Michael Crane

Hi, Michael and good morning. Firstly, welcome to Extol which will soon be shaped into an online magazine of influential people who have contributed to the field of backgammon throughout the years.

So thank you for taking the time out to do this interview and to inform us of your place in the World of Backgammon.

Lets start off; with how did you get into Backgammon?

In the early 1970s my Father bought me a backgammon set. He got it from an offer in the Daily Mirror - it was a foldable cardboard board with cheap checkers and tiny dice - and I loved it.

I have no idea why he purchased it, prior to its arrival I hadn't paid a seconds' thought to the game; but I am pleased he did. Unfortunately the instructions were in Chinglish (Chinese English) and very hard to understand. I eventually found and purchased Backgammon by Paul Magriel in 1976 and my mind exploded! What a book.

I later found and joined the National Backgammon Players Society of Great Britain (NBPS) in 1985 and became a strong supporter and attendee of its tournaments. 

From thereon BIBA thrived. I actively encouraged its Members to exchange details, I set up my own database, and with the consent of those willing to share informed any enquiries of players nearby.

During my first year of running BIBA I was asked by Hercules, the Baron of Culcreuch, to TD the Intermediates and Beginners at the European Backgammon Championships in the Isle of Man. There I met and became friends with some of the top players in the World.

The second, Gammomnitis (early 2000s), formed by two BIBA members had far more traction and credibility than the TITS; but it was let down by it's Founder members whom used many people to get to the 'top' and when they fell, those same people just watched them fall.

PS!!!

I often look back and think about how backgammon in the UK would have fared if I hadn't made those two icy journeys to Manchester. I think someone, somewhere, would have come forward ... but I am pleased I was the one.

I'd like to thank the hundreds of backgammon players who supported BIBA and I over those 30 years. You've given me a tremendous time, and countless hours of fun and friendship. 

Thank you once again Michael for undertaking this insightful interview im sure it'll prove interesting to those that were around at the time and to the newer players

This interview was led by Mark Fradley - Founder of the 10BC | Tenerife Backgammon Club - for historical purposes.

Tim Cross

'When Michael sets his mind to organise things they happen. There are talkers and doers in this World and Michael is in the doing category.

I first met Michael late 80's in his role as joint founder of British Isles Backgammon Association (BIBA) and we became friends almost immediately.

Many of us around that time are grateful for all the enjoyable competitive tournaments he ran when 3 figure attendances where not unusual.

I would also like to add a comment that will sadly only be understood by Michael as it is a running joke of ours 'Tim would like to add more but unfortunately he had to leave early'

Art Williams

On Michael Crane.

You can quote me on this  "Michael Crane, aided by his wife Sharon, was the beating heart of British Backgammon for three decades.  His monthly BIBA (British Isles Backgammon Association) Tournaments were eagerly anticipated and well attended by all of the keenest UK players and top international players often made it to Michael's events.  

Author and former UK champion Paul Lamford was a frequent participant and his seminars were highly regarded. Although I was unable to attend as many BIBA tournaments as I would have liked (still busy earning a crust in those days)  It was hugely comforting to know that tournament play was available in Coventry, Hinckley and Brighton (possibly other venues that I am not aware of) and I did indeed mange to get to a few.  

It saddens me that there is so little recognition/acknowledgement of Michael's contribution.

Mike Heard

on Michael Crane

All I can say is that Michael did a fantastic job of promoting backgammon in the UK and all his tournaments were really enjoyable.

He was very fair, very thorough and a bad word was virtually never spoken about him . He attracted the best players from all round the World, and no doubt was a major contribution to hundreds or thousands of people playing today.

All the tournaments were great fun too, helped by his great sense of humour and dedication.

 

Lawrence Powell

on Michael Crane

I will always be grateful to Michael for keeping the torch of British backgammon alive during the 90s when I started going to tournaments and learning the game.

Well run tournaments with often over 100 participants which has only more recently been equaled or exceeded.

Not always plain sailing with disagreements and splinter groups but Michael kept a steady helm and an arena for both fun and serious players to hone their game before the UKBGF and some other regional promoters took up the reins

 

Martin Barkwill

on Michael Crane

His main strength was as a TD who could be relied on to get the big decisions right.

 

Richard "Dicky" Biddle

on Michael Crane

Playing Backgammon this side of the Millennium in one of the many clubs, leagues & tournaments that proliferate around the UK, it is easy to forget that up until about 2000, the only major National Backgammon Tournaments available in the UK were the BIBA events run by Michael Crane....Yes, there were other local events but pre-Internet, difficult to find out about. 

Living in the London area, the only Backgammon I had near me was a little "sharkey" for my Intermediate skills and although BIBA events were for money - they were certainly affordable, financially limitable and a great introduction to the wider UK Backgammon community.  This opened up a whole new world to this green player that has led me on a never-ending journey of BG joy & frustration.   

Michael's no-nonsense approach to Tournament Directing made the then scary Backgammon World less intimidating thereby growing the game for all and starting the tidal wave of Backgammon we now have sweeping the country.   

I never got to thank the person who taught me how to play - but I now make a point of thanking Michael Crane for showing me the way.