~ Play only if you're willing to win this thing. Even though the draw is random, you may end up winning multiple lotteries. ~

Here's the standard boilerplate:

1. One entry per person; ante is five cigars.
2. You should be on the good trader's list--If you haven't officially "made the list" then let me know and we'll see if you can't get someone to vouch for you.
3. If you want in, type "In" or something similar. I'll periodically update the list so if you think you are in and you're not on the list, make sure I know.
4. I'm not as sharp as I used to be so if you post a witty follow-up after you've already entered for the Lottery I may slip up and add you to the list twice. Just let me know and I'll fix the list.
5. I'll draw at the beginning of the quarter. You'll need to get a box out to the winner sometime the first few weeks of the quarter so if you're going to be gone then and won't be able to send them out, make sure you include that information in your first post. Obviously, some of you will have plans and may have to send later than normal. That's no problem - just communicate with the winner.
6. If you win, you need to make sure you post pictures of your winnings in the winner thread so we can track that you received everything. Try to identify who sent you the cigars with their forum name so I can check them off the list.
7. You have to play for yourself. If you want to bomb someone else after you received you winnings, that's up to you but they all come to you.
8. If you don't pay, then you can't play again (that and you'll likely be publicly shamed.)
9. When someone wins, check their bio and if you have something you know they like then try to send that. Otherwise, send what you like and tell them why you like it.
10. I try to do the drawing live on the Zoom vHerf so that I can get some witnesses and we can celebrate the winner and console those who have yet to win.(have a good laugh at the outcome)
11. Have fun

OK for the contest…

I measured the cigar length with a tape measure and it came out exactly 6 1/2 inches long. The person that guesses closest to, 16th of an inch without going over, what length is leftover after I stop smoking wins a forum fiver.

I will post a pic with tape measure results. You have until Friday night to play. Winner will be in order of received posts.

I will post winner results this weekend.

~ Play only if you're willing to win this thing. Even though the draw is random, you may end up winning multiple lotteries. ~

Here's the standard boilerplate:

1. One entry per person; ante is five cigars.
2. You should be on the good trader's list--If you haven't officially "made the list" then let me know and we'll see if you can't get someone to vouch for you.
3. If you want in, type "In" or something similar. I'll periodically update the list so if you think you are in and you're not on the list, make sure I know.
4. I'm not as sharp as I used to be so if you post a witty follow-up after you've already entered for the Lottery I may slip up and add you to the list twice. Just let me know and I'll fix the list.
5. I'll draw at the beginning of the quarter. You'll need to get a box out to the winner sometime the first few weeks of the quarter so if you're going to be gone then and won't be able to send them out, make sure you include that information in your first post. Obviously, some of you will have plans and may have to send later than normal. That's no problem - just communicate with the winner.
6. If you win, you need to make sure you post pictures of your winnings in the winner thread so we can track that you received everything. Try to identify who sent you the cigars with their forum name so I can check them off the list.
7. You have to play for yourself. If you want to bomb someone else after you received you winnings, that's up to you but they all come to you.
8. If you don't pay, then you can't play again (that and you'll likely be publicly shamed.)
9. When someone wins, check their bio and if you have something you know they like then try to send that. Otherwise, send what you like and tell them why you like it.
10. I try to do the drawing live on the Zoom vHerf so that I can get some witnesses and we can celebrate the winner and console those who have yet to win.(have a good laugh at the outcome)
11. Have fun

Contest ends Monday, June 1st.

All threads 9 years old and older will be considered a valid entry.

Oldest thread necro'd will win a forum 5-er.

The contest will run until the oldest thread is dug up and posted.

This is the 14 th iteration of the blind/unbanded cigar contest. The rules are below but basically you are sending me 4 (FOUR) of the same cigars and I will send you back 4 (four) cigars unbanded. The SIZE of these cigars ARE regulated in this contest ( 6 inches up to 6.5 inches in length and ring gauge of 48 up to 54). These cigars should be parejo shaped ( no box pressed, perfectos / torpedos). The cigar can have any wrapper or color.
You rank the cigars/score the cigars. Highest scores get a forum fiver, and pride of the forum. Lowest scores get what's coming to them (just more cigars). Sign up for the contest starts today, ending on Friday next week or 3/20 .
Submit 4 of the same cigars. Though shape/size is restricted, color/wrapper can be pretty much anything. Please keep the price of the cigars to UNDER 12 dollars each. Mail the submission to me, include either a return label or 9 dollars for me to return/ship you your unbanded cigars. I will not limit the number of people submitting as this hasn’t been a big issue in the past.
I will mail you 4 ( FOUR) randomized cigars that will be labeled or marked by ribbon for you to judge. You must be on the good traders list. Do NOT submit flavored cigars ( no beef with those cigars, but it will influence other submissions)
We are using rank and scoring to judge the cigars.
Rank the cigars 1 through 4 ( 1 is the best) .
Score of is 10/10 points using the suggestions below
Scoring system: 

10 points total : 
 5 points for flavor
, 3 points for construction
, 2 points for any complexity/transition in flavors

You can use decimal system as well so you can have 4.5/5 for flavors, etc.
Here is an example of score:
Peter sent me a cigar: flavor was great and got a 4/5, construction was perfect (no burn issues, great smoke production) got a 3/3, and there were some complexity not super impressive and got a 1/2, total score of 8/10.
There are 10 other iterations of this contest for your review in older discussions... the major difference is that this particular contest is the size restrictions ( any wrapper is okay). Any cigar that fails to meet size or price restrictions will be penalized one point for each transgression ( you know who you are)
Looking forward to the competition again.

Cigar.com 2026 Masters Fantasy Challenge Invitation

In the gentle bloom of April, as the azaleas awaken and the fairways of Augusta turn their perfect shade of green, another Masters Tournament arrives… and with it, an opportunity for Cigar.com members to become part of the story.

This year, you’re not just watching history unfold — you’re predicting it.

The Cigar.com 2026 Masters Fantasy Challenge invites you to test your knowledge of the game, trust your instincts, and perhaps earn both the ultimate currency of the golf world… bragging rights… and a well-earned selection of fine cigars.

⸻

How To Enter

Participation is simple and open to those ready to take their shot at glory.

To enter, simply post your five player selections in this thread before the first tee time of Round 1 on Thursday, April 9th. Once the first drive is struck, the field — and your picks — are set.

⸻

Eligibility

This contest reflects the camaraderie that makes the Cigar.com community special.

Entry is open to:
• Any member listed on the Good Traders List, or
• Any member vouched for by someone on that list

Like a traditional Masters invitation, participation here is built on reputation and respect among members.

⸻

Scoring Format

Just like the Tournament itself, scoring follows the traditional 72-hole Masters medal play format.

Your fantasy score will be the combined total of your five players’ performance relative to par.

Example:
If your five players each finish at 3-under par, your combined score becomes 15-under par.

But as every Masters fan knows… greatness deserves recognition.

Bonus scoring opportunities include:
• Correctly picking the Low Amateur: –3 bonus points
• Correctly picking the Tournament Champion: –5 bonus points

The lowest overall score will claim victory.

⸻

Player Selections

This year’s format asks participants to build a balanced roster across five distinct categories. Choose carefully — because every selection matters.

Participants must select one player from each category:

1. Masters Champions
   Those who have already walked Butler Cabin and earned the Green Jacket.
   For the first time, Rory McIlroy is eligible in this category.

2. United States Players
   The largest group in the field. American players dominated early Masters history, winning the first 24 tournaments and four of the past seven.

3. International Players
   A truly global game now. International players have claimed three of the last five Masters and five of the last ten.

4. First Timers
   Newcomers making their first walk down Magnolia Lane. Sometimes Augusta surprises us… and sometimes history begins here.

5. Wild Card (Any Golfer)
   Your chance to separate yourself from the field. A bold pick here could be the difference between the middle of the pack… and the top of the leaderboard.

⸻

The Mulligan Rule

Even the best plans can go astray.

Each participant will have one mulligan available after the Friday cut. If one of your players fails to make the cut, you may replace them with another eligible player.

Use it wisely. Champions often come down to one decision.

⸻

Important Reminder

Each player may only be selected once.

For example, you cannot select the same golfer in both the Past Champions and International Players categories.

Five picks. Five different players. One leaderboard.

⸻

Prize

As with any great competition among friends, the reward is both simple and meaningful.

The winner will receive:
• A Forum Fiver from each participant
• The respect of the community
• And, of course… the right to remind everyone else about it until next April.

⸻

Final Invitation

So as the ceremonial first tee shot approaches, the question becomes simple:

Who do you trust when the pressure rises on Sunday afternoon?

Make your picks. Trust your knowledge. Enjoy the tournament.

And from all of us here at Cigar.com…

Welcome to the 2026 Masters Fantasy Challenge. 🏌️‍♂️

~ Play only if you're willing to win this thing. Even though the draw is random, you may end up winning multiple lotteries. ~

Here's the standard boilerplate:

1. One entry per person; ante is five cigars.
2. You should be on the good trader's list--If you haven't officially "made the list" then let me know and we'll see if you can't get someone to vouch for you.
3. If you want in, type "In" or something similar. I'll periodically update the list so if you think you are in and you're not on the list, make sure I know.
4. I'm not as sharp as I used to be so if you post a witty follow-up after you've already entered for the Lottery I may slip up and add you to the list twice. Just let me know and I'll fix the list.
5. I'll draw at the beginning of the quarter. You'll need to get a box out to the winner sometime the first few weeks of the quarter so if you're going to be gone then and won't be able to send them out, make sure you include that information in your first post. Obviously, some of you will have plans and may have to send later than normal. That's no problem - just communicate with the winner.
6. If you win, you need to make sure you post pictures of your winnings in the winner thread so we can track that you received everything. Try to identify who sent you the cigars with their forum name so I can check them off the list.
7. You have to play for yourself. If you want to bomb someone else after you received you winnings, that's up to you but they all come to you.
8. If you don't pay, then you can't play again (that and you'll likely be publicly shamed.)
9. When someone wins, check their bio and if you have something you know they like then try to send that. Otherwise, send what you like and tell them why you like it.
10. I try to do the drawing live on the Zoom vHerf so that I can get some witnesses and we can celebrate the winner and console those who have yet to win.(have a good laugh at the outcome)
11. Have fun

The new job that I got a few years ago has been great but has been taking alot more of my time and now that the kiddos are older and into sports/activities, I've found myself with less time to enjoy cigars.

Some exciting news, my wife is pregnant with our third boy, due in mid January. But, that's not why I'm here.

I was pretty recently diagnosed with a form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and have already started heavy chemo treatments, will be doing those probably through April, then we'll see if it kills all of the cancer. Found it through some random symptoms that had me do some CT scans. Had a friend this year find thyroid cancer through a random scan. GO GET SCANNED. But, also not why I'm here.

Could definitely use some prayer, specifically for my wife, but for our whole family just to manage. We're thankful that we've got some family and good friends close to us and already helping out.

But, with all the hubub and being away from the forum I figure it's time for me to run a contest.

Easy to play, just guess the actual date that I got diagnosed. Yes, it's morbid, but it's my contest. Just post the date in a comment on this post. If you post multiple dates, your latest (chronological forum) post will be counted as your guess.

Contest is only open until 11:59 EST 7 December.

Winners get forum fivers. Promise you won't be disappointed.