# Brits: If them yanks can play chess on here, then we can play Mornington Crescent! **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [March 7, 2005, 12:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344 "2005-03-07T12:58:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 2:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/81 "2005-03-09T14:18:11Z")
> [@owlstretchingtime](#): > > Gentlemen: Please try to remember that Morington is a game for gentlemen played by gentlemen to gentlemen’s rules. At least it is in England - Aussie Rules MC is obviously for herberts. I once saw a Mornington League match in Wigan. Not for the faint-hearted. However, I’m afraid **Mansion House** doesn’t create the Nid - abscence of the deep-level line precludes association through the lateral interflex. It leaves me with few choices, however, but perhaps the most astringent one would be **Oval**. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/82 "2005-03-09T15:00:10Z")
Let’s see…page 43…astringent moves…ah! **Barking** ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/83 "2005-03-09T15:09:58Z")
Dashed cunning of you! **Morden** is about the best I can do from that nasty frame-stake trick. ---
**Author:** ![Iceland\_Blue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/4bbf92/32.png) [@Iceland\_Blue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iceland_Blue)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 4:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/84 "2005-03-09T16:58:19Z")
**Carnaby Street** Yeah groovy baby! ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/85 "2005-03-09T18:26:51Z")
**Paperback writer’s** deployment of **Roding Valley** is excellent, and obviously derails my promised win/draw in 4. I’m not complaining (those who know me know that I love the long game), but _just for the record_, the Ki-Zerbo move was played under Biennial International Tournament Rules, as adopted at Berne III, and not MA rules as is the case with the present game. I accept that **Carnaby Street** isn’t technically illegal, but may I just gently point out that it does contradict the normal etiquette as regards bilaterals involving Zone 1, Parks exempted. No matter. **South Kenton**. ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/86 "2005-03-09T18:33:21Z")
Drat…Appendix III…MA Rules…Directional cadence variations… **Tottenham Hale** ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 7:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/87 "2005-03-09T19:35:22Z")
Damn. My first move in the game and it’s all but forced. ( **Knightsbridge** is obviously suicidal, since it forces **Moorgate** followed by **Blackfriars** and **Mornington Crescent** , and **Mansion House** puts me in perpetual nib.) Therefore, the only reasonable choice: **Sloane Square** ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 7:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/88 "2005-03-09T19:38:01Z")
\…“please sir, Finsbury Park?” ---
**Author:** ![eleanorigby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/ee7513/32.png) [@eleanorigby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/eleanorigby)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/89 "2005-03-09T19:39:24Z")
Egads! you are too quick for me! :eek: \ ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/90 "2005-03-09T19:53:07Z")
I call Early Retirement Instigation Repertoire (version 4.53c) **St Pauls** ---
**Author:** ![Iceland\_Blue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/4bbf92/32.png) [@Iceland\_Blue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iceland_Blue)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/91 "2005-03-09T20:34:30Z")
> [@eleanorigby](#): > > Egads! you are too quick for me! :eek: > > \ Yay!Our first Mornington Crescent groupie. The SDMB team needs some cheerleaders…we can provide uniforms and pompoms for you girls… oh yeah the game…er…i dunno… **Hounslow** ---
**Author:** ![pulykamell](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/pulykamell/32/3166_2.png) [@pulykamell](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pulykamell)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/92 "2005-03-09T20:40:05Z")
> [@Iceland\_Blue](#): > > Yay!Our first Mornington Crescent groupie. The SDMB team needs some cheerleaders…we can provide uniforms and pompoms for you girls… > oh yeah the game…er…i dunno… **Hounslow** 😕 **Hounslow**?.._ **Hounslow** _…Are you just trying to give the game away? ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 8:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/93 "2005-03-09T20:42:51Z")
**Maida Vale!!** ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 8:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/94 "2005-03-09T20:46:35Z")
**Mill Hill East!!!** I can smell it coming… ---
**Author:** ![paperbackwriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/53a042/32.png) [@paperbackwriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paperbackwriter)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/95 "2005-03-09T20:56:15Z")
> [@ianzin](#): > > **Paperback writer’s** deployment of **Roding Valley** is excellent, and obviously derails my promised win/draw in 4. I’m not complaining (those who know me know that I love the long game), but _just for the record_, the Ki-Zerbo move was played under Biennial International Tournament Rules, as adopted at Berne III, and not MA rules as is the case with the present game. I fully accept that proviso, but I also note the move is legal under either set of rules. L’Confus’s in ruling against Mr. Clarence Namentenga’s protest was that phrase which was to later become so famous in a similar context: “On permettrait ce mouvement sous presque n’importe quel ensemble de règles acceptable.” However useful that particular move was for Mr. Ki-Zerbo, it eventually came for naught, as he soon afterwards committed one ofthe classic blunders and placed _himself_ in knib. Namentenga declared Mornington Crescent 1 move later. It is one of those desparation moves that a top player would not make because they “know” it wouldn’t work, but which an amateur sometimes stumbles upon. Part of what makes the game such a vital and living sport. I recognize that these historical diversions, while interesting in their own right, do little to move the game forward, and I beg forgiveness for being long-winded. The deployment of Mill Hill East is indeed difficult. Nearly any move I make would again create an immediate MC. Seems to be my lot in this game, doesn’t it? Unless, yes, the tri-lateral deep possibilities through the GWR give me: **Embankment**. ---
**Author:** ![Iceland\_Blue](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/4bbf92/32.png) [@Iceland\_Blue](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Iceland_Blue)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/96 "2005-03-09T21:26:36Z")
Yes…so can I…someone switch on the air conditioning! **Willesden** ---
**Author:** ![GorillaMan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/50afbb/32.png) [@GorillaMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GorillaMan)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 10:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/97 "2005-03-09T22:01:42Z")
**Swiss Cottage** That should prevent us from heading into the Thameslink Stalemate ---
**Author:** ![Hal\_Briston](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/a9a28c/32.png) [@Hal\_Briston](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hal_Briston)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 10:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/98 "2005-03-09T22:14:49Z")
Right…after conferring with some of my UK-bred officemates (my company is a partial offshoot of Reuters), I think I’m getting the hang of this. I’ve seen no mention that we’re using the _VanDerbrook Variations_, so I believe this should be a legal move…I’ll go: **Seven Sisters** ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/99 "2005-03-09T22:36:15Z")
- sigh \* The suggested ‘Seven Sisters’ play would, in this context, obviously constitute a Deferred Fairlop with consecutive consonants. Since no-one has yet declared Points after motion clockwise, and since cross-water non-parallel Parks are legal under MA rules (though I’m not the only one who thinks this makes a mockery of the end game), the SS play is self-evidently illegal unless it follows motion West from a non-contiguous Zone. Try again by all means, but do please try and respect the elementary rules of the game. (Hint: the Central Line offers much promise… ) ---
**Author:** ![paperbackwriter](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/53a042/32.png) [@paperbackwriter](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/paperbackwriter)\ **Post date:** [March 9, 2005, 10:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344/100 "2005-03-09T22:50:02Z")
I believe I know what you are hinting at, but there is another possibility. No-one has yet indicated if the Lord Burley convention is in force, and therefore _unopened_ stations have not yet been disallowed. It is a sneaky move, yes, but **Harefield Road and Denham** will instate a Ruislip Rotation. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/brits-if-them-yanks-can-play-chess-on-here-then-we-can-play-mornington-crescent/293344.md?page=6)