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Having listened to ISIHAC for decades now and mentioning same at the Company Relaxation and Gossip Suite ( Water Cooler) today I was asked about this most British of games that was a regular feature of the show. As most people know it is based around the London Underground layout and its decorative and charming station names. Played at a starter level most people with even a moderate I.Q. soon grasp the basic rules and quickly pick up the basic game which I must say honestly is best learned by watching some more experienced players rather than trying to grapple with the complexities of the rule book. After a while more subtle strategies can be introduced such as a Baker Street impasse or the ever popular if sometimes cruel Finchley Road Fortitude. These are not to difficult to employ but can entangle the novice onto seemingly endless circles. It is for the Intermediate players with some years experience - 26 in my case - that the nuances and subtleties become a complex of 'side moves' and 'undercut reveals' (known as 'coddles') . Now the game is played for serious and while banter and humour are heard it often serves to disguise and conceal real intent that may be given away with an accidental twitch or lip movement. Many a game has been closed due to an waywardly ascending eyebrow. Being able to finesse with a 'marble arch' and send a hapless opponent far away on another circle is every players goal. A usual game can last for hours and the record I believe was for a game lasting over 2 1/2 days uninterrupted. For the player who has employed maybe four or five 'coddles' and battled against masterful opponents to be finally able to close the game with final triumphant "Mornington Crescent!" is a moment to be relished. Of course the beauty of MC is that it can be played anywhere and requires only a copy of the London Underground. These can be purchased from HM Stationers or reputable bookshop and travel versions on silk are available from the MC website. If you are tired of the usual drivelling T.v. soaps , banal game shows and the like revitalise your life, make new friends and find a reason to want to get up in the morning - discover Mornington Crescent. You will never be the same again. But be careful - it can become a compulsive and a jealous mistress !
Monday, April 28, 2008
Mornington Crescent
Having listened to ISIHAC for decades now and mentioning same at the Company Relaxation and Gossip Suite ( Water Cooler) today I was asked about this most British of games that was a regular feature of the show. As most people know it is based around the London Underground layout and its decorative and charming station names. Played at a starter level most people with even a moderate I.Q. soon grasp the basic rules and quickly pick up the basic game which I must say honestly is best learned by watching some more experienced players rather than trying to grapple with the complexities of the rule book. After a while more subtle strategies can be introduced such as a Baker Street impasse or the ever popular if sometimes cruel Finchley Road Fortitude. These are not to difficult to employ but can entangle the novice onto seemingly endless circles. It is for the Intermediate players with some years experience - 26 in my case - that the nuances and subtleties become a complex of 'side moves' and 'undercut reveals' (known as 'coddles') . Now the game is played for serious and while banter and humour are heard it often serves to disguise and conceal real intent that may be given away with an accidental twitch or lip movement. Many a game has been closed due to an waywardly ascending eyebrow. Being able to finesse with a 'marble arch' and send a hapless opponent far away on another circle is every players goal. A usual game can last for hours and the record I believe was for a game lasting over 2 1/2 days uninterrupted. For the player who has employed maybe four or five 'coddles' and battled against masterful opponents to be finally able to close the game with final triumphant "Mornington Crescent!" is a moment to be relished. Of course the beauty of MC is that it can be played anywhere and requires only a copy of the London Underground. These can be purchased from HM Stationers or reputable bookshop and travel versions on silk are available from the MC website. If you are tired of the usual drivelling T.v. soaps , banal game shows and the like revitalise your life, make new friends and find a reason to want to get up in the morning - discover Mornington Crescent. You will never be the same again. But be careful - it can become a compulsive and a jealous mistress !
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