Criss-cross Mitchell

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This movement was first published by G.S. Coffin (U.S.A.) with the E-W pairs moving in two directions and the boards moving in two directions. This meant that the director had to move the boards and at best it required guide cards. When using stationary boards this movement becomes quite useful. It is applicable to all Mitchells with an even number of tables, but is best for movements where the number of tables is divisible by 4.

The modulus 4 case will be dealt with first. The movement is set up with one set of boards on each table as in a standard Mitchell. The move instructions are as follows:

·   The boards remain stationary

·   The odd numbered N-S pairs move down one table for the whole movement

·   The even numbered N -S pair move up one table for the whole movement

·   The odd numbered E-W pairs move up one table for the first N/2 rounds (i.e. N/2-l changes where N= number of tables) and then move up N/2 tables after which they move down one table for the rest of the event

·   The even numbered E-W pairs move down one table for the first N/2 rounds and then move up (or down) N/2 tables after which they then move up one table for the rest of the event.

Of course the director does not bother the players with the details of the later moves at the start, but announces the unusual change at half time as in a skip Mitchell. For example, in an 8-table movement the director announces, "All E-W pairs move up 4 tables" after the fourth round. After the 5^th round the instructions for the rest of the movement are given. Alternatively, guide cards can be provided, as players are notoriously poor listeners when instructions are given and there are invariably one or two pairs who "didn't hear".

Where the number of tables is not divisible by 4, but is even, the changes are the same until the halfway point when the change for the E-W pairs is to move up N/2-1 tables rather than N/2. The moves for the second half for the E-W pairs is still the same except that it is riot possible to play the last round with the standard move. This ultimate move is the same as the half way move of up N/2-l tables. Even when using this move into the last round, the E-W pairs must repeat against one pair as in the skip Mitchell.