I begin smoking MUCH MUCH slower, when the cigar becomes harsh toward the end. I find smoking slower keeps the cigar cooler and it helps with the harshness - a lot.

Ultimately, I let my palate determine how often should be puffing. I find its ultimately about taking a puff at the absolute last moment before the possibility of ruining the burn, or having the cigar go out.

Also, I find keeping a bit of an ash helps quite a bit.