Personal Life

Lawrence Neil Cohen ("Larry") was born in New York City in 1959. Larry learned bridge at age 6 from his grandparents, Nat and Min Cohen. He began playing duplicate at age 14 and was competing in tournaments by 15. Besides bridge, Larry’s biggest passions/hobbies are golf (handicap 11) and hiking. He currently resides in Delray Beach, Florida and Heber, Utah with his lovely wife, Eugenia (Maria).

Bridge History

At the age of 17, Larry earned the title of ‘Life Master’. Larry’s stellar bridge career took flight in 1979, when at the age of 19, he placed second in the National Open Pairs. By the age of 22, he had won his first two of 25 National Championships, the Blue Ribbon Pairs and coveted Spingold Teams. Between 1979 and 2008, Larry garnered 57 first or second place finishes in national and prestigious world tournaments.

In 2002, the American Contract Bridge League (ACBL) named Larry ‘Player of the Year’, and in 2011 named him ‘Honorary Member of the Year’. Larry is also listed on the ACBL’s "Top 10 Living Most Influential Bridge Personalities". In 2020, in his first year of eligibility, Larry was elected to the ACBL Hall of Fame.

After decades as a world-class player, Larry "retired" as a playing pro to devote his life to teaching bridge. Larry works exclusively in the world of bridge--lecturing in venues on land and sea, writing best-selling bridge books, producing bridge learning videos, and authoring thousands of articles, quizzes, and lessons. Larry’s students love his easy-to-understand, easy-to-remember principles that enable players of all levels to strengthen their game.

Writing and Teaching Excellence

Larry’s influence goes far beyond his accomplishments at the table. His book, To Bid or Not to Bid—The LAW of Total Tricks is published in six different languages and was the best-selling bridge book of the 1990’s. The sequel, Following the LAW, was also a best-seller. Larry’s extensive collection of written material and videos provide a rock-solid foundation for any serious bridge player’s collection.

Larry’s students continually attest to his superb teaching abilities:

• "Never before had a teacher like Larry" – Maria M.
• "Pearls of wisdom in each lesson" – Jill K.
• "I am very, very happy that you are teaching. I think you are fabulous." – William B.
• "Glad you love to teach bridge" – Suzanne L.
• Takes my bridge to a new level." – Bett W.
• "Makes difficult stuff easy to understand." – Janet M.
• "You are a fantastic teacher. Thank you so much!" – Nancy G.
• "I learned so much. You're the best!" – Ron G.
• "Thrilled to have found Bridge with Larry Cohen!" - Mary Lou M.

Other Accolades

Larry was director of the prestigious Bridge World Master Solvers Club for 11 years. He served as a member of the National Appeals Committee and is a regular panelist/Vu-graph commentator at national championships and on Bridge Base Online. Larry is a member of the ACBL Conducts & Ethics Committee. He has authored the ACBL Instant Matchpoint Game Booklet since 2007. Larry also served as Chairman of the ACBL Hall-of- Fame Committee.

Larry’s Bridge Chronology