It takes alot of practice getting the techniques of pipe smoking under control.
As far as lighting, it may take a couple lights to get it going. After the first light, I usually "lightly" tamp down the ash and light again. I try to spread the flame over the entire tobacco surface. If it goes out, I'll repeat with a very light tamp again.
Alot has to do with the tobacco, how dry it is, and how you pack the bowl. Again, the "key" is practice! It will get better with time.
[Reply]