The Biggest Mind Games Guys Play.

Ever encounter a dude who's your Siamese twin one day, MIA the next? Hear why men mess with your head--and cop the tactics that will ensure you come out on top.

* When it comes to the dating game, guys often resort to a school yard full of childish tricks because, well, we're prone to being juvenile jackasses when it comes to matters of the heart. One minute we're in your face, the next we're pointing the finger at you or, worse, throwing in the towel. But these annoying antics are totally outwittable--with a little insider information. Info I just happen to be inclined to bestow on you. How can I justify betraying my testosterone-laden teammates to turn over this data? It's for their own good. So here's a handbook on how to ace your dude the next time he toys with your noggin.

LAME GAME 1

Tag

While on the quest to snag you, men experience an adrenaline high--one we'd rather not come down from in a hurry. Blame it on the thrill of the hunt. We'll spend all our energy and our very last penny pursuing your affection, but as soon you slow down and let us catch up, we suddenly lose interest in the chase.

Your win-win strategy: Even if you're already completely enamored with us, the trick is to make us believe that you're still hunt-worthy prey, at least until the relationship gets off the ground. Some pointers: Resist calling your guy back immediately. And when you do, don't make it too easy for him to reach you by leaving details of where you'll be for the next 24 hours. Lastly, when you finally do hook up, casually mention that you have plans for the rest of the week--even if it just involves you, a rental video, and a pint of Death by Chocolate. He'll go home wondering what other hot prospects you have pawing at your door, and his innate desire to be champ will have him dreaming up all the ways he can cream the competition.

That dog-eat-dog drive lit a fire under Jim [*] 27, a real estate agent from Vancouver, when he first started dating his girlfriend, Pam. "I'd have such a great time on dates with Pam that I'd often ask her if she could hang out again that same week. But she was always hooked," says Jim. "It drove me crazy, hut it also intrigued me--and made me want to be with her even more."