Cristian takes the table

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

Cristian Imparat wins by 27 clear. That's not whist any more, it's a parade with a brass band. At one stretch, 18 good hands in a row.

Ana took second with 125 points — a fine evening, but the gods of whist were busy elsewhere. Ana left the robot at the wheel most of the evening and still came out respectable. Teamwork with the server.

Mihai rounds out the podium with 116 points. Bronze still counts as a medal. Mihai left the robot at the wheel most of the evening and still came out respectable. Teamwork with the server.

In 4th place, Radu, on 107 points. 2 hands in a row: only Radu slipped, while the rest said it and did it. The cards were kind to everyone but Radu. Before the last eights, only 3 points off the podium — the pace just didn't hold.

Neither at the front nor at the back: Ioana in 5th, with 99 points. The comfort zone. In the first of the opening eights, Ioana bid 1 and took 4 — and Cristian Imparat went down with it.

Elena took last place without any nerves at all, on 75 points. Leading by the book until the last of the opening eights... then the cards turned the page. Elena, hard luck. In the second of the closing eights: Elena said 0, scooped 3, and Ana was left counting the pieces.

Well played everyone — and especially Cristian Imparat!