Flame kernel formations of close dual-point laser induced sparks were investigated experimentally, focusing on the hydrodynamic effects induced by an interaction of shock waves produced by the laser induced sparks. Dual sparks were produced near the center of the combustion chamber by splitting of a ray emitted by a 532 nm Nd:YAG laser. Methane/air mixtures were ignited under a quiescent condition in a constant volume chamber with detailed measurements of the ignition energy and the pressure history. The minimum ignition energy was derived as an ignition energy having an ignitability of 50% using the logistic regression method. The flame kernel initiation process was also observed by Schlieren photography using a high-speed video camera. The offset of laser induced sparks were adjusted by tuning angles of mirrors and lenses. The ignition performance of single- and close dual-point laser breakdown induced sparks was investigated in detail in terms of the minimum ignition energy and the combustion induction time. Time resolved Schlieren photographs indicated that two hump shaped kernels grew rapidly during the initial stage in the vicinity of the plane of symmetry defined by the laser sparks under certain conditions. Their formation was due to the hydrodynamic effects induced by Mach shock waves, which resulted from interactions of the dual shock waves. The minimum ignition energy of the close dual-point laser induced sparks near the lean limit at 1.0 MPa was much lower than that of single-point laser induced sparks, although it was greater than that of the single ones at 0.1 MPa. The combustion induction time, which was defined as the time corresponding to the maximum pressure increase rate, was shortened for close dual-point laser induced sparks, especially for lean mixtures at high pressure. Robust flame kernels were formed by close dual-point laser induced sparks with Mach shock wave formation, and improved ignition performance for lean mixtures at high pressure was observed.