American Contract Bridge League

American organization

Also known as: ACBL

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

The American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) is the largest affiliated member of the World Bridge Federation, with nearly 160,000 members. It was formed in 1937 by consolidating several earlier bridge associations, including the American Bridge League and the U.S. Bridge Association. The ACBL controls championship tournaments and has seen significant membership growth since its inception.12

Bridge is a card game derived from whist, played by four people in partnerships. Players are dealt 13 cards each from a standard 52-card deck, and the objective is to win tricks. A trump suit can be designated, or the game can be played without trumps. Contract bridge, the most popular variant, spread globally and led to the formation of national federations like the ACBL. The ACBL also recognizes tournaments played online, where participants can earn master points.1

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…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.
Read More
…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.
Read More