Use wooden matches. If you want to get technical, let all the sulpher burn off then bring the flame close, almost touching the end. Let the heat from the yellow part of the flame light the end. I was told this a long time ago. But, because it may take longer to light up, it's good to have long or hard wood matches. Rotate the cigar so that you get an even burn. If you don't you may get the centre lit, or the edge, since many long filled hand rolled sticks draw from the centre. (Is anyone still awake out there!?) When you let the flame touch the tobacco, it chars it and over heats it. You may have noticed the first ash is sometimes black in areas? That's overfireing. Also draw lightly when lighting. Take short quick puffs. Hey it almost sounds like I know what I'm talking about! Anyway, cigar smoking is a passion of mine, as well most of you I'm sure. We tend to put so little thought into smoking a cigar and expect so much out. Take your time and enjoy. O.K O.K. I'm almost done. As far as lighters go, liquid fuel can give off a flavour. Gas (pressure) filled lighters depends on the gas. Butane can give a "rubber" flavour. Just taste it! Coil lighters don't give a flavour but can overfire if used when glowing brightly. Most coil lighters don't except a ring size larger than a 44. Well, for those of you still awake, you got more for you money than you thought. Kinda like winning a great bid! Smoke right and enjoy more. Remember, if you get a dog rocket, you can always blame it on the way you lit up!!!!! Hope the info helped.