The best results comes from the densest smoke. Cigars, full-flavor, or hand-rolled cigarettes without filters usually work the best. With a pre-made cigar or cigarette, pack the tobacco by tapping the end on a hard, flat surface. After lighting the cigarette, take a few drags to get the cigarette's fire as hot as possible, which will also create more smoke.

Take a deep drag off the cigarette and hold the smoke in the back of your mouth. For inexperienced smokers, this will be the hardest step. Avoiding menthols can reduce the urge to cough. Do not draw the smoke all the way back into your lungs.

Draw your tongue towards the back of your mouth, point the tip, and form your lips into an “O” shape. Make sure to keep the muscles in your mouth and jaw flexed but relaxed, then release a small puff of smoke from the back of your throat. Judging airflow correctly is also a matter of practice. A small sigh works well for some. For particularly dense smoke, flexing the jaw down and forward can project enough air for a good smoke ring.

Avoid trying this trick in drafty rooms, outdoors, or anywhere with poor lighting. Your skills would be wasted. And then what would be the point of courting lung cancer?