Microscopic surgery requires complicated maneuvers. There are often photos, videos, and descriptions of what the instruments are doing. However, there are ways to set yourself up for success in ophthalmic surgical techniques. Inside the Manual of Anterior Segment Surgery is the wisdom of over 4 decades of surgical experience by Drs. S. Gregory Smith, Ryan G. Smith, and Richard L. Lindstrom covering the essentials of anterior segment surgery. Through this experience, one of the key ingredients in setting yourself up for success is the position of your hands in relation to the instrument and what you are trying to accomplish with the instrument.