Method for operation of a combustion engine in a hand-held work device

The method involves specifying a first ignition timing for each engine speed of a first engine speed range in an internal combustion engine (15). A second ignition timing is specified for each engine speed of a second engine speed range. The first ignition timing is retarded by 5 degree crank angle relative to the second ignition timing. The first engine speed range is selected to extend from a coupling engine speed range to a limit engine speed of approximately 7000 revolutions per minute.