About ACBL
The mission of the ACBL is to promote, grow and sustain the game of bridge and serve the bridge-related interests of our Members.
- Our Organization
- Our Game
- Our History
- Recognition and Awards
- ACBL Museum
- Financial Statements
Our Organization
Founded in 1937, ACBL is the largest bridge organization in North America, serving over 130,000 members. Every year, we sanction over 3.5 million tables of bridge, played in more than 2,000 bridge clubs and 750 sectional and regional tournaments, plus 1 million tables played online. A challenging and rewarding card game, bridge draws players of all ages and walks of life – from Bill Gates and Warren Buffett to astronaut Greg “Box” Johnson.
- Executive Director: Bronia Jenkins
- Headquarters: Horn Lake, MS
- Employees: Headquarters staff: 48; Tournament Directors: 129
- Annual Budget: $16M+
The ACBL certifies:
Teachers 
Directors 
Player achievement through masterpoints
ACBL sponsors:
Three North American Bridge Championships annually, each attracting up to 6,500 players.
The School Bridge Lesson Series Program for more than 4000 children annually.
Main Publications
The Bridge Bulletin 
The ACBL Bridge Series 
Laws of Duplicate Bridge Laws of Rubber Bridge
Back to Top
Our Game
Bridge – the ultimate partnership game – is a game of skill, communication and infinite possibilities. Worldwide, millions of people play it at home. Many also play “duplicate bridge” in clubs and tournaments to enjoy its social and competitive aspects.
Bridge is played using a standard deck of 52 cards dealt equally among four players. The players bid in a coded language to describe their hands to their partners and then play to make their contract. Generally, one suit is determined as “trump,” leading to the expression, “Play your trump card.” Duplicate contract bridge, in which each competitor or team plays identical hands under similar conditions, is the main form of competitive bridge.
Learn MoreBack to Top
Our History
The American Contract Bridge League was founded in 1937. Today it is the largest bridge organization in North America, supporting clubs and tournaments in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Bermuda. A not-for-profit organization, the ACBL determines internationally recognized rules of bridge, sanctions clubs and tournament games, and encourages participation at all levels of proficiency and experience.
Timeline 1937-2020
Back to Top
ACBL Museum
Hours: Monday-Friday, by appointment only.
The ACBL Museum is not only the premier collection of bridge-related artifacts in the world, it’s also an interactive showcase of the history of the game. From Vanderbilt to Culbertson to Goren to the modern era, bridge comes alive with photos, videos, art, instructional material and more.
Our spectacular collection of national championship trophies must be seen to be believed. Touch-screen technology allows visitors to research the history and previous winners of each trophy.
View the Bridge Hall of Fame display which includes hundreds of photos of the top names in the game, and the biographies of each inductee. All are easily viewed with the touch of a digital button.
The Joan Schepps Collection of Trump Indicators is an homage to the early days of the game featuring 600 colorful pieces.
In addition to these highlights, visitors to the ACBL Museum will find dozens of other fascinating items.
The ACBL Bridge museum is located in the ACBL main offices at 6575 Windchase Boulevard, Horn Lake MS 38637.
For more information about the museum, email museum@acbl.org.
