Use a clean, dry pipe
Use pipe tobacco only
Break up the tobacco lightly
Fill the bowl loosely at first
Add more tobacco and pack it gently
Test the draw to make sure air passes through
Use a pipe lighter or wooden match
Light the top evenly with a charring light
Tamp the tobacco down lightly
Relight and smoke slowly
Take gentle puffs, not deep inhales
Keep the pipe lit with occasional tamping and relighting
Let the pipe go out if needed and relight later
Empty the ash and dottle after smoking
Let the pipe cool before cleaning
Run a pipe cleaner through the stem and shank
Store the pipe dry and clean