A tug of war, won by Luis

4 changes of leader: this one was a tug of war.

Luis won at a stroll, with 114 points and 31 clear of the rest. At one stretch, 13 good hands in a row.

Laura took second with 83 points — a fine evening, but the gods of whist were busy elsewhere. The last of the opening eights: Laura called 6 with the heart, not the cards. Eyes bigger than the hand.

Third, on the podium: Elena, up there with eyes on the top step. 2 hands in a row: the whole table kept its word, only Elena didn't — but insisted, with dignity.

Mihai closes out the table, with 62 points. "Last one buys the coffee" — as they say at the table. Mihai had the table at their feet after the seven-card hand on the way down. Whist was there to remind them nothing lasts forever. In the five-card hand on the way down: Mihai called 2, took 5, and Laura was left out in the cold.

Congratulations to all — see you at the next table!