The Game

About the Author

Neil Strauss, a journalist and author, is best known for his work in the field of seduction and personal development. His book, The Game, is a fascinating exploration of the underground seduction community, where men known as "pickup artists" (PUAs) exchange tips and techniques for attracting women. Strauss, who once felt awkward and self-conscious around women, delves deep into this world, chronicling his experiences and the transformation he undergoes. Through his journey, Strauss not only learns the art of seduction but also grapples with the psychological and ethical implications of the techniques he masters.

Main Idea

The central theme of The Game is the exploration of the seduction community and the transformation of the author as he becomes immersed in this world. Strauss reveals the techniques used by PUAs, the psychological manipulation involved, and the impact this lifestyle has on both men and women. The book is both a personal memoir and a critical examination of the seduction industry, highlighting the conflict between mastering the art of attraction and maintaining genuine human connections.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Entering the Seduction Community
2. The Mystery Method
3. Ross Jeffries and Speed Seduction
4. Neil Hones His Skills
5. Style’s Transformation
6. The Seduction Gurus
7. Getting Too Deep in the Game
8. Project Hollywood
9. The Downfall
10. Style Exits the Community
11. Conclusion: Lessons Learned

Introduction: Entering the Seduction Community

Neil Strauss begins his journey into the seduction community with a deep sense of inadequacy around women. He believes that charisma and confidence are innate qualities he lacks, which leads him to the underground world of PUAs. This community, which thrives on message boards and real-world meetups, offers men a structured approach to attracting women. Strauss’s initial curiosity turns into an obsession as he immerses himself in this world, eager to overcome his insecurities.

The community is led by a handful of gurus who have developed distinct methods of seduction. Each guru offers a different approach, ranging from psychological manipulation to hypnotic techniques. Strauss quickly realizes that the community is not just about picking up women; it’s about reinventing oneself to become the ultimate alpha male.

The Mystery Method

The first guru Strauss encounters is Mystery, a Canadian magician who has developed a method of seduction that emphasizes indirectness and intrigue. The Mystery Method is built on the premise that a woman should not realize she’s being seduced until she’s already attracted. Key components of this method include "negs" (backhanded compliments), push-pull techniques to create emotional tension, and using gimmicks like magic tricks to captivate attention.

• During a workshop, Strauss learns to approach a woman in a bar by positioning himself strategically and using a rehearsed opener. He then subtly moves closer to his target, all while maintaining a playful yet distant demeanor.
• The use of a magic trick to engage the woman’s interest, followed by a neg to keep her slightly off-balance, making her more intrigued and invested in the interaction.

"Make yourself seem like the most fun and interesting person in the room." - Mystery

Ross Jeffries and Speed Seduction

Another significant figure in the seduction community is Ross Jeffries, the creator of Speed Seduction. Jeffries’ method is based on neuro-linguistic programming (NLP), a psychological approach that uses language patterns to influence thoughts and emotions. Jeffries teaches his students to steer conversations toward topics of attraction and arousal, linking these feelings to physical sensations, thereby creating a subconscious connection between the woman and the PUA.