A tug of war, won by Luis

The lead passed from hand to hand, 6 times over — it was anyone's guess.

Luis comes out on top of everyone, with 87 points. The cards were kind. In the first of the middle eights: Luis said 1, made 4, and the evening was ruined for Mihai. Going into the last hand the lead was already 27 — that one was a lap of honour.

Second place went to Vyce, with 68 points. Vyce got past Mihai at the very last hand.

Mihai rounds out the podium with 65 points. Bronze still counts as a medal. In the second of the middle eights: Mihai called 5, took 8, and Elena and Vyce were left out in the cold. Mihai was ahead of Vyce right up to the last hand.

Last place, with dignity: Elena, with 52 points. Somebody had to do it. After the four-card hand on the way up, Elena was 3rd and dreaming of the podium — but the last hands had other plans.

Congratulations to all — see you at the next table!