Every time I go out to the bars, what I've found is, depending on the environment, it can be really weird being the sober guy. It TOTALLY depends on the social environment though.

For example, if I'm at a bar with relatively non-loud music, the kind where conversation is easy without the need to yell, as long as there isn't a group of drunk guys yelling and carrying on, I'm ok being totally sober or only having a beer or two. I find that 2 to 3 beers is good for my conversation. It somehow lowers inhibitions, it makes opening sets easier. It's a good tool if used properly. However, too much can really hurt your game (and your weight, liver, kidneys, job, DWI's etc).

However, if I'm at a bar where there's a mixed set with a group of very loud drunk guys carrying on and generally being the center of attention, I HATE being totally sober in that environment. It's like, if you try to open their set, even though there are males in the set, unless you REALLY have something in common with one of them and it comes up quickly after opening, you are pretty much left standing there being the weirdo with the low energy level who wants to be a part of their group. But if this drunk, loud mixed set is in the bar, all other sets are low value, including you. You need to be a part of this group because these guys are the alpha males in this place. They're the ones who aren't afraid of attention and women are drawn to that, especially if this is a mixed set.

There's a certain energy level that exists within each set. You always want to bring a slightly higher energy level to any set you open. But not too much higher. Just slightly higher. So if I'm sober (or close to it), it's tough to open sets in a place where there's a group of guys being louder than shit and carrying on, having a great time. If you want to open their set, you need a slightly higher energy level than what they're already at...impossible (for me) if sober.

I sarge alone most of the time and approaching the drunk, loud guys when you're sober (or close to it) has never really worked very well. But if you approach and then buy a round of Patron shots, for example, you can often times become a part of the group...your energy level increases too and you're buying so they like you. But if you stay sober, there's almost no way to converse with them in normal conversation. They're too drunk to carry conversation. They're yelling, high fiving, and just carrying on, having a good time.

So what do other PUA's do in regards to alcohol? A beer or two? None? Only heavy drinking when you encounter the set described above? What's the advice on alcohol?