Quote Originally Posted by bchem
Ok, I know I'm new, but I figure that entitles me to ask dumb questions. I hate to admit it, but as much as I've come to love good cigars over the past 9-10 months or so, this is my first cigar forum I've ever seen let alone participated in. I looked around and figured out some questions I had for myself but still have a couple: 1) What the frig is a box pass/how does it work? 2) Since I'm new and have no reputation with anyone here, how do you go about participating in one? (I don't even know what it is so maybe I'll never want to participate, who knows.) Anyways, thanks for your insight to this in advance.

Matt

Mithril is absolutely correct...

A box pass is the sharing of cigars with others. It is intended to provide a means for guys to trade out for cigars they maybe cannot find at their store, or otherwise have access to. It creates a sense of community and responsibility to one another. It fosters the idea of "Pay it Forward", which many boards live by (in other words, be generous with others, and it will be repaid to you...)

There are very specific rules for participation to reduce the possibility of having an argument over any of the trades (i.e. - value for value, quality for quality, etc.). These are long held rules, established a long time ago and refined with time. If you're really interested in the typical rules, here's a link: Cigar Pass Rules

Essentially, you have one individual who decides to start a pass. That person offers up to other members of the board a pass, and asks for participants. Typically, brand new members are excluded (but not always) so that it reduces the possibility of someone walking away with the pass (remember, the one who started the pass usually puts 20 or so cigars into the pass, usually worth well over $100.00). The way you get into passes is participating on the board - people get to know and trust you. Maybe you do a small trade or two. They know you are good for holding up your end of the bargain.

Stick around - there will be more chances to become involved in a pass. It just takes a little patience!!!