Report and results of the VI. May Smoking for a Silver Groschen

On Saturday, May 16, the sixth year of the competition May Smoking for a Silver Groschen took place in Hlízov, organized by Pipe Club Silver Groschen in cooperation with Havlíčkův Brod Pipe Smokers' Society. Just like last year, the competition found its venue in Holanďan Brewery, which again proved to be a very suitable place for pipe smokers, friends of cool smoke, and a competitive atmosphere.

The morning began with the registration of competitors, preparation of tables, timers, and the traditional organizational hustle that is inseparable from such events. Representatives from various pipe clubs from Bohemia, Moravia, and Slovakia gathered in Hlízov, and it soon became clear that this year's edition would again have a solid turnout, but also balanced performances.

The competition was held with a personal billiard-shaped pipe (Savinelli 101), and this year's competition tobacco was The Mallard, which is a pleasant tobacco based on Virginia from Zambia (more about its flake version can be found here) from the German manufacturer Dan Tobacco (DTM). The Mallard tobacco with a duck on the packaging brought calm, patience, and experience to all participants, and everyone managed to light up.

The conclusion of the competition was dramatic – the difference between the first three competitors was only a few minutes. After finishing, the results were processed, the best competitors were announced, and prizes were awarded.

This year, Martin Štěpánek from PC Silver Groschen performed the best, managing to keep his pipe lit for 1:26:13 and becoming the winner of May Smoking and the Silver Groschen. Just under a minute and a half behind him was Denis Adam from PC Nové Mesto nad Váhom with a time of 1:24:52. The third place also remained with the local colors – Jiří Buřič from PC Silver Groschen achieved a time of 1:23:06.

Just below the podium of winners was Václav Soukup from PC Janeba Mariánské Lázně, who finished with an excellent time of 1:19:19, and the first five was closed by Jan Krýsa from SKD Havlíčkův Brod with a time of 1:18:10.

The team competition was dominated by PC Silver Groschen, which, thanks to the balanced performances of its members, achieved a total time of 3:52:56. In second place was Dýmka.NET with a time of 3:00:28 and the third place was occupied by Valašský Fajfklub with a time of 2:44:08. Fourth place went to PC 00 Brandýsek and fifth place belonged to SKD Havlíčkův Brod.

The entire meeting was held in a friendly atmosphere, which is just as essential for pipe smoking competitions as patience, a steady hand, and the ability to enjoy the competition tobacco without unnecessary haste.

On behalf of the organizers, thanks go to all participants, partners, and supporters who contributed to this year's edition. Thanks to them, the sixth year of May Smoking for a Silver Groschen became a pleasant gathering of pipe smokers and a dignified continuation of the Kutná Hora competition tradition.