ACBL - American Contract Bridge League history

Beginning in September 1939, The Bulletin changes its format to resemble a newspaper tabloid.

…a new, consolidated association, the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL). Its membership grew from 9,000 in 1940 to more than 160,000 by the 21st century.

7, 1941 – Leading masterpoint holder Oswald Jacoby (thumbnail image) walks out of the National Open Pair Championship in Richmond VA upon announcement of the Pearl Harbor attack immediately returning to duty as a specialist for the United States Navy.

Soldiers Melvin Lobell, Morrie Elis, Harold Ziman, Phil Abramsohn and George Rapee take a break from their base in Brooklyn to compete in the Metropolitan Teams held October 27, 1942 at the Park Central Hotel.

Thumbnail image: 1955 ACBL President Jeff Glick

Thumbnail image: 1957 President J.G. Ripstra

Thumbnail image: 1959 ACBL President Winslow Randall

Thumbnail image: 1960 ACBL President Frank Westcott

Thumbnail image: 1962 ACBL President Max Manchester

Thumbnail image: 1964 ACBL President Leo Seewald

Thumbnail image: 1965 ACBL Presdient Robin Mac Nab

May - ACBL moves its headquarters to 125 Greenwich Ave, Greenwich CT 06830 Thumbnail image: 1966 ACBL President Eilif Andersen

1967 ACBL President John Norwood (thumbnail image)

1968 ACBL President Joseph Stedham (thumbnail image}

1969 ACBL President Ed Theus (thumbnail image)

1970 ACBL President William Baldwin (Thumbnail image)

1974 ACBL President Ruth McConnell (thumbnail)

1976 ACBL President Don Oakie (Thumbnail)

Lou Gurvich is the 1977 ACBL President (thumbnail image)

Walter K O'laughlin is the 1978 ACBL President (thumbnail image) Membership fees are increased from $6 to $7 per year.

William Gross is the 1980 ACBL President May – Barry Crane is the first player to break the 30,000-masterpoint barrier putting himself almost 10,000 masterpoints ahead of his nearest competition.

Jim Zimmerman is the 1981 ACBL President. (Thumbnail Image) March – Sites for NABCs are selected by management subject to veto by a 2/3 vote of the Board of Directors.

Sidney Levey is the 1982 ACBL President (thumbnail image)

Jim Munday is named King of Bridge. (Thumbnail image) Dec – Grant Baze smashes Top 500 record earning 3270 masterpoints Doug Drew is the 1984 ACBL President