The Seattle Pipe Club / UPCA Western Regional Slow Smoke Contest is just two days away. It shall prove to be a great time, and a wonderful evening.

As brothers of the briar we compete as gentlemen, on our honor to see that the rules of the contest are followed, and that the competition remains fair. I thought, as I know that some of the competitors read this site, that I would touch upon a few of those rules here.

The tamper may only be used when the pipe is in the mouth.

It is forbidden to knock, or shake, the pipe in any way.

It is permitted to remove the mouthpiece from the bowl to get rid of liquid.

Competitors may use the papers provide to wipe the tamper.

Competitors may remove ash from the pipe, but may not put back any tobacco that happens to fall out.

Competitors may not drink until the 10-minute mark has passed.

From the start of the competition competitors will have 5 minutes in which to prepare their tobacco, but may not humidify or add anything to it.

Time will be registered from the moment the command to light the pipes is given.

Competitors have one minute to light their pipes with either one or both of the matches provided. Defective matches can be replaced.

Competitors must signal appropriately when their pipe goes out.

Should a competitors pipe bowl burn, the competitor must be disqualified.

I am honored to be hosting this contest again this year. We have some wonderful prizes, including the ever-odd prize of 1000 matches. My sincere thanks to those who have helped put this competition together, it could never happen without your efforts.

With that, I look forward to Thursday Evening at Smokey Joes!