Mornington Crescent - Annual Get Together

Everyone is welcome, particulaly complete novices.

The annual Mornington Crescent get together is nothing formal. Fans of ISIHAC and players of Mornington Crescent often visit the Mornington Crescent tube station. Also, since 1998 several groups have gathered at the station and in local pubs but these groups were in the past unaware of each other. It seemed like a good idea for these groups and individuals to gather on the same day. Each year things get a bit more organised and we hope to make 2008 the best get together yet.

Mornington Crescent - Annual Get Together

Aim to arrive at Mornington Crescent at 1.30pm. Your approach will depend upon your level:

• Complete novices: Start at Tottenham Court Road. A direct approach is NOT allowed (this is illegal in all variations of the game for obvious reasons). However, a simple triangulation or say via Oxford Circus will do.
  
  
• Players below Master Level: You must not start before 9am. Play your own rules. Loops are allowed - we don't want you stranded at Totteridge & Whetstone! If it becomes apparent that you could not make 1.30 and still play a legal game, get there by 1.30 and we'll give marks for the most inventive reason for breaking the rules. If you are coming on your own play with an imaginary partner using the Kerr Protocol.
  
  
• Masters and above: As for lower level but loops definitely not allowed. If your opponents trap you such that your only escape would be a loop we'll see you in 2009! Opponents: regale us with how you did it! Your group must not break the rules in order to arrive by 1.30. If your party is not at Mornington Crescent by 1.30 you will be disqualified. So as well as trying to win, you have a responsibility to the opponents in your group not to make a move that takes you all too far round the houses. (Mixed groups e.g. a Master and a lesser player who transgress in order to arrive on time: judges' decision will be final.)

Please remember:

You must bring a tube map! This makes it easy for us to identify each other. "Graeme Garden, I presume?" seems to be a favourite ice-breaker. Extra points for the biggest map this year - I'm sure someone can do better than A2.

You must mark your game on your map. Use different colours for each player in your party and number the moves. When you arrive ask someone from another group to have a quick look at your game, just to make sure you haven't cheated (as if you would!). If you've used an obscure gambit have your explanation ready! Extra marks for anyone who manages to arrive at Mornington Crescent on a Direct Diagonal. Novices: just mark the route you took.

Mornington Crescent - What happens at 1.30?

We'll gather in the ticket hall and at 2.00 (to give stragglers a chance!) this year's challenge game will be agreed. Novices will be invited to team up with an experienced player. This works really well as complete novices quickly pick up the basics by going round with an expert.

The challenge game should take about 3 hours though it might take some people a lot longer: any team of eggheads who try to play Real Geography rules are likely to get hopelessly confused! All we will say about the challenge is that it finishes back at Mornington Crescent. Now there's a surprise!

We'll then retire to a local hostelry for the judging and discussion. The rules seem a lot simpler after a couple of drinks!

Mornington Crescent - Annual Get Together

The Annual Get Together is open to all. We particularly welcome novices as we all enjoy showing off our knowledge and explaining the game!

Herby and Roger

Mornington Crescent - The Challenge Game

We have had some very good suggestions for the Challenge Game. Perhap the best so far from Paul Wayper. We don't want to put details of the Challenge Game on the web site, but if you would like to exchange ideas with Paul please email him: paul@mornington crescent

Mornington Crescent - Annual Get Together - Your Questions

If you have any questions we will endeavour to answer them on this page: Mornington Crescent Get Together 2008 Q&A

(5) Any person or persons attending this event who do not behave in an acceptable manner will be asked to leave. Mornington Crescent Project Management Training