Auction remains remarkably consistent year after year. It's becoming a regular subset club within the whole of the WBC club. It didn't disappoint again this year drawing it's customary low 40's. This is one Euro game that has survived the ravages of time. It does so well do to the quick play and highly interactive nature of the game. More than half of this year's participants were 'regulars'.

In the Wednesday mulligan round Jeff Mullet defeated last year's champ David Brooks on the strength of Queen Anne and Miniatures. Phil Yanov -- a first timer from the Greenville Mafia -- held on to the win as the cards were gone and the rich collector paid him a visit to collect his jewelry. Vassili Kyrkus used coins, figurines and cash to score the exact $7500 needed to win and advance. Perennial contender Andy Gardener, taking a break from his naval gaming activities, used Queen Anne Furniture, cash and the force to defeat another perennial contender Luke Koleszar and the long lost Luke Kratz. Welcome back to the Kratz clan! Former champ Arthur Field used figurines and a lot of cash to defeat another Kratz -- Cathy -- and the better third of the Bernard clan -- Beth. Beth was married the week before the WBC and told her new husband I'll see you in a week! Congratulations Beth and keep your priorities straight!!!! GM Bruce Reiff used Queen Anne and miniatures to defeat his nemesis "Little" Lisa Gutermuth and move on. And in the last heat of the day, Ray Stakenas II took out a pair of Cabbies for the price of one beating both former champ Bud Sauer and Natey Boy Hoam.

The regular 1st round on Wednesday brought back 11 mulligan round participants and 17 new contenders for seven boards. Keith Schoose used this to his best advantage to advance. Luke Koleszar was second with a high enough total to make the semis as well. Defending champ David Brooks also availed himself of the opportunity to advance. Jonathan Lockwood used his strong second place to make the semis also. Cabbie Mike Zehnal's week peaked early as he managed to win a game and make the semis. Sadly for Mike it was the last game he won during the week. Ben Shanks used the lessen he got on Wednesday night from three-time champ Reiff to good use and took Queen Anne furniture to advance to put Bud Sauer out of the tourney for good. Reiko Brooks, wife of the defending champ, had the highest score of the tournament - $10,800 -- while running roughshod over her board. Charles Davis won his board (but elected not to advance) while former champ Ken Gutermuth squeaked in on the strength of his second place finish. Alan Kaiser "Wilhelm", a first time CABS attendee managed the low score of the tournament - $960. Alan, how does one do so badly???? Finally young Alex Bell beat a loaded field of Davyd Field, Kevin Wojtaszczkk and Natey Boy Hoam. This would start the streak of Natey being defeated by minors. All of this set up the following semi finals:

The Suzy Q Board -- Ben Shanks, Alex Bell, Vassili Kyrkos and Ray Stakenas II. Ray used Glassware, Sterling and cash to make the final with Ben Shanks a close second.

The Cupcake Table -- Mike Zehnal, Luke Koleszar, Jon Lockwood and Andy Gardner. Andy dominated with Rare Miscellany and Tapestries. John Lockwood was a strong second and Luke third. Zehnal managed to make all of $70 for the game. Nice one Mike.

The Apple Pie Table -- Reiko Brooks, Keith Schoose, David Brooks and Jeff Mullet. Jeff dominated the cash early and had Books and Tapestry as well to run away with it. And the defending champ was out.

The Shark Tank, and Phil -- Poor Phil Yanov. He drew the short stick getting stuck with Reiff, Arthur Field and Ken Gutermuth. When the game looked like it would end by running out of cards, Ken made the first move and established a $5060 position. Reiff saw that and made his move but the bank unfortunately refused to pay for his rare miscellany and allowed Arthur to buy it. Reiff was left with $5520 and Arthur a set and the win. Phil cruised along in 4th with a total of $4470 and was just glad to not have lost any fingers or toes. Ken and Bruce were just disappointed that they had let Arthur advance.

The final was held early Saturday morning. Ray Stakenas II dominated with $8100, Jeff Mullet pulled a Mullet and finished second with $4650. Andy Gardener was third with $3200 and Arthur Field just looked confused with $3190. So we welcome Ray into the elite circle of Auction champions. The special gold key and directions to the champions lounge will be in the mail to you. See you all next year. And remember to vote Auction back in again next year!