The American Contract Bridge League keeps a Hall of Fame that records players on their bridge achievements – but separately, there’s also their list of Honorary Members. 

ACBL Honorary Members are those who furthered the game of bridge as a whole; individuals who imprinted their contributions on the game forever. 

According to the official ACBL website, it’s those who are “widely known throughout the membership who has given freely of his time and ability without thought of reward and in the interest of the League as a whole.” 

Here are a handful of selections from the ACBL Honorary Members list.

Kathie Wei-Sender (1987)

Kathie Wei-Sender was known as a championship bridge player who devoted an entire life to the game – and like many bridge stories go, also married a bridge player. Her husband was Charles C. Wei, credited with Precision bidding.

Edgar Kaplan (1993)

I first came across Eddie Kaplan’s writing when I first picked up Bridge for Dummies. It was the same series of books that taught me initial guitar chords, and I relied on it to do the same for bridge conventions – and Kaplan’s writing style was a perfect blend of his own and the classic “for Dummies” format.

Dr George Rosenkranz (1990)

Dr George Rozenkranz was well-known for his contributions to pharmaceutical science away from bridge – and when it came to the game, he showed dedication from the very first game to his last. It’s a bridge legacy that anyone can surely be proud of.

Robert Wolff (1995)

Here’s Bobby! (Sorry, I couldn’t resist. That’s a reference from The Shining, on the chance that it doesn’t ring any bells…) Well, a lot of people know and love Wolff’s bridge column – and whenever looking for inspiration, I’ve found anything from his pen (or keyboard) to be a great read. 

Zia Mahmood (2006)

Now, people get starstruck about all kinds of celebrities all the time. I have much of the same reaction to bridge players – and I’ve always looked up to Zia. The elegance with which he takes to the table is really something, and I’ve always been amazed by his style. 

Bill Gates & Warren Buffett (2010)

Inductions into the BBO Honorary Members don’t just include singular people – some years, the list includes two. Bill Gates & Warren Buffett happen to be synonymous with bridge as players (and close friends), and they keep this honorary spot together.

Audrey Grant (2013)