I'm not a big fan of all the talk about text game, because I think it says the wrong thing. There are so many guys out there who think they game through texting. They already have the numbers of classmates, co-workers, and friend-of-friends, on their phone, so they think it's just a matter of saying the right thing.

I have a better term, let's call it beta texting. There is no text game. But if you can stop yourself from beta texting, you've at least not shot yourself in the foot.

Here are some thoughts. I'll edit if there are substantial arguments to the contrary:

  • Beta texting is any texting that is needy, and seeks validation. Texting is conversation stripped of most of it's inflections, but you can still subcommunicate neediness through texts.

  • Check yourself for any precursors to beta texting. One precursor is if you're editing your text message a lot before texting. Already, you care too much about what you are going to write. This is not as true with the initial message, but generally text messages should be nearly as spontaneous as live conversations.

  • Another sign of beta texting is sending multiple texts before she texts back. I've dodged bullets by waiting long enough for her to text back first. I was worried that I didn't say something right, so was going to text again when she sent me an LOL.

  • Emoticons can be a sign of beta texting. You're trying make sure that the right message is being conveyed. For instance, you want to make sure that she knows that you're just kidding. But this can be worse for the purposes of seduction: You'll bond better if she just understands that you're joking intuitively. This will subcommunicate "He understands me" better.

  • Break rapport. Use this in texts as well as live conversation. If she says "I'm cleaning the house right now" reply with "Wow, that sounds boring". You just sound more honest when you're willing to break rapport like that.

  • Another way I break rapport is that I generally reserve the "LOL" for cruelty. I've always had problems with LOL because it sounds so feminine. But if a few drops of cruelty are implied, I'll go ahead and use it. For instance, Her: Hey that's means! Me: LOL

  • Live texting: I have the feeling that most PUA's try to stay away from live texting because this helps to disguise beta texting. In live texting, the pauses between messages becomes 50% of the communication. Generally, pausing too much between messages subcommunicates as needy...as if you're trying to find the right thing to say.

  • I would try live texting more often if you try to avoid it. If other guys are also texting her, you just have a competitive advantage if you can keep her texting you. Also I'd consider live texting with HB's an IOI. They aren't going to live text with a guy they aren't interested in.

  • If you're live texting for a while and she's investing, go ahead and call her. This just communicates a lot of confidence on your part. Just make sure you have a strong frame when you talk to her. Don't apologize, backtrack, or explain anything you said.

  • Use the golden ratio: Invest 2/3s as much as she invests in you. Let her overinvest, while you underinvest. This includes how sappy your texting is through the whole seduction process. Basically, don't equalize with her. If she says, "I really like you," don't say the same thing back! Break the thread. She doesn't want to be with her equal.