My lighter does not ignite on first attempt, why?

First, be aware that butane does not ignite well under 67 degrees Fahrenheit, so make sure you warm the lighter in your hands before you attempt to light it.  To get the lighter to ignite, click the igniter slowly, holding it down for a millisecond to the point where the gas escapes but the spark doesn't flash and then complete the ignition. This method assures that there is sufficient gas in the chamber to facilitate lighting.