Bridge, like chess, has individual games among the millions that have been played which stand out as notable or famous ones. 

One of the largest in bridge is referred to as the Bridge Battle of the Century. A famous bridge game played between Culbertson-Lenz, two of the most notable figures in bridge at the time. It was like watching two artists from the Renaissance out-sculpt one another in front of a crowd – or seeing two rock behemoths on the same stage.

Here are some quick facts about Ely’s big game – and why it remains one of the most famous bridge games even today.

• The name might have been a reference to the short film Battle of the Century. It’s one of the most famous movies made by comedy-duo Laurel & Hardy – with a release date of 1927, just a few years before the Bridge Battle took place. 
• The Bridge Battle of the Century occurred between 1931 to 1932. Gameplay would run straight from one January into the next December, with daily radio broadcasts covering the game for listeners at home.
  
• The challenge started as a disagreement over which bridge bidding system was superior. For Culbertson, the best form of bidding had been the one described in his own Blue Book – but for the opposition (Lenz & others), the Official System stood out as the best. So, the two sides decided to put it to the test.
  
• The Bridge Battle was played at two different locations. First, the Chatham Hotel, and second, the Waldorf-Astoria.
  
• Cash was bet on the match by Culbertson & Lenz. The amounts were $5, 000 and $1, 000 respectively, with the resulting money set to go to a charity of the winner’s choice.
  
• The Bridge Battle consisted of 150 rubbers in total. In other words, the monumental bridge battle counted as “a pretty long game.”
  
• The game was overseen by Alfred Maximilian Gruenther. Also known as the youngest four-star awarded general in US Army history – and a very accomplished bridge player of the time. Alfred also served as the Honorary President of the WBF from ’58 to ’78, and was also reportedly on the cover of Time Magazine in 1956.
  
• Several bridge partners competed on each side. Culbertson played primarily with his wife Josephine (for 88 out of 150 rubbers), while Lenz chose Oswald Jacoby, who eventually (after 103 after 150) quit the match.
• If you’re wondering, Culbertson won. (And that’s probably why this post is named after him.)