The comeback of Radu

The lead passed from hand to hand, 5 times over — it was anyone's guess.

Last place: Ionela, with 61 points. Started like a champion — top of the table after the last of the opening eights — and finished like a tragedy. In the second of the closing eights: Ionela said 0, scooped 6, and Mihai was left counting the pieces.

Third, and on the podium: Mihai, with 70 points. The place above was a single point away.

Luis took second with 71 points — a fine evening, but the gods of whist were busy elsewhere. In the second of the opening eights: Luis called 2, took 5, and Mihai was left out in the cold. 2 hands in a row: only Luis slipped, while the rest said it and did it. The cards were kind to everyone but Luis.

Radu wins by 31 clear. That's not whist any more, it's a parade with a brass band. It didn't start well — only 3rd after the opening eights — but it clearly didn't end there. At one stretch, 10 good hands in a row.

Congratulations to all — see you at the next table!