About Races

ABOUT ACE OF CLUBS

Since most American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) members play in local club games, the Ace of Clubs competition was created in 1984 to recognize achievements at the club level. These Ace of Clubs champions are recognized at the unit and ACBL level. Only Black points won at the clubs are counted in this contest. Any pigmented points earned at STaC or other special club games are not counted. Eligibility is determined by each player’s masterpoint holding at the beginning of the calendar year.

In 2011, this award was renamed in honor of Grand Life Master Helen Shanbrom of Tamarac, Florida. Ms. Shanbrom was one of the most active and successful players in the ACBL for decades. She won the top category of the Ace of Clubs more times than any other member in ACBL history. Ms. Shanbrom passed away in 2013 at the age of 94.

ABOUT MINI-MCKENNEY

In 1974, the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) Board of Directors voted to recognize the masterpoint achievements of all players and the Mini-McKenney Masterpoint Races were established. The Mini–McKenney was named after William E. McKenney whose drive, creativity, and organizational abilities helped establish the ACBL. He was the ACBL’s first executive secretary and remained at the helm until 1947.

The Mini–McKenney Masterpoint Races recognizes ACBL members who earn the most masterpoints (MPs) in sanctioned tournaments and club games within a calendar year (excluding the NAP/GNT qualifiers and STaCs games). The winners at each level of achievement are recognized by the ACBL each year in the April issue of the Bridge Bulletin and at the district and unit levels.

Eligibility is determined by a player’s masterpoint holding at the beginning of the calendar year. There are 15 race categories ranging from 0-5 masterpoints to 10,000+.

The home unit of each winner may purchase a Mini-McKenney medallion to present to the player. Standings are updated monthly.