My friends... I failed. But in the wake of failure lies success. I accented parts I did right in italics and the parts where I know I could have done better in bold. Of course, I'm welcome to criticism!

Tonight I ventured out to my area's popular bar for a few hours of pool and the opportunity to work on my game. I invited a wing, but he insisted on going to the gym instead.

When I entered the bar, I took the last open table. My waitress came up and introduced herself (HB6) and asked if I wanted anything. I ordered a coffee and started playing pool. After a few games, and finishing my coffee, I sat and smoked a cigarette. She walked up and sat her tray on my table. We shot the shit for a minute, talking about her job and other mundane crap. I didn't build attraction, but still built rapport. Throughout the remainder of the night, and my games of pool, she addressed me by my name. Considering the bar was quite full (she said it was her first night working where there was a waiting list for a billiards table), I noted that she took, at least some, interest in me. I finished my game and sat down in the same spot. She came over, and I ordered another coffee. When she brought it over, she set her tray down and we started another conversation. She asked if I was coming back tomorrow and told me that she was working. I said I might stop by, and hinted that I was leaving shortly. She gave me a hug. Even though she's a hired gun, I certainly didn't mind the social proof, and having friends working the bar is always handy, but the fact that she's still new to the job makes me think that it may have been some genuine interest. -Shrug-

Unintentionally, I received another cup of coffee, free of charge, which kept me for longer. I took a seat in the middle of the back of the bar and was watching a few people play pool. After a while, I saw a girl playing pool by herself, I immediately manned up, and walked over to her As I walked up, we made eye contact, and she smiled. I smiled like a goofy moron and asked her if she wanted to play a round. I didn't introduce myself -- a terrible habit I now have and she ended up introducing herself to me "My name's [HB7.5]." This was good, and bad. The fact that she introduced herself to me first showed an IOI, but is an utterly terrible way to start a set and build attraction. Myfacewhenderp As we're shooting pool, I see she's in her phone and I think to myself, "Ah, shit. A texter." I was ready to cut her loose. Interestingly, she turns to me and says, "Hey, if a guy comes in here, he's not my boyfriend. But he likes me..." I was like "Damn yes! She's qualifying herself even while I have the shittiest game ever!" As I was sending my silent thanks to the AFC, I did a cold read: "You look like a gamer" "Yeah, I am!" "Awesome! What's your favorite game?" "World of Warcraft." I think I cringed. I really think I cringed. I'm a fan of gaming. I really am. But I can't stand MMORPGS, and I think I subconsciously made a face. I recovered and said "Yeah, that's awesome. My favorite series is definitely Zelda!" (to which, I think, may have induced some snobbery on her behalf... Nintendo fans get no love.)

After we finished our last game, I asked if she wanted to play another. At this point, I'm considering my love of billiards to be slightly toxic. Instead, I think I should have led her to a table and started a face-to-face conversation. She said she wanted to go learn how to play poker and I followed her. I kind of felt like a puppy being led on a leash. She went to the restroom and I returned back to the billiards table to watch a game between a guy and his uncle who I saw were both great at billiards.

I noticed the nephew had a Resident Evil tattoo, so we started having a small conversation about gaming while he was shooting pool. After a few games, I got his number (no point in not. He's a cool dude and bloody great at pool, so I'd gladly have him as a future wing), and saw my way out.

My analysis of the night: It wasn't perfect, and I didn't get any closes, but I saw aspects of where I could improve and I had fun. Which is the most important rule: Always have fun.