LOS ANGELES Charles Goren, who developed a point system that popularized the game of contract bridge and wrote a widely syndicated column on the game, has died. He was 90.

Goren, known to his legions of famous friends and fellow card players as Charlie, died of a heart attack April 3 in Los Angeles.

"By any standard he was one of the greatest bridge players and bridge authorities and bridge writers in the world, and a great friend of all bridge players. He will be sorely missed," said Alfred Sheinwold, who writes a syndicated bridge column.

At the peak of his popularity, Goren's picture appeared on the covers of Time magazine and Sports Illustrated as the top authority on bridge.