped and wordless players to 'Humph' (or alternatively use the corruption of 'Harumph') at a particularly diabolical move. In all, quite an imortalization of a classic player.

So, Covent Garden, is it? I'll think for a few before positing any rash moves, shall I?
I would, otherwise you will end up at Leicester Square and that will bugger it for everyone.

[Hex]

I would, otherwise you will end up at Leicester Square and that will bugger it for everyone.

Actually, given the players in this match, I doubt anyone would fall for that. I'd actually be more worried at a Jublix's Gambit or similar contra-reverse style move that finished at King’s Cross St. Pancras, and since we've all been to Dollis Hill once already in this match, I'm sure no-one is willing to brave a quagmire like that anytime soon (without a sound plan and the chits to back it up, mind).

Unfortunately the obvious choice of running a 2:30 Matinee Overland (Elis, 17th Withernsea Invitational, 1976) maneuver is also removed from play as Blackfriars is out of service, and Mansion House would cost me a precious orange chit, which I'm not willing to spend at this time.

However, I am willing to part with two grommits to power a boomerang maneuver, transferring at both Holborn and White City to finally finish at Shepherd's Bush Market. I know what you're thinking, but, note that, on the first day of spring (today!), I can call for the "Holiday to the Greens" injunction, which allows for the extra zone shift so long as the station is within half a mile of a geenspace along the Hammersmith and City Line. (Though, I'm afraid in this venue I'm unable to take you all outside for the ceremonial pint, so you're on your individual honors with my apologies.)

[Tawny]

You are just getting silly now. That is far too convoluted and involved. WHat is wrong with a simple Internal Flap to Kings Cross

[Oolon Colluphid]

... which rather forces my hand. I hadn't meant to do my 'big reveal' quite so soon, but okay...

Willesden Green. Tawny is now in Knip.

[Hex]

You are just getting silly now. That is far too convoluted and involved. WHat is wrong with a simple Internal Flap to Kings Cross

Oh, no ... As much as this was to be a simple match, the players here are of a rather high caliber. Best to not take any chances, as seen with Oolon's crafty move to:

... which rather forces my hand. I hadn't meant to do my 'big reveal' quite so soon, but okay...

Willesden Green. Tawny is now in Knip.

Again, a masterful stroke. I'll have to think about this for a bit longer. :hmm:

[PostMortem]

Well having gotten myself completely lost on the DLR, for more than a week, I finally managed to find my way off of it landing at Victoria, where I was promptly mugged of all my blue and green tokens! Forcing me to make the only maneuver possible, a full reverse double shunting to Blackfriars.

[Mung Dynasty]

Poms. They're fucking mental. :p

Carry on.

[Hex]

Well having gotten myself completely lost on the DLR, for more than a week, I finally managed to find my way off of it landing at Victoria, where I was promptly mugged of all my blue and green tokens! Forcing me to make the only maneuver possible, a full reverse double shunting to Blackfriars.

Well, while I'm glad to see that you're back from your sojourn, I'm afraid that you may find yourself in a bit of a hole, vis-a-vis Blackfriars being under renovation, and thus a 'closed' station. And without any blues or greens, I fear that you may find an expensive 'Viking Escape' as your only option, and that at a cost of red chits. Hard cheese, of course, but there you are. :(


Now ... As to Oolon's move to Willesden Green, I think I may have a defensive solution, since there's little point in attempting any offensive moves along that line. One slip and we're right back to Dollis Hill. (And frankly, Oolon, it certainly looks like you're tempting fate there, IMHO.)

Here, I think taking a page from Roosevelt's playbook and making a simple, safe Bear's Claw Triphon to Paddington is for the best. In doing so, of course, I'll collect the obligatory random chits and two card draws, but here, instead of the additional two orange chits, I'll take four kumquat ringers. As much as the more 'modern' players tend to think them useless, I find them highly underused, and this is a perfect opportunity to stock up. :thumbup:

And yes, I do realize this may give away my strategy, but it's a risk I'll have to take.

[Hex]

David B, is the chair deliberating on my previous move, or have there been abstentions in the face of my Paddington move? If the former, I'll hold 'til a ruling, if the latter, I'll proceed and damn the torpedoes ... :evil:

[Oolon Colluphid]

I was just stunned by you Paddington. Last time I tried that, I got marmalade down my tie and spent three moves in Fettle.

[Tawny]

Okay Okay I have finally worked out how to get myself out of knip. If I take the Paddington and transfer my cubits left, I should be able to do a quick turn about to Pimlico.

I just need no one else to take the wrong course and bind me.

[David B]

David B, is the chair deliberating on my previous move, or have there been abstentions in the face of my Paddington move? If the former, I'll hold 'til a ruling, if the latter, I'll proceed and damn the torpedoes ... :evil:

Um, What?

You seem to have been mistaking deliberation for just resting my eyes. I was just having a pleasant dream in which Samantha....no, never mind.

Proceed.

David

[Hex]

I was just stunned by you Paddington. Last time I tried that, I got marmalade down my tie and spent three moves in Fettle.

I apologize. I should have given more warning as the Bear's Claw Triphon can be rather dramatic, and I felt secure that the chits I had would have been sufficient to keep me out of a dangerous situation.

As for your poor be-marmaladed tie (if it still has stains and you have retained it), I might suggest Gorman's short study of Classic Mornington Crescent Food-Related Injuries And Mishaps (1977), as it contains (if my memory serves) a few pages on laundering and surgery which might be useful if you can disentangle the two topics.

Okay Okay I have finally worked out how to get myself out of knip. If I take the Paddington and transfer my cubits left, I should be able to do a quick turn about to Pimlico.

I just need no one else to take the wrong course and bind me.

Well, then, leaving the chair to muse, I'll see what I can do, since my inter-library loan copy of Tiddleson's Roundabouts, Shunts, and Warrens: The Definitive Mornington Crescent Guide for the 1956 Season arrived yesterday, and we all know how nit-pick-y Tiddleson and company can be when it comes to the analysis of the previous seasons. I feel that it really is a shame that they are no longer let out of the Longview Psychiatric Unit where they've been residing since the closure of Brookwood some years past.

Anyhow, in reviewing the new tome, I came upon a match that I'd previously overlooked as being unimportant, that of the 1955 Shepton Mallet Invitational. Kinerson and Quincy were both in this match against a relatively amateur Duncan Hanaford. Hanaford was soundly trounced, of course, but I did note a parallel with Tawny's attempt to get out of knip, and it gave me a bit of an insight.

By making a simple down-line shunt to Brixton and leaving a 'small pile' of yellow beans at Stockwell as a block, should force Tawny back into knip, unless Oolon has something up his sleeve beside his elbow. Granted, it takes Stockwell out of play for two turns, but Brixton is a relatively safe move here even if it's not the best.

Now, maybe I can get back to some more serious strategy for my next move.

Cheers!

[David B]

Sadly the game has gone on so long that Samantha has to leave us. Apparently she saw a gentleman in the audience with a pocket watch that reminded her that it was time to go. At least I presume it was a pocket watch. She just whispered in my ear that she had seen a young gentleman with a bulge in his clothing that made her think it was knocking off time.

David

[JamesBannon]

I never did get Mornington Crescent!

[Anne]

I'm back from my strawberries and cream and weekend in Paris trip...

Did I miss anything?

[Full Tilt Boogie]

At the risk of contravening the Blimsky-Oathwaite Rules (1957, 3rd Edition), and not withstanding Samantha's needed interjection on Beswick vs Plinth, I'd go for Marble Arch - whilst conceding that the Northern Line might be subject to 'the wrong kind of snow on the track'.

[Oolon Colluphid]

Hmmm. I have discovered (via an embarrassing incident at the barrier at Turnham Green) that as a result of our game's hiatus, my Oyster card has expired, leaving me with no alternative than to invoke Kibbler's Injunction. If you recall, Rushton famously employed it in the 1978 Championships in Aberystwyth, so I trust to his judgement now. Which leads me to… ah yes.

Putney Bridge.

The DLR Line is now passive.

Sorry FTB, but that will mean you can't play your Get Out of Tottenham Court Road Free card.

[Full Tilt Boogie]

Hmmm. I have discovered (via an embarrassing incident at the barrier at Turnham Green) that as a result of our game's hiatus, my Oyster card has expired, leaving me with no alternative than to invoke Kibbler's Injunction. If you recall, Rushton famously employed it in the 1978 Championships in Aberystwyth, so I trust to his judgement now. Which leads me to… ah yes.

Putney Bridge.

The DLR Line is now passive.

Sorry FTB, but that will mean you can't play your Get Out of Tottenham Court Road Free card.

Damn, damn, damn! - with a tip o'the hat to the late, great Willy Rushton (RIP)

Under Kibbler, Mile End becomes inquisitive; Bank remains sequestered, and Aldgate only mildly curious, so... what to play next...?

Chalk Farm

[Full Tilt Boogie]

Oolon Colluphid - your proffer sir. :)

[Oolon Colluphid]

Ah, so sorry my good sir. What with the engineering works on the Jubilee line, it quite slipped my mind.

Well let's see. Chalk Farm, which leaves all Zone 2 stations indeterminate. I'd therefore normally have challenged such a move under the Fourth Effingham Amendment (that's the 1968 Fourth of course, G vii (4) if anyone wants to look it up, not the 1973), but given that it allows me to careen off the Metropolitan's Uxbridge branch I'll keep quiet about. And that leads me too, um...

You know, I think you may have stumped me. Now I see. I'd underestimated you. Chalk Farm, indeed, when you really were aiming for Hanger Lane and MC in two! Blocked to the south. Whittled east and north, and if I go further west I'll be leaving the District open.

Um... Dollis Hill, I'm afraid.

[Full Tilt Boogie]

I saw what you did there - by playing Fourth Effingham, you've perhaps overlooked Second Effingham, which requires ticket holders for Dollis Hill to embark and alight at the same time (know under the Corbishley Conjecture as an "off-n-onner").

That said, Ealing Common remains gated, due to impromptu busking; Fairlop's turnstiles are undermanned due a bizarre philately accident (rendering the Central Line ambitious); and Great Portland Street would be taking the long way around the barn... Hmmm.... Dollis Hill, ya say...?

OK, Greenford.

[phands]

Might an observer inquire as to whether the 1833 Half Scrotum move is still banned now that the Glasgow Clockwork Orange Challenge has been shown not to violate causality?

[Barefoot Bree]

(I just want to interject that I adore reading this thread, tho I'd never have the cojones to attempt to join. Carry on, mates.)

[Full Tilt Boogie]

Might an observer inquire as to whether the 1833 Half Scrotum move is still banned now that the Glasgow Clockwork Orange Challenge has been shown not to violate causality?

If memory serves - and I'll defer to OO on this point - The Half Scrotum was re-allowed under the Jurgensson Flimsy of 1917 [fourth sitting, 8th concordat] - it was a close run thing, though, as the panel came in at 9 to 8 in favour (at the time quorums were not demanded, so some still still consider the move illegal).

[Oolon Colluphid]

FTB, you are of course correct: the Jurgensson did indeed revive the Half Scrotum. However, I believe Humph ruled (in that infamous 1966 game at Bridgend) that torsion of the Scrotum was illegal under a close reading of both Stovold and the health and safety legislation, but an O'Lemon twist could be substituted provided all players kept their hands on the table.

Meanwhile, back to the game. And, I need to point out that we are stuck in this bloomin' Dollis Hill Loop...

[Full Tilt Boogie]

Your memory serves you well indeed, Sir: they never did find all the body parts from the Bridgend incident in '66; parents kept their children indoors for months following it.

Now as for opting for knip (with all its consequent river-crossing penalisations), or a flanking manoeuvre on Dollis Hill, you could use Zimski's Declension (parabolic, not onomatopoeic) and potentially see MC in two. Took me while to work that one out, but if you're vigorous at Archway, but only partially twee between Caledonian Road and Neasen, then you stand a chance.

[Oolon Colluphid]

Hmmm. A neat little ruse, but I can see where you're heading. If I attempt that, I'll be straddling the diagonal and you'll shunt me all the way back to Pimlico.

However. See what you make of this.

On further investigation, I'm reminded that, since the opening of the Jubilee line, the Dollis Hill Loop becomes untenable under the Third Trumpingtons -- or so claimed Cryer (St Ives, 1978), and Humph upheld it in the face of stiff opposition, upper lips and drinks from Garden and Rushton. So, with a sprightly Randall's Round at Elephant & Castle, I can fritter the Circle line, check my blue tokens at the King's Cross left luggage and…

Theydon Bois.

It would be appropriate at such a point for me to say "Bwahahaha!" and play the opening of Bach's D minor toccata and fugue.

[Full Tilt Boogie]

Hmmm. A neat little ruse, but I can see where you're heading. If I attempt that, I'll be straddling the diagonal and you'll shunt me all the way back to Pimlico.

However. See what you make of this.

On further investigation, I'm reminded that, since the opening of the Jubilee line, the Dollis Hill Loop becomes untenable under the Third Trumpingtons -- or so claimed Cryer (St Ives, 1978), and Humph upheld it in the face of stiff opposition, upper lips and drinks from Garden and Rushton. So, with a sprightly Randall's Round at Elephant & Castle, I can fritter the Circle line, check my blue tokens at the King's Cross left luggage and…

Theydon Bois.

It would be appropriate at such a point for me to say "Bwahahaha!" and play the opening of Bach's D minor toccata and fugue.

Theydon Bois - and there it is.

Bugger, bugger, bugger - you're right: I'd forgot you'd already reaped blue tokens. Nidd's now not in play. Completely kills my shunt and forwards you an "any move" circumvention; which, when used in conjunction with 'The Standard Rules' (as noted in the OP), Samantha's seldom-used peripatetic 'Clench' recommendation, and Sven's didactically-enhanced 'Felch' move, alleviates and strangles any Dollis Hill Loop restrictions you might have previously faced. Game on.

Your move. Open. I can see I'm about to get spanked here due to Horseforth's Squat (ignoring Pliny's 3rd). A schoolboy error.

[Noumenon]

I wonder how you'd react to a sly Palos de la Frontera?

Perhaps I should explain. Around the start of the Franco era, certainly making it the earliest known form of what was later appropriated by jealous anglocentrics, a striking game was created to celebrate the expansion of the Madrid Metro system. Going by the charming (but, being Spanish, typically verbose) moniker of El Media Luna de la Tonelada por la Mañana, or "The Crescent of the Tonne of the Morning"*, it swiftly attracted a popular following amongst citizens desperate for a distraction from the all pervasive social oppression of the times. Then based on the existing three lines, or tres lineas, the majority of the modern rules find their basis in the Hispanic original**; however, the collapse of The Glorious Franco Regime drove the game underground, permitting the hated English to claim it as their own. Since then secret contests have been organised to coincide with the more acceptable blood sport of bull fighting (MLTM is played for keeps) and grand masters and game historians have collaborated to progressively develop the game in step with the opening of new lines, as the Great Man Himself would have wanted. Los Lineas now number ten; you can imagine what a vibrant challenge La Síntesis Moderna really is!

* The etymology of the game's title is disputed. The most popular theory amongst afficionados makes reference to the dumping of debris during excavation of the third line.

** Of course, purists completely disown the Cercanias Variations, which play faster and with fewer stops, or estaciones.

[Anne]

whoa... this is alive again?
:)

[phands]

MC never dies.

It may go dormant while psychics try to get post-mortem adjudications from Humph and/or Rushton.

In this case, I'm trying to get a declaration on OC's Theydon Bois, because it wasn't clear if he was carrying a copy of the Grauniad under his left arm at the time, and I seem to remember that under an addendum to the colloquy of Crouch End, the Grauniad had to be carried or Blue Tokens cannot be used due to the risk of pyloric stenosis. It also forbidden to Clench as well as Felch if a Horseforth Squat has been employed on the same line, and I think the rationale for that is just common sense and of course, good public health - gives a whole new meaning to "Mind The Gap".

Unfortunately, Humph and Rushton are not responding to my Ouija-mediated requests, so I may have to resort to hands-on necromancy, but midnight exhumations are so last-century.

[Oolon Colluphid]

No point beating around the Shepherd's Bush:


Pinner


< gasps from the audience -- though whether of awe or horror is hard to tell >


ETA: Oh, and phands: it was the previous Sunday's Observer (en route to its final resting place beneath wood shavings and guinea pig poops), which I think renders the Crouch End colloquy addendum inadmissable.

[Full Tilt Boogie]

No point beating around the Shepherd's Bush:

Pinner

< gasps from the audience -- though whether of awe or horror is hard to tell >

ETA: Oh, and phands: it was the previous Sunday's Observer (en route to its final resting place beneath wood shavings and guinea pig poops), which I think renders the Crouch End colloquy addendum inadmissible.

The gasps you hear are those of a crowd who realise a ballsy move when they see it - Pinner?! What with it being the scheduled hotspot for today's rioting? You're a braver man than I, Gunga Din.

So, how to traverse your unforgiving Surrey Cakes diagonal and still avoid Knip? Hmmm...? [scratches head]

I could opt to pick up some "sorry, I've not got the receipts for them" flat-screens at Baker Street, but that would be blocked by Mrs Peabody's Dancing Bears on the Hammersmith & City Line. Damn.

Boston Manor has just declared itself "Gothic", citing the Treaty of Ghent (1837), so I'm buggered there, too.

OK. Chiswick Park

[Hex]

You know, this reminds me of the Aetherwick Gambit of 1899. Rothchilde used it to confound Groundsby during a wonderful two-day match which had, according to accounts, the most lovely cucumber sandwiches and gin and tonics.

One of the things most people forget in this area of the tubes, is that the "Super Outer Circle" (which only lasted from 1878-1880) provided an out from the double-blind that many people in Chiswick Park found themselves.

So, invoking the rulings from 1899, I'll offer up Earl's Court, but one must recognize the stipulation that one can only use the Piccadilly line as a primary corridor of movement after this.

Cheers!

[Yuri]

MORNINGTON CRESCENT!
YES!
I love this game.

You know, this reminds me of the Aetherwick Gambit of 1899. Rothchilde used it to confound Groundsby during a wonderful two-day match which had, according to accounts, the most lovely cucumber sandwiches and gin and tonics.

One of the things most people forget in this area of the tubes, is that the "Super Outer Circle" (which only lasted from 1878-1880) provided an out from the double-blind that many people in Chiswick Park found themselves.

So, invoking the rulings from 1899, I'll offer up Earl's Court, but one must recognize the stipulation that one can only use the Piccadilly line as a primary corridor of movement after this.

Cheers!


My dear Sir, must I remind you of the Great Agincourt Outmaneuvering, first used by Sir Hubold Grenwolf of Saxony in his historical game against The infamous "French Baron" in 1899. which was enlisted into the capital work of Mercudo Allemeneri titled "The Circumvention"?

Crickelwood.

I know this move is frowned upon in a "Gentleman's Game" but it seems the nidd is out and the yellow tokens are coming in the next round, so you live me little choice.

[Full Tilt Boogie]

Crickelwood, eh?

Be gone, ye slight-of-hand merchant! Ye looser of transmogrifies of plane-stay ribaldry. Your mark was obviously to confuse.

Trying to curry favour amongst a largely blithe audience of little or no plane. Herrumph! Nidd not entering the game. And missing every architectural bluff abroad?

To clarify, what-say-you to the Ehrlich Redoubt of 1872? The Boer "It's Still Alive, How do I Cook This?" Contention of 1901 and the Meshuga 'Not All Doors Are Green' beatitude of 2,000 BC? No idea how you missed these sitters.

A pox o' yer Crickelwood and a pince-nez to yer attempts wriggle out of a clenched-Ealing.

The only exit possible -and well you know it - is Baron's Court.

[phands]

Hmmmmm.....there is no Crickelwood. On the other hand, going to Cricklewood may be a distraction attempt....diverting attention from the fact that both Nidd AND knip are not only still in play, but mandatory, unless you are carrying a copy of Private Eye from the Rushton era.

So, gentlemen (and I use the word in its loosest sense :) ), the moves that you need to consider are diversions via the LHC track in Geneva, gaining enough energy to flash through Leamington Spa (overground of course) via High Wycombe to Marylebone, or (as mentioned earlier in this thread) using the Glasgow Clockwork Orange and a closed timelike-curve with a Dho-Na geometry in conjunction with the now permitted half-scrotum (and even reverse half-scrotum) manoeuvre to get you to

Turnham Green......

Pray that you don't up in Leng or Innsmouth when you play with Dho-Na, though.

[Full Tilt Boogie]

OK, I'm buggered: you played the Glasgow and Half-Scrotum.

Will have to go back to my Underground map for consideration.

[Hex]

Turnham Green......

Pray that you don't up in Leng or Innsmouth when you play with Dho-Na, though.

Well, given the danger involved in such a maneuver, how about we try something simple. Simple, of course being relative, like my Aunt Ester who is sometimes there, and sometimes not, though she makes a smashing biscuit ...

But I digress.

Now, Turnham Green is a fine move. Splendid. Especially if you were trying for the Ealing Broadway Double-Reverse, and I just can't let that happen. Which means that, rather than furthering my own game, I'm on the defensive, and there aren't that many good choices here along that line.

Now, due to the Wartime 1916 Trench-addendum (Sticky v. Wells - France 1915, ruling June 1916, London) if one is in uniform (the hat -is- sufficient, as per Trawlawny's Mysticism and Gaming (1965)), and can expend a green chit (which I can), then a change at Hammersmith is a free move.

Now while this would leave Shepherd's Bush Market as a potential endpoint, we all know the dangers of the 1901 CLR Express gambit and I don't want to risk that someone could take advantage of that, especially if they've recently got a lemon squash from the bar.

So, the best move, defensively, is to stop short at ...

Goldhawk Road.

I'l like to see how you might dig yourself out of that one, phands ... ;)

[Rie]

Oh Strewth! What depths of the mind see we here? Oh ye carers of the flame, seek ye adoration? Fine. but understanding? 'Tis beyond me ... I bow before ye godlike gentlemen... Of course as a mere woman such intellectual giants are doomed to be beyond reach.:notworthy:

[Full Tilt Boogie]

Goldhawk Road.



Masterly done sir!

However, having perused De Clancy's Roguery & Queefdom (1871 - Franco-Prussian Press, 3rd Edition), and Skorzeny's Ellipses I've Never Got The Chance To Use, there is a clear ruling on Goldhawk Road being a slider when there is an 'r' in the month; and where matches are played over periods longer than 4 months. 'Zelda's Crease' trumps Nidd.

Leaving a woefully undercooked Balham as my only punt.

[phands]

Well, well, well.......some innovative scheming indeed, O six-sided one!

As for sir FTB, I think Balham may not be as undercooked as you surmise - but I'm leaving it to you to figure out why :evil:

You may have noted that I waited until December before responding (somewhat unsporting, I know), because now I can use the Bethlehem rules....

All Shepherd, King, and Ass related connections count double.

See Here (http://www.isihac.co.uk/games/mcvariations/mc-b.html)

As Goldhawk Rd is only 1 stop from King's Cross, I'll decline the double, and elect instead for a split (This is valid per the Wiener manoeuvre - an ingenious piece of real-world geometry taken from an attempt to solve the now largely obsolete American Standard Imperial Variation (A.S.I.V.) of Mornington Crescent. That is now, of course known to be impossible, as MC is formally undecidable, in the Godelian sense. Nonetheless the Wiener has uses beyond this, in the wider ISIHAC game).

The split I choose is.......

Shepherd's Bush and King's Cross

Which gives me a double Bethlehem advantage and puts me on to the Northern Line only two stations from MC!!!!!!!!!!


Muuuuaaaaaoooooooohhaaaaaaaahhhaaaaahaaaaa

Let's see you cope with that!!!!

[Full Tilt Boogie]

You right, Phands: a quality move. Buggered if I can think of a play directly off the top of my head. Will need to resort to the books again.

I have to say that the standard of play here is exemplary.

[Full Tilt Boogie]

So, coming off Phands' split (Shepherd's Bush and King's Cross - and him neatly playing the double apostrophe declension), means we have to dig deep in order to flank and block his two moves to MC...

[scratches head]


Hmmmmm.... Let's see...

The only flank I can think of is the little-read addendum to Carl von Clausewitz's, On War (1832), where he displays a manifest love of Baroque architecture - more specifically, balustrades and portico roofs.

So, the answers clear: Marble Arch.