Your goal should be to get back to the fairway in one swing. Take a lofted club, like a wedge or 9-iron, find the lowest part of the lip (above), and hit a three-quarter shot, catching the ball first.
Play the ball back in your stance, just behind center, and lean the shaft forward (inset, above). Grip down on the club the same amount you dig your feet into the sand -- say, an inch. From there, take a smooth, abbreviated backswing, hitting down on the ball.
Make sure your target is forgiving: You don't want to get in more trouble if you catch it a little fat or thin. For instance, if the price for a fat shot is another bunker, your target is too demanding.
