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The Game summary

Penetrating the Secret Society of Pickup Artists

2.7 (471 ratings)
16 mins

Brief summary

"The Game" by Neil Strauss is a memoir of his journey into the seduction community. He shares techniques, stories, and experiences of men who strive to become pick-up artists.

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    The Game
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    A community for exchanging pickup advice has been growing since the 1980s.

    Everybody who went to high school can tell you that some kids are popular and others, well, just aren’t. While things improve for most people as they mature, some people find themselves bound to a life of unpopularity, incapable of ever getting any action.

    Well, luckily that can all change, but it helps to understand that men have always been focused on the mechanics of seduction. That’s because not everyone is born looking drop-dead handsome like James Dean, and many must rely on their wits to attract women. That means seducing women who wouldn’t ordinarily consider them attractive. For instance, think of Casanova, the guy who conquered one woman’s heart – and bed – after another, using nothing but pure charm.

    The first person to openly discuss modern tactics was Eric Weber, who published a book called How to Pick Up Girls in 1970 – and the race was on.

    The decades that followed saw the birth of an entire online community focused on one thing: helping men around the world to trade tips on becoming pickup artists or PUAs. This community used blogs, websites and chatrooms to exchange advice about seducing women.

    Just how much information has been passed on?

    Well, when the author was new to the community it already boasted over 3,000 online posts, amounting to 2,500 written pages of seduction advice – and it’s grown exponentially ever since!

    But while the internet was just the beginning, the web-based seduction community would soon become a physical reality. That’s because while the online community allowed people to share their experiences and advice, some gurus held more respect and admiration than others, and taught their personal methods of seduction.

    It was for this reason that the seduction community branched out from its virtual roots and entered the real world. In the early 2000s, gurus began holding workshops designed to teach men how to pick women up in the field.

    Don’t have the time to attend a workshop?

    No sweat, just read on to learn about the wide range of pickup tips and tricks.

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    Key ideas in The Game

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    What is The Game about?

    The Game (2005) gives readers an inside look into the “pickup community” frequented by men desperate to convince women to sleep with them. These blinks share the advice of a leading seduction guru, and the less than great consequences of his successes.

    The Game Review

    The Game (2005) provides a captivating insight into the world of pickup artists and their techniques for attracting women. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With its insider perspective, it offers a fascinating glimpse into a subculture that many may not be aware of.
    • Through true stories and personal experiences, the book sheds light on the psychology of attraction and the dynamics between men and women.
    • It also raises thought-provoking questions about gender dynamics and social interactions, making it a stimulating and eye-opening read.

    Best quote from The Game

    Women, you eventually realize, are just as bad as men – theyre just better at hiding it.

    —Neil Strauss
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    Who should read The Game?

    • Everyone who is interested in seduction
    • People who like learning about different subcultures

    About the Author

    Neil Strauss is a journalist, author and pickup artist who has co-authored such bestsellers as Marilyn Manson’s The Long Hard Road Out of Hell and Jenna Jameson’s How to Make Love Like a Porn Star.

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    The Game FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Game?

    The main message of The Game is the exploration of the seduction community and the journey of self-improvement.

    How long does it take to read The Game?

    The reading time for The Game varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.

    Is The Game a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Game is worth reading as it provides intriguing insights into the world of seduction and personal growth.

    Who is the author of The Game?

    The author of The Game is Neil Strauss.

    What to read after The Game?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Game, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene
    • Talk by Elizabeth Stokoe
    • The Daily Laws by Robert Greene
    • Deeper Dating by Ken Page
    • The Art of War (new version) by Sun Tzu
    • Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson
    • The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene
    • Games People Play by Eric Berne
    • No More Mr. Nice Guy! by Robert A. Glover
    • Curious by Ian Leslie