Direct vs Indirect Approach in Daygame | What Works Better?
After 17 years of coaching men across the world, one question always comes up for beginners in daygame: What’s better a direct vs indirect approach in daygame?
The truth is, both approaches work. But choosing the right one depends on your confidence, your energy in the moment, and your overall goal.
In this guide, we will break down the direct vs indirect approach, explain how to use them, and help you build real confidence in real life interactions.
What Is the Indirect Approach?
The indirect approach is simple. You start a conversation without revealing your romantic interest. It helps ease anxiety and lets you warm up to social interactions.
One of the best indirect openers I teach beginners is the camera approach.
Example of the Indirect Camera Approach
You walk up to a woman and say, “Excuse me, pause, wait for eye contact, could you take a quick photo of me please?”
This works beautifully because it gives you a reason to start a conversation. There’s no pressure. It is easy to say. And if she smiles and responds positively, you can continue with something like:
“Thanks, I’m just documenting my day a bit – you look like you’re having a free day today.”
It becomes a relaxed, natural conversation. The key is that you’re not trying to impress her or get a number. You’re just warming up socially, and letting the chat evolve.
Why Indirect Works for Beginners
Many of my clients start here. Especially those who have never approached anyone before. One client in his forties had spent years avoiding social interactions because of fear of rejection.
After one coaching session, he used the camera approach thirty times and started smiling more naturally in conversation.
Within a week, he began making more confident approaches. Two weeks later, he was confidently going direct. The indirect approach gave him a way in. It helped him feel what it’s like to start a conversation without fear. Once he got a taste of success, he moved forward fast.
The Problem With Staying Indirect
While indirect is a great starting point, staying there too long creates problems. You avoid showing your true intent. The woman may enjoy the chat but walk away without realising you were interested.
This is why I always tell my clients: once you can emotionally manage rejection, go direct every time. It is faster. It is clearer. And it builds a deeper kind of confidence.
With the direct approach, you make your intention clear from the beginning. There is no hiding.
What Is the Direct Approach?
The direct approach is when you walk up to a woman and clearly state that you are interested in her.
No games. No excuses. Just honest expression.
Example of the Direct Approach
You walk up with calm energy. You make eye contact. And you say,
“Excuse me, pause, wait for eye contact, I was just walking past and noticed you have the most beautiful hair.”
That is it. You stop talking. You let her respond. You trust yourself. Aim to state the truth about what you noticed.
Why Direct Works When You Are Ready
When you stop fearing rejection, the direct approach becomes your go-to move. It saves you time. It filters quickly. And it builds a reputation with yourself – that you are someone who takes action.
It also changes how women respond to you. They sense your certainty. Your grounded presence. And that is rare.
When to Use Direct Right Away
Use the direct approach when you are feeling grounded, calm, and self-assured. Especially when you do not want to waste time or dance around your intention.
If your energy is clean and you are not attached to the outcome, direct works beautifully.
It is also ideal when you have limited time – for example, on your way to a meeting or while travelling.
Key Differences Between Direct vs Indirect Approach in Daygame
- Intent: Direct shows it immediately. Indirect delays it.
- Risk: Direct feels riskier but is often more rewarding.
- Efficiency: Direct filters quickly. Indirect takes more time.
- Emotional Growth: Direct helps you manage rejection. Indirect builds warm-up experience.
Which One Should You Use?
The honest answer is – whichever helps you take action. The real win is not choosing the perfect opener. The real win is making the approach.
If you are feeling hesitant, go indirect. Use the camera or ask for directions. Start a conversation with anyone. Build your momentum.
If you are ready to step up, go direct. Make your intent known. Trust yourself. And speak with clarity.
Both tools are powerful. Just do not let either become a reason to stay stuck. You are not here to hide. You are here to lead.
Direct vs Indirect Approach in Daygame – FAQ’s
What is the difference between direct and indirect approach in daygame?
Direct means you clearly express your romantic interest from the start. Indirect means starting a conversation without showing your intent, like asking her to take a photo. Both work depending on your energy, confidence, and experience level.
Which approach works better for beginners in daygame?
Indirect works better for beginners. It helps reduce anxiety and makes it easier to get used to starting conversations. One of the best is the camera approach, where you ask her to take a photo of you.
Can I move from indirect to direct as I get better?
Yes. In fact, that is the goal. Once you learn to handle rejection, you should go direct every time. It is faster, more honest, and builds deeper confidence.
Is the camera approach still effective?
Yes, especially when you are starting out. It is smooth, pressure-free, and allows you to get used to talking to women without worrying about rejection. But over time, it should just be a backup if you feel tired or low on confidence.
What does a direct approach look like in real life?
It looks like this: You see a woman, you stop her calmly, look her in the eye, and say something like, “Excuse me, pause, wait for eye contact, I was just walking past and noticed you have the most beautiful hair.”
Why should I go direct if I can already talk to women indirectly?
Because indirect can waste time if your intent is never made clear. You risk nice conversations that go nowhere. Direct shows confidence and filters fast. It saves time and gets better results.
What if I feel nervous or introverted sometimes?
That is when indirect can be useful. Use it to warm up or when your energy is low. But don’t rely on it forever. The aim is to express your true intent when you are ready.
How do I know if she’s open to the conversation?
If she faces you with her feet, holds long eye contact, plays with her hair, or crosses her legs in your direction – those are green lights to continue.
Written by Gary Gunn
Gary Gunn is an internationally accredited coach with 17 years of experience coaching single men.
He has spent years creating proven, real world systems that help men meet, attract and date the women they desire. He is also the best selling author of a book on confidence and dating.
Gary has taught in over 30 major cities worldwide and has coached more than 1,200 men globally through group courses, video coaching and one to one training.
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