Elena takes the table

The cards were dealt, and so were the nerves. Here is the story.

Elena won at a stroll, with 115 points and 22 clear of the rest. 2 hands in a row: the whole table kept its word, only Elena didn't — but insisted, with dignity.

Mihai took second with 93 points — a fine evening, but the gods of whist were busy elsewhere. 2 hands in a row: Mihai broke the contract each time while everyone else made theirs.

Radu completed the podium with 91 points. In the third of the middle eights, Radu bid 1 and took 4 — and Mihai went down with it. 3 hands in a row: only Radu slipped, while the rest said it and did it. The cards were kind to everyone but Radu.

Last place: Olga, with 79 points. 2 hands in a row: the table said and did, Olga said and... hoped. It didn't hold. After the two-card hand on the way up, Olga was 3rd and dreaming of the podium — but the last hands had other plans.

Well played everyone — and especially Elena!