How to Hold a Cigar the Right Way

Hold a cigar between your thumb and the first one or two fingers, gripping it gently near the band, not pinched tightly between two fingers like a cigarette. There is no single rule, but a relaxed, balanced grip keeps the cigar steady, looks natural, and lets you enjoy it comfortably over a long smoke.

The basic grip

The most common and comfortable hold uses the thumb underneath and the index finger (or index plus middle finger) on top, holding the cigar roughly where the band sits. This gives you control without squeezing. A cigar is thicker and heavier than a cigarette, so it wants a supportive cradle rather than a tight pinch.

Why not hold it like a cigarette

Pinching a cigar tightly between your index and middle fingers, cigarette-style, tends to:

• Squeeze the filler and tighten the draw
• Feel unbalanced because a cigar is heavier
• Put your fingers closer to the heat over time

It is not a crime, but a relaxed thumb-and-finger hold is more comfortable and more natural for a cigar's size.

Where along the cigar to hold it

Hold it toward the band end (the end you smoke from), away from the burning foot. As the cigar burns down, adjust your grip to stay comfortable and clear of the heat. Never hold it by the lit end, obviously, and avoid gripping right at the delicate ash line.

Between puffs

You do not need to hold the cigar the whole time. Between puffs, simply rest it on the edge of an ashtray. This keeps your hand free, lets the cigar sit at a steady temperature, and reduces the chance of the wrapper cracking from constant handling.

A note on style

Ultimately, how you hold a cigar is personal. Some people cradle it, some pinch it, some let it rest between the fingertips. As long as your grip is relaxed, keeps the cigar steady, and does not crush the body, you are doing it right. Comfort over ceremony.

Where to go next

Round out the basics with how to smoke a cigar properly and how to ash a cigar. New here? The beginner's guide walks through the whole ritual.