Anesthetists must be able to make quick decisions in unusual situations - and they must make the right ones. Anesthesia involves taking responsibility for the patient under care, which requires not only a good dose of intuition but also the constant availability of a vast repertoire of knowledge. Hardly any anesthetist would leave their office without a book or at least a cheat sheet in their lab coat pocket. Thus, the present pocketbook on anesthesia, filled with many vital questions, has been developed directly from daily practice. It contains, clearly and concretely, the most important practical tips and warnings - wherever possible - based on the DGAI guidelines.