Cigar 101: How Do I Use a Draw Poker?

How a draw poker can open up the draw of a tightly-rolled or plugged cigar:

Just like the honey-do list I can never quite reach the bottom of, our fans’ cigar inquiries know no end. But unlike our least favorite chores, answering your burning questions is among our favorite things to do here at Cigar Advisor!

Each month, we take a on a question and answer it on video. This month’s tackles using a cigar draw poker on a tightly-rolled or plugged cigar.

Maybe next month, it’ll be yours…

And remember…if you haven’t submitted your burning cigar query, reach out to us on Facebook and Instagram or leave a comment below!

Cigar Question: How do I use a draw poker on a cigar?

My question this month comes from Rayna in Wolf Point, Montana. She asks, “Hey Advisors, how do I use a draw poker? I’m afraid it will break my cigar. Any advice on the right way to do it?”

Great question, Rayna! The best way to answer how to use a draw poker is by answering when a draw poker should be used. And it’s less often than you might think. Though these stogie skewers can make quick work of tobacco plugs, tight rolls, and poorly-drawing cigars, they can also ruin them if applied incorrectly.

In the case of a hard spot (also called a plug), the distance you have to burrow will depend on where the plug is located. If it’s near the foot, you’re better off cutting the cigar down a bit and relighting. In either case, doing a pinch test, which is gently rolling the cigar between your thumb and fingers, should help you identify hard spots which may be indicative of a plug.

Just be sure to not use a draw poker on cigars that are over humidified. Their burning and draw issues stem from the wetness of the tobacco, and all a draw poker is gonna do in that case is fill your stick with holes. It won’t smoke any better.

Check out my full video answer where I’ll explain it with step-by-step instructions.