Running game is when you use a man (or woman) may use any number of methods to either engage or manipulate the opposite sex. Usually these methods are not forthright or honest. For example, some men have tried to approach me by conveniently sitting near me at a Starbuck's or deli counter and scoping out everything they can about what I am reading, watching or doing at the time. Then they try to drop some "game" by mentioning that an author I am reading is their favorite, or that I must be "well-read," or acting as if they know the author personally. They're hoping to get some "play" by beginning a casual conversation that will end up with them getting my number.
So instead of a guy just saying "I think you're attractive, can I get to know you better," they'd rather use a sly ruse. Sometimes running game can be in the confines of a relationship, almost always a bad one. For example, I had a friend whose ex- man ran "game" on her. (Although, I blame her for that one). Her man claimed he wanted to use her as a reference for a loan. When she saw the papers he pointed to a sub-section for co-signers (he knew she had sterling credit). When she pointed it out to him, he acted as if he had no idea and then when she balked, used the old "You don't want me to get ahead?" routine on her. Needless to say, she fell for it hook, line and sinker
. More than likely when he got with his friends he had a hearty laugh at her expense. Many people who run game like this in a relationship know their "prey" inside and out and use their weakness for them to their advantage. Whether it is clothes, money or just the fact that they get away with outrageous behavior, including infidelity, game is used to manipulate the other person.
Game is usually an outright lie. "Baby, you know I love you. You know you're the only for me.....," Or "She/He didn't mean nothing to me! You're my everything!" or (I'm sure some of y'all have experienced this one): "I think I'm falling for you!" The only way to really tell if someone is running game is to not take them at face value. Instead, look at their actions. Look at the circumstances (If you just met them, don't really expect them to love you, if you met them at the club, they may just want sex, etc.). If possible look at their track record. People who fall hard for game are usually blinded by their own wishes and desires. So basically game is just a sly or underhanded way of getting what they want out of another person instead of just being completely honest.
