Mihai comes back from behind

The cards went out, and so did the egos. Here is what came of it.

First place and peace of mind: Mihai, with 131 points. It didn't start well — only 4th after the opening eights — but it clearly didn't end there. 10 good hands in a row — at one point, Mihai was playing as if they could see everyone else's cards.

Second place for Elena, with 125 points. So close to the top they can still taste it — bittersweet. Elena was even in front after the seven-card hand on the way down.

Ana rounds out the podium with 115 points. Bronze still counts as a medal. In the fifth of the middle eights: Ana called 0, took 3, and Mihai was left out in the cold. Ana was even in front after the last of the opening eights.

In 4th place, PaulP, on 115 points. Level on points with Ana, and behind only on the tie-break. After the fifth of the closing eights, PaulP was 3rd and dreaming of the podium — but the last hands had other plans.

Neither at the front nor at the back: Radu in 5th, with 81 points. The comfort zone. 2 hands in a row: Radu broke the contract each time while everyone else made theirs.

Coca closes out the table, with 80 points. "Last one buys the coffee" — as they say at the table. The place above was a single point away.

Congratulations to all — see you at the next table!