For the millions of avid contract bridge players, there was no more authoritative voice than Charles H. Goren. He wrote the book on bridge -- literally. Twenty-six of them, in fact. They explain, in clear and concise language, the intricacies of this fascinating card game and how any persistent amateur can capitalize on even the most difficult hands. They have been best-sellers for 50 years.

Mr. Goren, who died recently at the age of 90, formulated the Standard American bidding method that stresses adaptability and natural tactics over complex systems and artificial conventions. His approach is still used by virtually everyone in this country who shouts "one no-trump!" He also persuaded the bridge public to switch to his simple and accurate distributional point-count system, thus revolutionizing the game for non-tournament players. But more than anything else, the name Goren became synonymous with bridge. In his television show, in his numerous books and in his widely read newspaper and magazine columns, Charlie Goren was the acknowledged master, popularizer and chief interpreter of the game. He deserved to be called "Mr. Bridge."