Alan M. Sontag "Sonty" was born on May 2, 1946, in New York City and was one of the greatest American players, forming a legendary 35-year partnership with Peter Weischel.

Alan, who ranks among the top 30 in the World Grand Master rankings and among the top 20 in the Senior International Master rankings, now lives in Gaithersburg, Maryland, with his wife, Robin. He is known worldwide for his nickname, Sonty, for his exceptionally fast game, and for his best-selling book, "The Bridge Bum."

He won the Bermuda Bowl in 1983 and 2001, the Transnationals in 2000 and 2013, the Rosenblum Cup in 2006, and the bronze medal in the Senior Team at the 2001 European Championships, as well as team gold in the Senior Championships in 2005, 2007, and 2017, and in the Rand Cup in 2026.

Other international trophies include the London Sunday Times in 1973 and 1975, the Cavendish Pairs in 1976 and 1977, and the Buffett Cup in 2010 and 2012.

On the national level, he has collected, among other things: 3 Vanderbilts, 3 Spingolds, a Reisingers, 2 Jacobys, 3 Mitchells, and the 1994 NGT.

In 1975, he was elected "Sportsman of the Year" by the I.B.P.A.

In 2007, he was honored as a member of the prestigious American Bridge Hall of Fame.