In 1931, contract bridge started booming thanks to one of its greatest promoters, Ely Culbertson. Culbertson and his partner, wife Josephine, were gaining popularity with their Culbertson bidding system. This resulted in a systemic war with the leading authorities in bridge, one of whom was Sidney Lenz. The Culbertson-Lenz bridge match became known as the “Battle of the Century” and was front page news across much of the United States. Culbertson promoted the match as the struggle of a young married couple against the forces of adversity, with jealous authorities – the bridge establishment – combined against them.
The Culbertsons
Battle of the Century: Culbertson-Lenz match, signing the agreement
Battle of the Century: Last round