As a newbie I'm constantly picking up things to improve my smoking experience. In no particular order these come to mind:

toasting as apposed to lighting like a cigarette like I used to
slowwww down (this has helped me the most so far)
snorkling - I pick up so many more aspects to the stick
purge it if gets nasty

and tonight I learned it's best NOT to remove the band after I have an inch of ash hangin' - I'm a messy smoker!
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Best tip I can offer is to make sure to savor not only the cigar, but how many great things and great people you can learn about through this great hobby.
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The best tips I've been given so far:

- Cut & test the draw. If it's tight, back in the humi and grab a different stick (or drybox it).
- Cooler, 65% beads, Palio, Blazer (in roughly that order)
- Don't get started on the cbid slope :-)
- Herf often
- Smoke what ya like, and like what ya smoke
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not to get stuck on any certain stick
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I have been smoking for about two years now and learned something new just last week.

When you are reading a magazine while smoking outside, make sure you are holding both sides of the magazine. If not, a nice gust of wind can create a really messy situation. :-) :-)
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My first big tip was to stop smoking the cigar when it no longer tasted any good. We're paying for the experience so why ruin it by continuing to smoke when it sucks?

My second big tip was on how to light a cigar properly. The biggest part of that being lighting without drawing on it the same time. This little tip worked well with the first tip because I immediately could enjoy a cigar for longer.

Great thread.:-)
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Find the largest humidor you will think you will need, then go one size bigger!
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Don't inhale.
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Keep your address to yourself and never state out loud while herfing what cigars you like.

Also, smoke at least two of a stick before you decide yah or nah.

There are many, many others but I don't want to rob you of all the fun and mistakes I made when I started.:-)
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my wife wanted to add: BUDGET your purchases! Thanks patunia:-)
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wow, avatar alert!

Nice.
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Paraphrasing some of the most meaningful tips I learned early on (or wish I learned earlier)

- Don't wait for a special occasion to open that special box or awesome stick. Just relaxing with a nice smoke can make the most mundane day special.

- Having a smoke is about friendship and letting the world stop for a short time to savor the moment. It is not about who can amass the largest collection of cigars or trying to impress others with the name on the band.

- Smoke what YOU like, not what others say you should like.
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Made me stop and think a bit ...... thanks for that!!
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• Dont rush anything. This includes resting the cigars, preparing the humidor, etc. Be patient.
• Price is not everything. Customer service is more important.
• Dont worry so much about what others have or smoke. Smoke what you like and can afford.
• The cigar is only as good as the company you are with.
• Dont get so hung up on humidity levels, 2-3% RH wont make much, if any difference.
• Never cut the lit end off a cigar and save it for later. It will suck.
• Quality is more important than quantity most times
• If the price is too good to be true, it usually is a hint a red flag is waving

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Some of the best advice has come from the forums that I read which includes using beads and also to ensure a better smoke to go thru the ritual of cutting and lighting it so that you don't burn the cigar before you get to enjoy it. Why hurry the process if it isnt going to taste the best you can make it taste?
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PIF........pay it forward!!
At a herf just be yourself and enjoy!
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The best tip I ever got was smoke what you like, and number 2, don't try to impress anyone, becuase there is always someone with better smokes then you could ever hope to get.
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when all else fails "Pay It Forward..."
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smoke slow and enjoy
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Don't buy or smoke cigars based on what the band looks like. I have found some dammn good smokes (and people) by not judging the book by the cover. :-)
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