The comeback of Nico

The lead passed from hand to hand, 8 times over — it was anyone's guess.

Last, but with style: Alice, with 88 points. At least there were cards worth talking about. Started like a champion — top of the table after the three-card hand on the way down — and finished like a tragedy. 2 hands in a row: the whole table kept its word, only Alice didn't — but insisted, with dignity.

In 5th place, Vlad, on 98 points. Vlad swore 0 in the six-card hand on the way down and took a trick — whist has a sense of humour. Vlad couldn't bear to look 7 times 🙈 — some cards are not meant to be seen.

In 4th place, Mara, on 102 points. After the two-card hand on the way up, Mara was 3rd and dreaming of the podium — but the last hands had other plans.

Third, on the podium: Coca, up there with eyes on the top step. 10 behind Ilinca, 8 ahead of Mara — right in the thick of it.

Ilinca took second with 120 points — a fine evening, but the gods of whist were busy elsewhere. Ilinca was even in front after the last of the opening eights. At one stretch, 10 good hands in a row.

Nico took the game with 140 points and a 20-point cushion — never really in doubt. It didn't start well — only 3rd after the opening eights — but it clearly didn't end there. In the third of the opening eights, 2 chairs flew at Nico within seconds 🪑 — the table had opinions.

Well played everyone — and especially Nico!