Should you wait to text her back? Tell her you’re crazy about her or play it cool? Emoji or no emoji?

No one wants to play games when it comes to dating, but the reality is there's no way of getting around them -- except, that is, for this handy list of shortcuts. Think of 'em like cheat codes in video games, but these help you win big with the ladies ... because when it comes to your high score, who doesn’t want to skip the boring levels?

Eliminate the smile from your face

That sh-- eating grin on your face is understandable; you’re staring into the eyes of a beautiful woman. The problem is, that very grin might also be the thing that thwarts you. Researchers from the University of British Columbia found that by and large, women are more attracted to men who appear to be brooding. So bite your tongue or think about parking tickets and hold that thought 'til you’ve won her over.

Give that bottle of cologne a permanent death

Wanting to smell nice for the ladies is a sweet thought, but the reality is that there's very little appealing about a guy who smells like a freshly opened air freshener. Women may be attracted to you based on the “scent” that you give off naturally by way of your pheromones, but these silent cues to attraction are ultimately beyond your control. Soaking your pheromones in chemicals can only chip away at the chances she'll be into you.

Go head-to-head with the germs on your sheets

Regularly washing linens is more than just the mark of a hygienic guy; it's the mark of a considerate one. A study from last year found that women are attracted to the smell of clean sheets. Anecdotal evidence has also suggested that we're very much not turned on by mustard globs on pillow cases, so get to throwing those bad boys into the spin cycle.

Engage in player versus player with her nephew

The popularity of Instagram accounts such as DILFs of Disneyland has proven, yet again, that women find it attractive when a man is good with kids. This may be because, from an evolutionary standpoint, women are drawn to men who'd make good long-term mates (even if it's just for a short-term fling). According to researchers, women can even spot a guy who's good with kids based on his looks alone, so invest in a Nerf gun or whatever it takes to be cool with your inner rugrat.

Power up your posture

Confidence is sexy to most women for a number of reasons: It improves their perception of a guy, and implies that he's capable of handling himself (and others). Acting confident when you haven’t had a date with anyone but your hand in the past six months can be a little tricky, however. To quickly fake it 'til you make it, simply roll your shoulders away from your ears and straighten your back, which signifies and generates self-assurance, and will make your mother happy too.

Suit up in red gear

When choosing an outfit for a date, avoid your jet-black, button-up “getting laid shirt” (for the very reason that she'll know that's what you think it is), and opt for something that's red or has a splash of red in it. A journal published by the American Psychological Association found that the color red can actually make you more attractive to others. This may be because the color evokes status, confidence, and literal hotness.

(And if your "getting laid shirt" is red? Ditch it and buy a polo. Trust us.)