Elena takes it in the closing rounds

The cards were dealt, and so were the nerves. Here is the story.

Elena crossed the finish line first, on 103 points. 2 hands in a row: the whole table kept its word, only Elena didn't — but insisted, with dignity.

Mihai took the runner-up spot with 94 points. The last hand decided it: Mihai went past Gigel right on the line. From the tail of the table to a warm spot: Mihai plays right down to the last card.

Gigel rounds out the podium with 94 points. Bronze still counts as a medal. Level on points with Mihai, and behind only on the tie-break. Gigel was ahead of Mihai right up to the last hand.

Sebi took last place without any nerves at all, on 61 points. 3 hands in a row: the whole table kept its word, only Sebi didn't — but insisted, with dignity. After the two-card hand on the way up, Sebi was 3rd and dreaming of the podium — but the last hands had other plans.

Congratulations to all — see you at the next table!