# International Londope 2002 **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [November 6, 2001, 4:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804 "2001-11-06T16:16:19Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 13
**Author:** ![Anahita](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9a28c/32.png) [@Anahita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anahita)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2002, 12:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/241 "2002-05-21T12:26:56Z")
If this whole game is for the purpose of making the sole Yank feel stupid, it’s working. If it’s to make the one semi-French (well, coming from France) person feel uninformed, it’s also working. I will NOT be bungie-jumping. It’s against my better judgment. But I would love to take photos of anyone who will partake. Is anyone else bringing a digicam? ---
**Author:** ![kabbes](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e99b99/32.png) [@kabbes](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kabbes)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2002, 1:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/242 "2002-05-21T13:00:54Z")
**Ana** , you could try [www.morningtoncrescent.co.uk](http://www.morningtoncrescent.co.uk) - the link is somewhat sporadic but it was working for me this morning. Alternatively try: [[url=“[http://www.thurible.org.uk/aiwendil/mc.faq.html](http://www.thurible.org.uk/aiwendil/mc.faq.html)”]The Mornington Crescent FAQ]([http://www.geocities.com/Athens/9791/imcit.html](http://www.geocities.com/Athens/9791/imcit.html)"The International Mornington Crescent Tournament homepage[/url) [This site with guide for beginners and several great games](http://madeira.physiol.ucl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/crescent/mornington.pl) pan ---
**Author:** ![ObiWan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e47774/32.png) [@ObiWan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ObiWan)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2002, 2:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/243 "2002-05-21T14:03:24Z")
**Anahita** , speaking as a beginner myself, I’m sure you’ll pick it up quickly once you see it played. May I suggest looking at the King Barnard Master Canonical in **kabbes** first link for the ‘pocket version’ of the basic rules, it is ideal for the novice player. As for me, I am _only just_ coming to terms with the recursively invoked Chorleywood and Ruislip diversions. Correct me if I am wrong but doesn’t the _reverse_ Ruislp revoke the declaration of stirrups in months that end in ‘y’? Surely it must else I can see little point in the Tamkin “bleubeau” gambit, as so masterfully played by the late grandmaster in the semis of '94? (and just be glad that Parliament is not suspended for a general election else the Shirokane-Takanawa rule would take on a whole new meaning! :eek: ) ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2002, 5:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/244 "2002-05-21T17:46:20Z")
**Anahita** please be aware that, as I explained before, the _basic_ gameplay in Mornington Crescent (MC) is fairly straightforward, and you can have a lot of fun without needing to master some of the more advanced conventions and strategies. Please also be aware that those of us who have, for better or worse, learned some of the more arcane MC rules and techniques tend to show off a bit. This is all good-natured, and considered by aficionados to be part of the fun of the game. However, many of the situations and rules we’re discussing only occur very, very rarely in actual play, and hence need not trouble beginners (I’ve been a keen MC player for years and I’ve _never_ used the **Ruislip diversion** yet, cunning though it is. **ObiWan** , I don’t pretend to be an expert, just a fan of the game, but the _reverse_ Ruislip doesn’t _revoke_ Stirrups, but can _over-ride_ Stirrups for one turn or consecutive turns made in the same direction (as if that would be much use!). The '94 semis, if you recall, included a Harris Rules section, non-Gibberty, so that’s why Tamkin could get away with it. I expect we’ll be sticking to Gibberty, which is a relief (I can’t remember most of the Harris rules these days and have to look them up!). Also, if I’ve got this right, Shirokane-Takanawa was declared non-canonical under Gibberty after the Bruges summit of '98. If you recall, Tamkin had proved that, following motion West (Bassingtons in play), MC can _always_ be reached in 3 if the S-T is in effect. Hence the S-T is slightly pointless. Consider this from Simmington .v. Goossens, Helsinki '97: Latimer Road (Bassingtons) ; Gospel Oak Blackfriars ; Acton Central East Acton (!) ; Acton Central (Stirrups rv) Seven Sisters ; Perivale at which point Gooseens declared MC in 3 against any defence e.g. Swiss Cottage (hoping for a ‘Town’ or ‘Park’ error ) ; Aldgate Park Royal ; Aldgate East (!!) ANY : Mornington Crescent See what I mean? ---
**Author:** ![Francesca](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9fc348/32.png) [@Francesca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francesca)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2002, 5:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/245 "2002-05-21T17:56:02Z")
I remember that match. That Perivale really was a breathtaking move. The decider, I think. Terrible shame about Simmington’s later Northolt scandal. ---
**Author:** ![Gartog](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/22d042/32.png) [@Gartog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gartog)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2002, 7:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/246 "2002-05-21T19:05:52Z")
. . . . .Almost convinced . . . . ---
**Author:** ![Francesca](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9fc348/32.png) [@Francesca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francesca)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2002, 7:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/247 "2002-05-21T19:36:24Z")
**Gartog** , you know you want to. We’re having beer. And possibly chutney. ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2002, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/248 "2002-05-21T20:28:57Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Francesca \* > \*\*Terrible shame about Simmington’s later Northolt scandal. \*\* I have mixed feelings about it. The guy was a great player, no doubt, and gave us some great games to enjoy (semi-final against Sakhara, Milan '89 anyone?), but re the Northolt thing, he _was_ cheating, no doubt about it (he even sort of admitted it in later life), and was caught fair and square. Nonetheless, I prefer to remember what he gave to the game rather than what he took away from it. Remember, he discovered the 3-step from Ravenscourt Park to Chalk Farm at a time when ‘experts’ were telling us all it was impossible, a myth, would never be found etc. etc. This catches many players out even today. Set up a legal game situation and challenge them to find the same 3-step. Nearly all will conclude it’s impossible, then show them Simmington’s move - you’ll blow their minds! ---
**Author:** ![psiekier](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psiekier/32/116_2.png) [@psiekier](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psiekier)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2002, 9:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/249 "2002-05-21T21:37:59Z")
What’re the possibilities of getting together again sometime in the middle of July? I have a friend from Texas in London, and she has demanded that I come visit her new home. As a reward for my surviving 30 years as a member of our species, I’ve decided to treat myself to a trip there. I plan to stay for a week or two. If I’m there a week, I may not even venture outside of London, but if it’s two weeks, I’d like to go to Scotland and Wales, and maybe even take that neat train that goes under the English Channel. I’d hate to face the French hordes alone, though… ---
**Author:** ![Anahita](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9a28c/32.png) [@Anahita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anahita)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2002, 1:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/250 "2002-05-22T01:52:43Z")
I was joking, I suppose. I don’t mind, MC away. I’ll just laugh and amuse myself at the funny names. BTW, I know the Tokyo subways very well, also the Paris metro, so I plan on introducing some of my own new moves to all of you Pommey bastards\*\*. Eeep, I mean, lovely British folks. \*\*Remind me to tell you how/when I learned that phrase. ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2002, 11:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/251 "2002-05-22T11:40:54Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Anahita \* > **I know the Tokyo subways very well, also the Paris metro, so I plan on introducing some of my own new moves** Other may correct me, but as far as I’m aware there are no legal moves in MC which refer to any destinations except those appearing on the official London tube map (now including Jubilee Line extension). I’m sure this is true within the Gibberty codex, and pretty sure even the Harris code (weird though it is) makes the same stipulation. Sorry to seem a bit ‘square’, but there you go. It’s not like ‘Monopoly’ where the playing nomenclature varies with region / nationality. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be ‘Mornington Crescent’. Nonetheless, **Anahita** , you will, of course, be very welcome to play. ---
**Author:** ![Tansu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/67e7ee/32.png) [@Tansu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tansu)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2002, 12:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/252 "2002-05-22T12:03:44Z")
I suppose you’ve never sat in a Devon pub playing a fevered game of ‘Thurlestone’, then? ---
**Author:** ![Francesca](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9fc348/32.png) [@Francesca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francesca)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2002, 12:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/253 "2002-05-22T12:31:42Z")
Actually **Ianzin** , I believe there is a break-away group that is setting up an experimental game of Chausee d’Antin Lafayette, but it’s all very unofficial at the moment. Certainly not in accordance with the Trenticsy sub-ruling at any rate. I expect it’ll be a few years before we hear of any real chafing from the French camp, when you remember that they’re completely unable to shunt from the side. In any game as established as MC, there will always be people trying to adapt it for their own uses. I feel for them, given the difficult restrictions they face and occasional prejudice from the more purist MC players, but I think in this brave new century there’s room for experimentation. Still, they’ll be getting ideas in _Glasgow_ next. ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2002, 6:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/254 "2002-05-22T18:01:19Z")
Or in **Rome**. The absolutely _brilliant_ thing about the Rome underground is that it is one, single, straight line. That’s it! That’s all they built! The hugely funny thing is that they nonetheless bother to print \*maps \* of it which they stick inside the carriages, on posters etc. like we do with ours. _Maps._ Of a single straight red line with some stations on it. Not as if a plain old _list_ would suffice, huh? Anyway, if you think for a moment about the implications for a MC-type game using the Rome underground… well, it fair boggles the mind. About half the standard moves cease to have any meaning, Stirrups become a nonsense, Bassingtons lead to some very bizarre results (such as moving to exactly where you are) and one of the ugliest features of the game, **Rusilip Loops** , become virtually unavoidable! ---
**Author:** ![Tir\_Tinuviel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@Tir\_Tinuviel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tir_Tinuviel)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2002, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/255 "2002-05-22T19:07:20Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by TwistofFate \* > \*\*Synic, I think you and I are going to get on famously 😉 \*\* Damn yes! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![Tir\_Tinuviel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bc79bd/32.png) [@Tir\_Tinuviel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tir_Tinuviel)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2002, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/256 "2002-05-22T19:10:57Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Anahita \* > \*\ ***TwistofFat** : > First rule in the book “How to Sweep a Woman Off Her Feet”… > > 1. Spell her name correctly… So does **TwistofFat** count? 😃 (you can tell I haven’t been online in a couple of days… going post-crazy!) ---
**Author:** ![ianzin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/ed655f/32.png) [@ianzin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ianzin)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2002, 7:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/257 "2002-05-22T19:27:13Z")
I’d just like to ask what’s going to be the average age of Londope 2002 attendees? I’m a very old person (40) so I’m wondering whether or not to come along. Never having attended a Dopefest I’m wondering what the prevailing ambience is like - student rec. room, Club 18-30 (pray no), office party, or what? Oh, and to be mind-numbingly practical, how do we recognise + find each other? Do we just wander around Waterloo / Silver Cross bumping into complete strangers and saying “Hey, you here for the Dope?”. We could, but in either location this question will get you some funny looks and a lot of offers concerning small packets of ‘oregano’. How about the SDMB logo tattooed on foreheads? ---
**Author:** ![TwistofFate](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/cdc98d/32.png) [@TwistofFate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TwistofFate)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2002, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/258 "2002-05-22T19:59:07Z")
ianzin, In Waterloo you will see a motley crue of intelligent looking wastrels standing under the clock at 1pm. We will have a sign. For the Silver Cross, we will be at a table and will have a sign. FYI, for those of you who havent seen me before, I’m the 22yo with short brown hair, and a evil goatee. Quite possibly laughing manically, ala Scorpio from the Simpsons. I will be wearing a green t-shirt with Groundskeeper Willy on the front, and the words “Grease me up, Woman” on the back. Indeed, words to live by. ---
**Author:** ![Anahita](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/a9a28c/32.png) [@Anahita](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anahita)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2002, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/259 "2002-05-22T19:59:28Z")
**ianzin** , a woman never tells her age. Let’s just say, I’m 1/3 of a century old. So, us oldie moldies can sit and compare wrinkle creams and liver spots. Hehe. Actually, I thought **Francesca** was much closer in age to me than she is. She’s much more mature than I was at her age. I can’t wait to meet her! ---
**Author:** ![Francesca](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/9fc348/32.png) [@Francesca](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Francesca)\ **Post date:** [May 22, 2002, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804/260 "2002-05-22T20:49:20Z")
I’m 23 (and, apparently, not a lady), but don’t worry, you probably won’t be the oldest. Besides, aren’t we all young and free and slightly less plump in our hearts? Assuming **Nostradamus** ( **Nos** - yes? no? Not too busy gigolo-ing?) is still coming, he’s older than you. I don’t know what I’ll be wearing, but it’ll probably be black/dark. This is a flattering photo of me: [http://www.geocities.com/espresso\_design/temporarypreviewfile.html](http://www.geocities.com/espresso_design/temporarypreviewfile.html) (If the link doesn’t work, c & p it into the browser address.) [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804.md?page=12) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/international-londope-2002/91804.md?page=14)