NationStates Jolt Archive

The Viceroy of Jacksonton would cordially like to invite any who wish to participate in a friendly game of Mornington Crescent. Any individuals who have not yet been exposed to Mornington Crescent, fear not. The game is quite simple, once you’ve bought and read the source books (which should be available at any hobbystore). Since Jacksonton has been isolated from the rest of the world since the late 1890s, we will be starting with the 1892 Hoyle edition of the game. Any amendments to the rules since then simply must be properly referenced, as well as any errata. Unfortunately, the only map available is the Underground map, so the Viceroy is willing to make limited concessions to those who prefer that version of the game, as opposed to the original favored by purists. Please work out all differences peacefully, this is to be a friendly game, and we musn't have violent factional disputes. Good luck to all players, and let the game begin!

http://www.tfl.gov.uk/tfl/images/zone_big.jpg

The Viceroy studied the map, sipping tea. "I claim Harrow-on-the-Hill, with four quid threepence."

"A bold move indeed, eh, Wilson?"

"Mh."

"Although, of course, not many people still remember Hoyle rules..." Said the Prime Minister, hoping to create the impression that he did remember them, and that, accordingly, he ought to be admired.

"Well, I really don't know why anyone would put down more than four quid on their first move..."

"...Ah, you're not a risk-taker, Wilson! That's why I'm Prime Minister, and you're Deputy." Said Mainwaring, continuing on before Wilson had a chance to offer an alternate explanation, "...I would join in, you know, but it wouldn't be... wouldn't be proper for a man of my importance to waste time with games, of course."

"Oh, go on..." whispered a third voice, it's source nudging the Deputy PM in the meantime, "...get 'ammersmith, before he walks away with it all!"

"Oh, really, Pike..."

(At which point everyone was bound over to sleep, because God went to bed and couldn't stop to play :) )

"Does no one want to play?"

The Prime Minister gave a small exclamation of surprise. "I say, a game of Mornington Cresecent! Might I trouble you to join?"

The Defence Minister leaned over the board suspiciously. "Is this...?"

"Yes, Mike, it is indeed the hallowed "Mornington Cresecent!" Jones chuckled, aiming to convince the assembled players - or player - that he was an expert playter, and that his time of defeat was nigh. The fact that this was nonsense was totally unimportant. "I think I'll have..."

...
...

Dramatic pause too long...

"...Three quid on Ealing Common."

"Ah HAH, going for a Pinski Gambit are you? Weeeel, it might work against some novices but I've been around a little too lon... did you say four quid? That changes things... damn. Alright. Acording to rule 34B of the Hoyle version, since your bid is within five pence of mine, I'm kipped which leaves you in position to... damn. Alright. Wembly Park, which leaves me with two walkbacks. There we go!"

Hmm, a cunning move. However, I believe that this should wipe the smile off your face... Swiss Cottage.

"Oh come now. We're using the 1892 rules, not your modern trash. It's not even the tenth move, and you go for Swiss Cottage? You know perfectly well that by playing yet another station on the Metropoliton line, the first person on the line gets an aditional walkback. Rule 47. Of course, they added that rule to keep you from stranding me up in the north of town, which you did, but I think the aditional walkback more than compensates.

So... Barkingside, and I'm unkipped!"

bump

"I say, did you hear me, sir?" growled Jones. "I said, Ealing Common, and three fifty." Feeling advanturous, he decided to up the ante. "No, no wait...four fifty!"