Mornington Crescent

[Mat]

Wow As a relative novice, I certainly hadn't anticipated such underhand tactics! if that's how we're going to play however, then there's only one way to respond...

Victoria

[Scoop]

Mat, you are young and you have much to learn Jubilee Rules (1977) apply from here all the way in I think.

Moorgate

[webberg]

Sorry Scoop, as one who is opposed to the concept of Monarchy I can't accept that your rules can be valid.

Either therefore we run the bifrucation criteria (also known as the trouser rules) and go to either Oxford Circus for the republicans or Tottenham Court Rd for the monarchists.

This is going to be a steep learning curve for Mat

[Scoop]

Graham, as a seasoned expert of the game I'm sure you already know this.

The Jubilee Rules relate to the Jubilee Line which opened in 1977. I agree that it's not a frequent variant but it does crop up from time to time.

However the Bifurcation Criteria can be run from here and will slot in quite neatly with what I'm planning, which is a rejoinder to

Bank

[Mat]

Brave move! I'd kept clear of Bank in light of the current fiscal uncertainty, but as you say, I've plenty to learn. Nevertheless, I'll fly in the face of Graham's aversion to our Monarch and suggest a move to

Queensway

[webberg]

Monarchist!

Kings Cross (or at least mildly annoyed)

[Mat]

Given that the post war restrictions brought in by Clement Attlee were never actually repealed, and so are technically still in force...

Westminster

[Scoop]

Is calling someone a Monarchist an insult? I would see it more as a compliment.

Still on Jubilee (Line) rules and there is now light at the end of the tunnel.

Cockfosters

[Mat]

Perhaps the"light at the end of the tunnel" suggests the proximity of an overground line

Clapham Junction

[webberg]

Perhaps though the light at the end of the tunnel is a train coming the other way?

Victoria

Are the double bluff rules in play so that we can revisit previous stations or does the proposed crossrail version put these out of contention except on alternate Thursdays?

[Scoop]

As Victoria has now appeared in the game for the third time I would like to invoke the Bradshaw's Metropolitan Guide Rules (1886) and ask for a shunt. This will leave all of your points set at their present positions but will change all Westbound signals to Stop and Proceed.

We're getting very close now so I must insist that you give this your full concentration at all times (i.e 24/7)

Angel

[Mat]

The crossrail variant does apply Graham, but even alternate Thursdays are ruled out during July and August when the Olympic Variant takes precedent

South Harrow

(Edit - Scoop posted as I was typing. Shunt noted, and concentration duly applied, and I believe that my move remains valid)

[webberg]

Farringdon

I can almost see that finish line now.

Time to play the joker?

[Scoop]

Darn! So close. The Crossrail variant has caught me out. I've scoured the Fletcher Omnibus Rules but nothing allows me to switch to them now and I'm a day too early for the Olympic Variant.

Therefore with a heavy heart

Warren Street

[Mat]

So near, and yet so far eh, Laurence! Speaking of which;

Camden Town

[webberg]

Hmmm,

That not (quite) morning scent reckons to be blowing from the North.

Russel Square

[Scoop]

That not (quite) morning scent reckons to be blowing from the North.

I'm sure there's a hidden meaning in there somewhere Graham, but I can't quite spot it.

Oh, hang on. I've got it now. It's

Mornington Crescent

(Wild applause from the audience)

("Scoop, you're a git" from Graham and Mat)

[Mat]

"Scoop, you're a git"

[webberg]

Rats and damn - I was hoping to use the passing loop trick there.

Congrats.

Ealing Broadway

[Scoop]

I spent four hours reading the Olympic Variant last night - pure bliss. It runs all the way to midnight on the 12th of August so I'll be using it wherever possible. It's worth noting that unlike the Thameslink Rules no rolling starts are allowed

Canonbury

[Mat]

The Olympic Variant is quite restrictive - it seems that on the third turn in a new game, I can only move to a station beginning with the same letter as the previous turn, and with the same number of letters! Couldn't fool me however...

Colindale

[Mat]

With no move played for two weeks, I was excited to see that I could take another go, and moreover invoke the 1963 Remington-Smythe bye-law to take victory with a move directly to.... but then I remembered that we are using the Olympic Variant and with our armed forces now taking over security, I'll discreetly move out to

Ickenham

[Scoop]

I was being polite and waiting for Graham but maybe one game is enough for anyone

I've seen this position once before in a game that I played at the Winchester Club in London in 1985. The Olympic Variant actually enhance the strength of this move because the Gatwick Express now has priority over shuttlebuses

Rayners Lane

[Thomas W-P]

I think you are all forgetting the Olympic-Leap-Year sub-clause (c), and I'll have you in four stops.

Theydon Bois

[jtch]

Traditional response ...

Stamford Brook