Flint Librarian: Backgammon Queen

Carol Joy Cole

Previously, I wrote about the King of Backgammon. This time, let us pay homage to the fairer sex and talk about the Backgammon Queen from Flint. The American Backgammon Tour recently held a U.S. Open in Washington D.C. from the 4th of June to the 7th of June. The person who emerged victorious is a 60-year-old retired librarian by the name of Carol Joy Cole.

According to stories, Carol Joy Cole learned backgammon in the 70s, and no, it was not by choice. She says that she forced herself to learn the game so that she could keep up with her kids, who had learned the game from their baby sitter. Well, from that forced learning more than 30 years ago, Cole has indeed gone a long way.

She is actually one of the founders of the Flint Backgammon Club. She has national tournament titles under her belt, and she has participated in international tournaments as well. Her most recent victory at the U.S. Open is not some little thing, either. In fact, she kicked the butt of the 1989 Backgammon World Champion AND now holds the distinction of being the first ever woman to win the U.S. Open tournament!

What does the Queen have to say?

“It was a huge thrill. I definitely was an underdog in that match. I was ecstatic. (Runner-up Joe Russell) was a very gracious opponent. He knew it was a competitive match. I didn’t win just on luck.”

Good on her! For those who are interested in joining the Flint Area Backgammon Club:

- When: Meets at 7 p.m. every Thursday
- Where: Days Inn, 2207 W. Bristol Road, Flint
- Details: There are no membership fees and the club is open the public. Free lessons are offered to the inexperienced and small tournaments are played each week.