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I have a question about the judging of this contest. Last year there was some controversy that most of the pipes picked for the set were "interpretations" of the contest shape more than being the actual definition of the shape.
Obviously this year the shape is more narrowly defined but as I'm sitting down to shape a billiard I'm really wondering if British understatement is the key or over the top is what ends up in the case. Last year it seemed to be what was modern and flashy is mostly what made the cut.
So is this years 7 day set going to be the best Danish shape, the best British shape, the best Italian shape and the best modern reverse monkeynutsak billiard ?
Is it going to be 7 pipes that all conform to strict British Classic rules?
Is it going to be the 7 best constructed and finished pipes regardless of style ?
Last year I didn't stand a chance of winning, but I can finally shape a decent billiard these days. I just don't want to go flashy and see a case of subdued but impeccably shaped Dunhills. Then again I don't want to make a Dunhill and see a case of flashy fancy ass newfangled interpretations either.

Alden wrote:I have a question about the judging of this contest. Last year there was some controversy that most of the pipes picked for the set were "interpretations" of the contest shape more than being the actual definition of the shape.
Obviously this year the shape is more narrowly defined but as I'm sitting down to shape a billiard I'm really wondering if British understatement is the key or over the top is what ends up in the case. Last year it seemed to be what was modern and flashy is mostly what made the cut.
So is this years 7 day set going to be the best Danish shape, the best British shape, the best Italian shape and the best modern reverse monkeynutsak billiard ?
Is it going to be 7 pipes that all conform to strict British Classic rules?
Is it going to be the 7 best constructed and finished pipes regardless of style ?
Last year I didn't stand a chance of winning, but I can finally shape a decent billiard these days. I just don't want to go flashy and see a case of subdued but impeccably shaped Dunhills. Then again I don't want to make a Dunhill and see a case of flashy fancy ass newfangled interpretations either.

Alden --

You're forgetting that the set can only be chosen from the pipes entered.

Meaning, in past years it was the carvers who decided how imaginative their entries would be, not the judges, because they wanted to increase the difficulty factor of their performance. Like a competitive diver, gymnast, or freestyle skier choosing a triple-back-with-one-and-a-half-twists instead of a straightforward pike or swan dive.

This year, that variable was removed by assigning everyone the same difficulty factor.

As for which billiard style, as long as the pipe entered doesn't look MORE like some shape OTHER than a billiard (i.e. brandy, pot, apple, etc), it will be considered a billiard.

I have heard rumors that next years contest is going to be a modern reverse monkeynutsak cavalier so start practicing now

scotties22 wrote:I have heard rumors that next years contest is going to be a modern reverse monkeynutsak cavalier so start practicing now

Indeed.

The current thinking is to alternate "classic" years with "design" years, so that all the pipemaker skill & talent bases are covered over time.

A design year would require only some fundamental commonality such as "must have a bamboo shank," or "must be a cavalier". As long as that's met, anything else goes.

A classic year would be like this one. Some narrowly defined shape that's difficult to make by hand.

Everything is up to Quinton W., understand---and how well this year's billiard competition plays out will count for a lot---but as of the moment that's how things look.

As most of you know, the KC contest is blind in the manner of big-league BBQ and chili contests. Also, ONLY THE PIPE ENTERED is considered in any way. A carver's previous body of work, name recognition, etc. count for nothing.

As for the judging process itself, here's how it works:

KC CONTEST JUDGING PROCEDURE

-- All entries are laid on a table in a closed room.

-- Each judge views the entries separately and privately, taking as long as necessary to choose his seven "personal winners."

-- After that is done, the three lists are compared.

-- Any pipe that received three votes is automatically in the set.  If the same seven pipes all received three votes, the contest is over.  

-- If fewer than seven pipes receive three votes, the judges meet behind closed doors to discuss which 2-1 pipes might deserve to be elevated to 3-0.  If agreement is reached for enough pipes to fill the set, the contest is over.

-- If agreement is not reached for a given pipe and it remains 2-1 after discussion, the pipe still wins a spot in the set, but by split decision. 

-- If there are not enough 3-0 pipes PLUS 2-1 pipes to fill the seven spots, the 1-2 pipes are brought into the mix.  They are discussed/debated until enough are elevated to 3-0 or 2-1 status to complete the set.  Contest over.

---Honorable Mentions will be awarded to all pipes that had a "hold-out" judge who, after the set was filled, still thought it deserved to be in the set.  (i.e.  2-1 split decision losers)

LatakiaLover wrote:Dear PFers, here is the latest word from Quinton, the contest director. (I'm just passin' it on.)

If you intend to enter the contest, and are not on his e-list, please send him a contact email so he has your address.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The American Pipe Makers 7 Day Set Contest is just three weeks away. A couple of quick reminders...

Billiard bowl, straight shank, everything else is up to you. Try to keep it in the 5-7" range to fit the pre-made display case.

If you are shipping it to me:

- please do NOT require a signature, especially if you are going to cut it close. UPS and USPS are best.

- I need it no later than Thursday, June 19th, I'll be at the show Friday - Sunday.

- Please include the $20 entry fee if you haven't paid online. If you have already sent the pipe, please go online and pay the $20.00.

- If you want your pipe offered for sale at the show if it isn't in the set, you need to tell us what price to put on the pipe. I will return the money or the pipe after the show. If you don't want the pipe offered for sale, please let me know.

- Make sure I have your return address and contact info.

- Ship to:

Quinton Wells
12827 Haskins St.
Overland Park, KS 66213

If you are coming to the show, I need the pipe in my hands by dinner time Friday night, June 20th.

Please help me help you by purchasing some of the Contest Raffle tickets!!! There are only 400 tickets. They are $25 each or 5 for $100. Ask your customers to support American Pipe Makers by buying raffle tickets. There is a link on the club's home page where you can buy the tickets. Go to http://www.gkcpipeclub.com.

The seven pipe makers that make the set will spit the proceeds of the contest. Everyone gets their pipe's picture and contact info in the P & T magazine photo spread. After the issue comes out a thank you email to Chuck Stanion at P &T magazine would be in order.

In summation:

- Send in a Billiard for the contest

- Buy some Contest raffle tickets

- Thank P & T magazine for helping to support American Pipe Makers.

Good luck to all. Thank you very much for your participation. If you have questions, please email or phone me (see below). Thank you.

Quinton


Quinton Wells - Greater Kansas City Pipe Club
cell 816-223-9506 home office 913-383-2650
Quinton@gkcpipeclub.com http://www.gkcpipeclub.com

Please note: I just edited the above post after learning that Quinton's address was incorrect in the post. It is now corrected and confirmed by Quinton.

If you shipped your contest pipe to 112827 Haskins instead of the correct 12827 Haskins, you might confirm that Quinton got it.

Thanks for the tweek, Tyler.

btw, how was it brought to your attention? I've known Quinton for years and been to that address many times, but had no idea what it was, number-wise. I just pasted an email.

(For anyone concerned, don't be. There's virtually zero chance it affected anything. All sorting is by ZIP code, and the street number & name only matters to the street-level carrier who knows everyone on his route. And Q gets LOTS of mail because of his day job.)

LatakiaLover wrote:Thanks for the tweek, Tyler.

btw, how was it brought to your attention? I've known Quinton for years and been to that address many times, but had no idea what it was, number-wise. I just pasted an email.

(For anyone concerned, don't be. There's virtually zero chance it affected anything. All sorting is by ZIP code, and the street number & name only matters to the street-level carrier who knows everyone on his route. And Q gets LOTS of mail because of his day job.)

I tried to create a shipping label on the USPS website last night, and the address flagged as invalid. I text quinton this morning, and he provided the correction.

Here's the finalized schedule of events:

http://www.gkcpipeclub.com/Resources/Do ... 202014.pdf

Can't wait!

See you guys and gals there!

Ditto!

Oh crap!!! That intersection is under construction and closed!!! Sssooooooo......here's what you're gonna wanna do:

DO NOT try to use Highway 9 off 635 to get there....it's closed.

From the North via 635 South: go PAST HWY 9 to the next exit, Horizons Parkway, and take a left at the bottom of the ramp. Go through the roundabout and the road turns into something with Argosy in the name, follow it around to the casino.

From the South via 635 North: jump off on Horizons Parkway and take a right at the bottom of the ramp....follow above from there.

The Argosy is literally 5 minutes from my house. If you fellers get lost give me a shout and I'll get you loster......I mean, help you find your way 816-529-3310

This will be my first pipe show and today feels like Christmas Eve. Can't wait! Wish I had more pipes to bring and more $$ to spend, but mainly excited about the chance to meet some pros!

Thanks Scottie! I'm leaving now, hope to make the meeting.

WooHoo....I'll see you there Ryan!!!

Looking forward to it. I'm about 70 miles from Muskogee heading North at a high rate of fuel consumption.

Hope everyone has a great show. Wish I could be there.