A tug of war, won by Mihai

The lead passed from hand to hand, 4 times over — it was anyone's guess.

Mihai took the game with 99 points and a 25-point cushion — never really in doubt. In the first of the middle eights: Mihai called 0, took 5, and Daniel S was left out in the cold. 7 good hands in a row — at one point, Mihai was playing as if they could see everyone else's cards.

Ana took second with 74 points — a fine evening, but the gods of whist were busy elsewhere. 3 hands in a row: only Ana slipped, while the rest said it and did it. The cards were kind to everyone but Ana. Ana was even in front after the last of the opening eights.

Third, on the podium: Elena, up there with eyes on the top step. Elena left the robot at the wheel most of the evening and still came out respectable. Teamwork with the server.

Daniel S took last place without any nerves at all, on 47 points. From leader to red lantern. The little wedge tipped the big cart — and the cart was Daniel.

Well played everyone — and especially Mihai!