How to score a last call hookup

It’s closing time—which means it’s time to get serious about finding someone willing to go home with you.

Step 1: Scan the room
Scan the room for your top three choices. Base your decision not just on desirability, but on attainability as well. Exclude anyone already talking to a guy—trying to muscle in now could lead to a bar fight, in which case no one will get laid.

Go for the middle of the road. There’s a mathematical concept called “insincere voting” in which you sacrifice your unlikely top choice to make sure you don’t end up with your least-favorite choice. Get used to it.

Step 2: Set a standard
If you’ve awakened with regrets in the past, pick a level of attractiveness below which you won’t go—and try to stick to it!

If you’re drunk or horny enough, you might be unable to set such a standard.

Step 3: Make eye contact
Make eye contact with each of your top three choices. Approach the first person who returns your gaze.

Step 4: Reassess as needed
If you strike out with all three, reassess the remaining patrons.

Step 5: Pounce
The minute someone looks back and smiles, approach her, strike up a conversation, and position your body so as to prevent anyone else from interacting with her.

Buy her a last-call drink to make sure those wheels are really greased.

Step 6: Gauge interest
Gauge her interest. If it’s obvious she’s not interested in sex with a virtual stranger, move on quickly—time is running out.

Step 7: Be diplomatic but direct
Make your intentions clear without being crude. A simple “Hey, I’m not ready to call it a night—wanna go somewhere else?” should do the trick.

Step 8: Leave ASAP
If she’s game, leave ASAP, before the lights come on and everything takes on a tacky patina.

Step 9: Don’t blow it
If she’s flirty but hesitant, take her to a coffee shop and work your charms. But if she’s all over you, head straight to the closest apartment!

Fact: Seventy-four percent of women surveyed admit to having had ca