A tug of war, won by Barladeanu

The lead changed hands 6 times — nobody got comfortable at the top.

Barladeanu comes out on top of everyone, with 89 points. The cards were kind. In the second of the opening eights: Barladeanu said 0, scooped 3, and Florentin was left counting the pieces. At one stretch, 6 good hands in a row.

Kiki took the runner-up spot with 79 points. Kiki was even in front after the two-card hand on the way down.

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

Last, but with style: Florentin, with 57 points. At least there were cards worth talking about. In the first of the middle eights: Florentin said 1, made 4, and the evening was ruined for Kiki. After the seven-card hand on the way up, Florentin was 3rd and dreaming of the podium — but the last hands had other plans.

Well played everyone. Same table next time?