How should I deal with a cable break at low level during a glider winch launch?
Depends on the wind and the surrounding area. If there is enough headwind, you will be surprised how short your approach will be in a proper sideslip. Practise sideslipping at altitude, so you know what to do in an emergency! Otherwise, look around for an open field where to land; gliders are easily disassembled and carried back to the airport.

When the cable breaks, push the stick forward. Be prepared for dirt flying up and into your eyes if you push hard enough! Then stabilise at the minimum sink speed, release the remaining cable and look around for your options. There should be some:


Land straight away if headwind plus sideslip allow for a steep descent.
Fly straight a bit, then turn around 180° and land opposite to your direction at take-off. Do this only when there is no or almost no wind! 100m of altitude is plenty enough for this trick.
Keep flying straight and land on an open field near the airport.
Fly a triangular, shortened pattern and land in the regular direction.


If the airport is surrounded by forest or houses on all sides, try to land on the glider port - normally, the altitude bands required for the landing straight on, the 180° return landing and a landing from a proper pattern overlap enough so that there is never an altitude that would not allow to land on the airfield.