Chapter 3 – Calculating and Maximizing SMV
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This chapter will provide a rough guide for calculating your SMV and then lay out strategies to maximize it immediately (few weeks) and long term (next few years). Keep in mind this is just a rough average. Your SMV is NOT fixed, but varies based on your location, demographics, and particular female. It cannot be overstated that some women will only date white guys, while others will strongly prefer black guys and others will not care about ethnicity at all. Here, we are just looking at averages.
The Purpose: In the previous chapter we established that SMV is just as important as game and largely within your control. My belief is that the best way to make positive changes is to first understand & accept reality. And then have a clear roadmap of the kind/amount of “work” necessary before finally taking massive amounts of proper, calculated action. My goal is to empower you to change and give you all the tools necessary while providing you with correct expectations.
Disclaimer: Parts of this chapter (especially on race) are going to be things very few people talk about openly because they are controversial and have a high potential to be offensive. That is not my goal, by any stretch. I truly believe all races and ethnicities are created equal. The point is to provide you a realistic idea of the sexual market place, which according to almost every study is not always fair. [/text_block]
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This chart will provide you a rough idea of your current SMV in a first world country. Each category is color coded, based on how much control you have over it & further explained in detail below with applicable examples.
Red = Almost No Control
Yellow = Some Control
Green = Full Control
Note: If the image is too small on your device, click on it to open the full size version
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[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]This is the only category on the list that is almost completely outside of your control. The reason, I say almost, is that with race it is more about what race you look like, not what race you are. Especially, with mixed races. Take a look at two examples below.[/text_block]
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Both of the guys are 100% Indian. However, the guy to the left looks like he could easily pass for Caucasian, the guy to the right not so much. With online dating, the ethnicity you look like is more important than the ethnicity you actually are (although that can play a role as well). What does this means for you? For purposes of calculation most people should still go with what their actual ethnicity is. However, if you take an HONEST LOOK and realize that you look like a “higher ranking” ethnicity, then you can assume the points for that one. The guy to the left could add 2 points for being white, while the guy to the right can’t. If you are a mixed ethnicity, go with the one you more closely look like.
If you are black, then the amount of points to add will depend on how liberal the city you live in is. In super liberal cities, like Los Angeles and San Francisco add 3 points. If the city is more conservative, like Phoenix, add one point.
For other minorities, the bad news is that…yes, unfortunately your SMV takes a hit. The highest ranking group (white guys), have a two point advantage over the lowest ranking group (Asian/Indian guys). The good news is that it’s only two points. Fitness alone can fully make up for this difference and then some.[/text_block]
[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]This is an even bigger factor than race as noted by the 5 point difference between the two categories on each end of the spectrum. It should come as no surprise to you that women prefer tall guys…up to a point. This category is a combination of red/yellow because while you really have no control over your actual height, you do have a minimal amount of control of how tall you are perceived to be, which is what matters when it comes to SMV.
- If you are naturally tall, collect the full points and skip to the next category.
- If you are average height, then your best move is to just add an extra 1-1.5 inches to your height (both in your profile and if asked). Now, if you think this is unethical, keep in mind most girls expect you to exaggerate by an inch. If you are 5’11 and say you are 5’11 when asked, the girl might think you are actually 5’9. The difference between the guys who get away with this 99.9% of the time and the guys who get horrified stares on dates is how much they lie. No girl will fault you for exaggerating an inch or two but 6 inches is a different story. My advice is to limit it to one or two inches at the most. This means a 5’11 guy, becomes 6’0 and so on.
- If you are below average height, in addition to exaggerating an extra inch, consider getting elevator shoes or height increasing insoles. Yes, they exist and are quite popular. Take a look at these inserts. You should be able to add half a point to your SMV.
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[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]They cost less than $50 and increase your height by two inches. Not a bad deal! I personally would not bother with these unless I was below average height (I am 5’11…or wait, I meant 6’0), but the choice is yours. A part of this also comes down to desired demographics, level of game and geography. For instance, I live in America, have pretty good game and prefer short and curvy girls. However, if I had lived in Scandinavia (where the average height is several inches higher), was new to game and liked tall blondes, I would probably have these already. A good idea is to wear these inserts next time you have pictures taken. You will come off taller in all of your pics without having to lie about anything.[/text_block]
[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]This is where things start to get interesting. It may come as a surprise to some, but you have a level of control when it comes to your face and no, I am not talking about cosmetic surgery. One of the biggest things you can do to improve the way your face looks is achieve a low body fat percentage. Yes, it is possible to be 8% body fat and still be in the “ugly” category, but it is less common. Most guys when they start eating healthy and get a body fat in the single digits, they will jump up a category. Take a look at the example below:[/text_block]
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This guy has gone from “average” to “handsome” just by significantly cutting his body fat in four months. Now obviously everything is relative and your starting point plays a huge roll. A guy who is 10% body fat and has a “handsome” face will not achieve the “model looking” category if he drops to 8% body fat. Nevertheless, the effects of getting to an optimal body fat and cleaning up your diet is huge.
Aside from getting to an optimal body fat, there are a few other specific things each person can do to increase the attractiveness of their face. The most common is having a nicer, cleaner haircut. Start off by going to a decent hair salon that has good reviews ($25-$40) and asking for a recommendation. For the majority of guys a short and tight haircut is by far the best look (I personally ask for a skin fade). Take a look at how much better this guy looks after he got rid of the pussy-repelling comb on his head:[/text_block]
[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]That’s at least a one point increase in his SMV in less than 30 minutes for less than $40. Quite the ROI! The next step is to make sure your facial hair is on point. That could mean either trimming your beard or growing out a little scruff (especially If you have a baby face). If you are unsure whether your facial hair/haircut is an asset or liability, ask a few of your attractive female friends that you are sure will give you the “thug truth” or even post it on the PlayingFire Plus Facebook group. Below are pictures of one of my coaching clients. It took a few nudges from me to get him to shave off his moustache. However, the difference was quite noticeable.[/text_block]
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“Face” SMV Improvement Strategies:
- Get a Stylish Haircut (Short Term)
- Grow/Trim Facial Hair (Short Term)
- Achieve Clearer Skin through Healthy Diet (Long Term)
- Achieve Body Fat Percentage between 6-10% (Long Term).
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[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]This is one of the biggest factors you have FULL control over. First, I want to clear up what an “ideal” body is. It is not that of a bodybuilder or the roided out dude at the gym who makes loud noises with every set. Studies overwhelming confirm that most females find the “lean muscular” look by far the most attractive. It is the guy who has a six pack and prominent V Line. He looks strong and powerful, but fast and flexible at the same time. Think Daniel Craig in Casino Royale. They want the guy that can sprint a mile, fight the bad guy, pick up the car they are stuck under and have the energy to fuck the shit out of them afterwards. Here are two examples:[/text_block]
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Ryan Reynolds and Daniel Craig are both ideal examples of what the “Lean Muscular” category is. Both of these guys have great muscle definition and low body fat. This is accomplished through a combination of progressive strength training and a careful diet. Since diet and weight lifting are such a big part of increasing your SMV (and thus being successful with women), I have created a full guide on this topic titled “How To Get Jacked” in the “Extras” section.
The Next group is “Lean Lack Muscle” and “Muscle, Too Bulky”. In a nutshell, that is if you are lean, but lack the muscle (runners or swimmers) or have the muscle and lack leanness (lumberjack). Here are examples of both, respectively:[/text_block]
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It’s pretty straightforward. If you look like the guy to the left, you need to put on lean muscle. If you look like the guy to the right, you need to cut fat without losing muscle (exact steps for both are shown in the “How To Get Jacked” guide) Currently, I fall into the “Lean Lack Muscle” category since I am 8% body fat, but still lack muscle definition. However, when I first started out I would’ve just fallen into the “Skinny/Average” category.
Now, this is an area where I had every excuse in the world! Severe pre-existing injuries from snowboarding, numerous diet restrictions, etc. However, I still made it one of my top goals to get this area “handled”. Due to all my injuries and years of scar tissue, a lot of the more straightforward weight-training programs (stronglifts 5×5) did not work for me, but through patience and discipline, I was still able to put on muscle (albeit more slowly) and improve my physique. Take a look at the difference: [/text_block]
Initial
Some Progress…
Current
[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]I went from looking like a starving Nigerian child to somewhat of an athlete. It might take me another year of hard work, but soon enough I’ll join Daniel Craig in the “Lean/Muscular” category. If you want to skyrocket your results, you should as well.[/text_block]
[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]A little harder to put into words, but it’s essentially a culmination of your fashion, looks, career and attitude. In high school, there were “nerds”, “goths”, “theater kids”, “preps” and “jocks”. Some girls would only date within their tribe, but GENERALLY SPEAKING being a “jock” was the most desired tribe. To a lesser extent, the same effect still takes place with adults. Girls still generally prefer guys in their own tribe (i.e goths will go for other goths). However, a good amount will also desire guys from “higher ranking tribes”.
The best tribe to be in is what I call “Exciting Professional”. Think of a doctor who travels all over the world curing diseases, a pilot who has been to every continent or an executive at a hip company who goes to all kinds of exclusive events. The epitome of this would be Christian Grey, the main character in 50 Shades of Grey. He is the CEO of a huge company, dresses well, is athletic, flies his own helicopter, goes to cool events, etc. If you want the extra points you don’t necessarily have to do all those things, but it helps to be perceived as though you do. Here are two examples of how a guy in this tribe will appear on Tinder:[/text_block]
[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]The next best tribe is “Bad Boy”. This is the guy who rides a motorcycle and has a six pack. He is sexually confident and has a “no fucks given” attitude. The actor James Dean or Hank Moody from Californication are perfect examples. This also happens to be the tribe I have placed myself in. I use the word “placed” because in real life I am not fully in that category, but maybe 60-70%. No one is. We are all complex human beings, not one dimensional characters. However, it is the category I am closest to and through careful picture selection, I am able to pull off this look quite well. My profile is to the left. To the right is another example of a guy in this tribe. As you can imagine, we both do quite well on Tinder.[/text_block]
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Generally speaking, the top two tribes are “Exciting Professional” and “Bad Boy”. As you might have noticed, there is a lot of potential for overlap. You might find yourself 80/20 or even 50/50 and that’s ok. In addition, there are different dimensions of each one of these tribes. For instance, a DJ could easily fit into “Exciting Professional” with the right kind of pictures. Don’t obsess over details here, but instead focus on the general vibe. This category is essentially a culmination of all the other ones. Through a combination of fashion, fitness, and lifestyle improvements anyone can be or at the very least, appear to be in one of these two tribes.
The next tribe in the hierarchy is “Cool Creative”. Think of a guitarist in a band. There is a lot of potential overlap between that and the top two ranking tribes, especially “Bad Boy”. The difference could be as simple as a six pack and more “badass” pictures. Another reason to make fitness a top priority.[/text_block]
[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]This is one of the easiest categories to improve overnight. I have to admit that I am one of the most fashion-retarded people out there and truly hate dressing up. However, I do it when I need to (i.e. for Tinder pics) and you should too. A good starting point would be to ask a few of your most fashionable friends. If you don’t have any of those, there are a myriad of resources online. My recommendation is “AlphaM” on Youtube. To the left is an example of a guy who increased his SMV through great fashion. To the right are two different guys before and after a wardrobe change (easily increasing their SMV by two points)[/text_block]
[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]Dressing well will not only help you with your Tinder profile, but also when you approach a girl on the street. And people, in general, will be much more inclined to listen to what you have to say when you are dressed nicely. The general rule of picking out clothes is “form fitting” and “matching”. Lots of guys make the mistake of dressing too baggy! Don’t be one of them. You want clothes that sit well on your body, especially if you are in good shape. Custom tailored clothing is the best, but if that’s outside your price range (as it is for me), H&M and Nordstrom Rack are good stores to check out. Also, this should go without saying, keep your clothes clean and ironed. I have picked up girls, in cum stained pajamas, but it’s not optimal.[/text_block]
Amplifier: Status and Fame
[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]There is a category that I haven’t mentioned yet and its effect can range from mild to very extreme. It is “Status/Fame”. The exact impact of status/fame is hard to quantify with points, but believe me it can be huge. For instance, Jonah Hill probably has a natural SMV of a 3 (without this amplifier). No matter how good his game was he would struggle to bang an attractive women. Put us in a bar and I would kick his ass! Without fame, that is. Given his fame his SMV receives such a significant boost. He could easily bang more girls than me (at least in America). Guys line up for girls and girls line up for famous guys.
Fortunately, you don’t have to become a celebrity to benefit from this amplifier. Living a high value lifestyle (travel, cool parties & events, hanging out with hot girls) will boost your SMV. Having pictures that show it will allow you to transfer this effect to your dating profile. The epitome of a guy who realized this and took advantage of it would be Dan Bilzerian. He is 5’9 and average looking. His natural SMV is 7.5.-8 largely due to his physique (which is largely due to steroids). Nevertheless, he created a high value lifestyle for himself (parties, travel, hot girls, epic adventures) and took pictures of all of it. Those pictures made him famous and as a result boosted his SMV to 10+. Now he has legions of hot girls CONTACTING HIM for sex. Think about it, this is online game on steroids. In a few interviews he acknowledges that he did it all so that he could fuck and party with hot girls with minimal effort. Mission accomplished.[/text_block]
[text_block style=”style_1.png” align=”left”]You should now have a clearer idea of what exactly determines a man’s SMV as well as a rough idea of where you rank. I use the word rough, because as previously mentioned, your SMV will fluctuate based on the woman, geography and even micro-environment. If you want an additional guide head over to
http://revolutionarylifestyledesign.com/calculate-maximize-sexual-market-value/. I have learned a lot from this guy and there will be a lot of overlap between our two methodologies (although I like to think mine is more accurate and easier to understand).
Furthermore, you should have no doubts that a significant amount of this is within your control. The amount you increase your SMV is going to be determined by how closely you follow this advice and the amount of work you are willing to put in.
What should you do?
Short Term: You can start off by getting your fashion in-check. Get some outside feedback either from knowledgeable friends or the PlayingFire Plus Facebook group. Make sure that nobody can say you dress like a kid/slob/dork. Get a trendy haircut. Don’t let your facial hair (or lack of) hold you back. If you are white and pale, get a tan. There’s nothing gay about using tanning beds as long as you don’t look like a tomato afterwards. If you are short, consider getting some shoe inserts. For vast majority of guys, there are (1.5-3) potential points of SMV increase just right there. Don’t leave all that potential pussy on the table!
Long Term This is the stuff you have to work harder for, but it’s also the stuff that will significantly improve the quality of your life outside of just getting laid. Your health, career, relationships and even happiness will all improve when you get in amazing shape and reach a body fat in the single digits. This will require you to inevitably adopt a healthy diet and get progressively stronger, which has been scientifically proven to have a very wide array of benefits: More energy, increased libido, better focus, decreased risk of most health problems, improved mood, better cognition, better sleep and the list goes on. Did I mention a lot more girls will want to fuck you?
I recognized the importance of eating healthy in my early 20’s (5-6 years ago). All throughout my life, I had been plagued with constant colds. Going to university in freezing cold Boston combined with constant partying caused me to spend months with a sore throat and a runny nose. It got to the point where I actually started worrying I might have AIDS (true story). Why else would I get sick at the drop of a hat and spend weeks recovering? I had no idea that my immune system was in a constant state of chaos due to the modern American diet.
One day, I read something about the benefits of the Paleo Diet. I had never heard about it. I spent a few hours researching it. I was amazed by all the stories I heard. Most interestingly, a few people wrote about how the duration/frequency of their colds had significantly decreased. This was music to my ears and I decided to try out being Paleo and within a few months I pretty much stopped getting colds. I also had more energy. Over the next few years I went through periods of various levels of observance, but for the past three years or so I have been strictly following a variation of the Paleo Diet (BulletProof). I very rarely get sick. Maybe once or twice a year and my colds will be gone after a day or two. Night and day difference.
Fitness was a different story. I thought lifting weights was a waste of time up until two years ago. Part of this was my ego. I had been living with lots of snowboarding injuries and as a result of deconditioning had very little upper body strength. I was heavy into pick-up and bought into the “looks don’t matter at all” marketing pitch. It was what I wanted to hear, but unfortunately it wasn’t true. As I started getting into fitness I grew to love it and all of its associated benefits. I have never met a man who didn’t (after a pain period, at least). I wish I realized this earlier in life. I firmly believe that getting in amazing shape, which to reiterate doesn’t mean looking like a bodybuilder, should be a part of every man’s mission. Aside from all of the previously mentioned benefits, Tinder and dating in general is A LOT easier if you have a six pack. There’s no excuse for every guy reading this not to be in, at least, decent shape six month from now.[/text_block]
