FIVE GOOD TIPS FOR BEGINNER PIPE SMOKERS
1. Do not smoke hot smoke!
Besides irritating the tongue, hot smoke damages the pipe bowl, produces too much condensation, and can ruin or burn through the bowl.
2. Do not smoke a pipe in the wind!
Strong wind stokes the ember and increases the temperature. A pipe with a cap can be a good solution for outdoor pipe smoking.
3. Use one pipe only once a day
Briar root has the property of breaking down the moisture it absorbs. But this takes time. It is best to use a pipe only once a day, then let it rest and air out.
4. Always smoke the pipe to the end
If you do not smoke the pipe to the end, most of the condensation does not turn into vapor, and the cake and the wood have to absorb it instead. The pipe will take revenge: it will wear out quickly, develop a terrible taste, and smell awful.
4. Pay attention to the tobacco!
Tobacco that is too dry overheats and can damage the pipe. Tobacco that is too moist produces a great deal of condensation and is also difficult to keep lit.
5. Clean the pipe thoroughly.
Condensation gets into the shank and settles in the stem, so after every use the stem and shank should be cleaned with a pipe cleaner dipped in cleaning fluid or alcohol. Any unsmoked tobacco and ash should also be removed from the bowl after each use. The carbon layer that gradually thickens over time should be kept under control with the proper pipe tool.
Source: THE PIPE SMOKER'S BOOK
A Few Helpful Videos
How to pack a pipe (English)
How to smoke a pipe
