This is a thread generated automatically by the Cigar Pass system to discuss the Cigar Pass named 'Happy Newbie Year Pass 2016!'.

Use this link to return back to the Cigar Pass.

I ran a similar Pass in 2013 and will count it as a "success" since many of those "newbies" from back then are still around today as active members and great BOTLs, and some have even climbed up to Guru status!  You might even recognize a few of those "newbs" from back then:  Longhorn, Vroomp, tvolball, Otter, bmac7754, mpurtle01 and nkowal, to name a few.

Target date to launch this is the first or second week of January, so sign up today!  Limiting this to 14 players.

It's almost a New Year, so what better time to give our newer members a chance to gain some experience and respect.  The purpose of this Pass is to show everyone how much fun passes can really be! This Pass is for members who have been in three (3) or less passes and have a "Veteran" status or higher, or by invitation.  Those outside of the US can play "virtually" and will need to pay shipping both ways (which is about the same cost as mailing a bigger box within the US anyway.) I will be happy to assist anyone with questions on value, puts, takes, etc. as the Pass moves along.  Or feel free to ask another FOG for advice . . . there is never shame in asking!

The cigars in this pass will have a 3.5 star (or better) rating and have strength of medium, medium-full or full. No mild cigars or dog-rockets welcome here! Infused cigars should be kept in a separate ziplock bag and not mingled with the rest of the cigars. Value of cigars will be between $3 and $20 dollars. Trade value should be done by comparing box prices first from well known sites (like CI, Famous, Atlantic, etc.)  Auction sites or "Crazy Eddie" cheap deal sites (like Cigar Page) should NOT be used to determine value. Average Member Purchase Price in the DB is not accurate either (because its usually much lower due to extreme savings).  

Rating: An average of 3.5 stars or better AND reviewed by at least 2 members (this eliminates reviews of 5 stars on one person's personal taste.)  Caveat: If the cigar is unrated or only has one reviewer but its sister cigar of the same blend but different size has average 3.5 stars or better, its fair game.  There may be other unforeseen exceptions, and all questions on ratings should be made to the moderator for final determination.

There will be a SURPRISE twist at the end of this pass upon its successful return home.  

As always, please respect the value in your puts and takes, and follow Cigar Pass Etiquette (link found here:
http://www.cigargeeks.com/index.php?action=articles;sa=view;article=37)

Most of all have fun, and Happy Newbie Year!

Hey I remember that one.  I also remember recently smoking one of those cigars from it which you told me was well aged now.  I think it was the CAO Sopranos.  
Get in on Bruce's pass newbies, he won't leave you stranded like the other pass out there is doing.

Woaa.  Brlesq moderating a pass?  That's amazing.

Makes me wish I was still a newb.

If you need/want to mix in some experience, I'd be happy to play.

So happy I'm still a newb

Sounds like I fit the criteria, so I'm happily in if you'll take me.

How the heck are you guys newbs and I'm not? Hmmm...

I don't qualify but those that do should post up, limited number of Geeks will get to have fun on this one and I get the feeling this will be a good one.

But come to think of it Bruce, I joined CG right after the end of that 2013 pass of yours, so technically I would be a newbie... to this pass

Have fun with this one, will be watching the action.

Because evidently, the first 10 months you were on the site, you mostly just did passes! That got you up above 3.  

I've been active in other areas, but this would only be my 3rd pass (unless Secret Santa counts?). At the rate the Fall 2015 pass is going, this might well complete first.  

Quoteraize - 12/22/2015  11:52 PM

How the heck are you guys newbs and I'm not? Hmmm...

Jason, you are welcome to join this one.  Even though you've been in more than 3 passes, a couple of those fell apart at some point, so we won't count them.  

I'm in! I think I meet the criteria!

Alright, screw it... Count me in.

Seeing I'm a newbie I shouldn't sound stupid asking this, but how does a virtual pass work really? Now due to my location, most of you may have noticed that my participation involves me ordering online and shipping it straight to an individual, which kinda sucks since the cigars are most likely fresh and not well aged and ready to smoke. I have stuff to share but due to the stupid law, the post office here don't ship cigars through the mail....damn Cuban foolishness.... Hopefully someday i will be able to fully participate in the passes and don't subject you guys to factory fresh cigars.

QuoteJay'D - 12/23/2015  4:58 PM

Seeing I'm a newbie I shouldn't sound stupid asking this, but how does a virtual pass work really? Now due to my location, most of you may have noticed that my participation involves me ordering online and shipping it straight to an individual, which kinda sucks since the cigars are most likely fresh and not well aged and ready to smoke. I have stuff to share but due to the stupid law, the post office here don't ship cigars through the mail....damn Cuban foolishness.... Hopefully someday i will be able to fully participate in the passes and don't subject you guys to factory fresh cigars.

Why can't you ship cigars through the mail in a US Territory?  Is it a different postal system?  

To answer your question:  Virtual players are stacked at the beginning or the end of the Pass when the box is in the moderator's possession. When it is the virtual player's turn, he picks the cigars he wants out of the list (his takes) and tells the moderator what he is sending (his puts).  The moderator mails his takes to him, and the player mails his puts to the moderator plus the cost of postage that the moderator incurred. But that is still the same cost or less to the virtual player than what it costs to ship a whole pass box with 20-40 cigars in it, and the additional benefit is avoiding all the customs duties he might get straddled with if a bunch of cigars come across the border.

Very nice of you to kick this one off again Bruce!


What Bruce said, Shipping to Virgin Islands:

http://pe.usps.com/text/Imm/ab_029.htm

QuoteBrlesq - 12/23/2015  7:29 PM

QuoteJay'D - 12/23/2015  4:58 PM

Seeing I'm a newbie I shouldn't sound stupid asking this, but how does a virtual pass work really? Now due to my location, most of you may have noticed that my participation involves me ordering online and shipping it straight to an individual, which kinda sucks since the cigars are most likely fresh and not well aged and ready to smoke. I have stuff to share but due to the stupid law, the post office here don't ship cigars through the mail....damn Cuban foolishness.... Hopefully someday i will be able to fully participate in the passes and don't subject you guys to factory fresh cigars.

Why can't you ship cigars through the mail in a US Territory?  Is it a different postal system?  

To answer your question:  Virtual players are stacked at the beginning or the end of the Pass when the box is in the moderator's possession. When it is the virtual player's turn, he picks the cigars he wants out of the list (his takes) and tells the moderator what he is sending (his puts).  The moderator mails his takes to him, and the player mails his puts to the moderator plus the cost of postage that the moderator incurred. But that is still the same cost or less to the virtual player than what it costs to ship a whole pass box with 20-40 cigars in it, and the additional benefit is avoiding all the customs duties he might get straddled with if a bunch of cigars come across the border.

Thanks for explaining that, and to answer your question about my mailing issues. I live in the Brtitish Virgin Islands, right next to the USVI just a ferry boat ride away. I get my mails from the US through the USVI and use a mailing service to bring them over here. Its easy getting them in but due to how close we are to the USVI and easy access to Cuban cigars they are touchy when it comes to shipping cigars to the US. I do take a chance every now and again and take some Cubans over when I'm going over to the USVI.

QuoteJay'D - 12/23/2015  6:56 PM

QuoteBrlesq - 12/23/2015  7:29 PM

QuoteJay'D - 12/23/2015  4:58 PM

Seeing I'm a newbie I shouldn't sound stupid asking this, but how does a virtual pass work really? Now due to my location, most of you may have noticed that my participation involves me ordering online and shipping it straight to an individual, which kinda sucks since the cigars are most likely fresh and not well aged and ready to smoke. I have stuff to share but due to the stupid law, the post office here don't ship cigars through the mail....damn Cuban foolishness.... Hopefully someday i will be able to fully participate in the passes and don't subject you guys to factory fresh cigars.

Why can't you ship cigars through the mail in a US Territory?  Is it a different postal system?  

To answer your question:  Virtual players are stacked at the beginning or the end of the Pass when the box is in the moderator's possession. When it is the virtual player's turn, he picks the cigars he wants out of the list (his takes) and tells the moderator what he is sending (his puts).  The moderator mails his takes to him, and the player mails his puts to the moderator plus the cost of postage that the moderator incurred. But that is still the same cost or less to the virtual player than what it costs to ship a whole pass box with 20-40 cigars in it, and the additional benefit is avoiding all the customs duties he might get straddled with if a bunch of cigars come across the border.

Thanks for explaining that, and to answer your question about my mailing issues. I live in the Brtitish Virgin Islands, right next to the USVI just a ferry boat ride away. I get my mails from the US through the USVI and use a mailing service to bring them over here. Its easy getting them in but due to how close we are to the USVI and easy access to Cuban cigars they are touchy when it comes to shipping cigars to the US. I do take a chance every now and again and take some Cubans over when I'm going over to the USVI.

Always interesting to learn about various shipping laws. Thanks

QuoteMacMac - 12/23/2015  8:38 AM

I'm in! I think I meet the criteria!

Please click on the "Request to Join" button on the right of the home screen, Joe.

Okay, I'm definitely in, first pass take 2 here we go!

I sent a request. I would love be to be part of this

Yay! I get to play!