We conducted two experiments to explore the role of nicotine in the maintenance of cigarette smoking behavior. In Experiment 1 we determined that, compared to 0 or 2 mg injections, an injection of 4 mg nicotine base into the filter of non-nicotine cigarettes significantly increased their desirability. In Experiment 2, to determine how nicotine-seeking varied across a wide range of cigarette deprivation, we studied nicotine preference under three cigarette deprivation conditions: overnight abstinence, 30 min deprivation, and immediately after smoking (satiation condition). Nicotine preference was assessed by allowing subjects to freely adjust the nicotine concentration of each puff using a smoke mixing device. Nicotine preference was greatest after overnight deprivation. Least after satiation, and intermediate after 30 min deprivation. However, nicotine seeking increased as a function of cigarette deprivation despite the fact that higher nicotine puffs were rated as harsher, stronger and less desirable than lower nicotine puffs. The results of both experiments suggest an inverted-U relationship between nicotine content and desirability.