Ultimate Tinder Cheat Sheet

A one-page guide to Tinder (and similar apps): photos, bio, openers, keeping the conversation flowing, and games to make it fun. All example lines here are written for this wiki. The best lines are the ones you come up with yourself, because overused openers show a lack of originality.

The core skill: conversation threading

For many women, conversation itself is the point. It's how people bond, not just a way to exchange information. Every message contains several threads you can pick up.

"I just got back from Lisbon, I'm obsessed with it."

Threads: just got back (travel), Lisbon, obsessed.
Pick one: "Lisbon's on my list. What did I miss by not going?" / "Obsessed is a strong word. What won you over?" / "Back to reality must be rough. Where's next?"

Texting gives you time to spot threads and craft a good reply. Use it.

Photos

Wear clothes that fit and suit you. Get help with colours if you need it.
Get a good haircut before the shoot.
Clear, well-lit photos. Light editing is normal; everyone does it.
An action shot (climbing, travelling, playing music) shows you have a life.

Bio

Some humour. Nobody likes someone who takes himself too seriously.
Some real facts that work in your favour (height, an interesting job or hobby).
A short, playful twist works well, e.g. "Will cook for you. Can't promise it'll be edible."

Openers

Reference something in her photos or bio when you can. Otherwise use a playful, unexpected line, for example:

"Quick question before this goes any further: pineapple on pizza? This could end things."
"My friends say I have terrible taste in people. Want to help me prove them wrong?"

Moving the conversation along

Comment on something in her profile, or ask a question about her.
Don't fire off a list of questions. Ask one or two and save the rest.
Use threading so it flows naturally.
An absurd "confession" can be a fun bridge: "Full disclosure, I'm secretly training squirrels to take over the city. Anyway, enough about me…"

Good questions

Early on:

What are you most passionate about?
If someone wrote your biography, what would the title be?
Anywhere in the world, right now. Where are you going?
Who were you at school: the rebel, the nerd, the class clown?
Any person, alive or dead, for dinner?

Once there's a real connection:

What would make you stand out if everyone looked the same?
Three reasons I should want to get to know you. Go.
If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?

Games

Truth game: take turns asking questions that must be answered honestly. A natural way to turn the conversation flirtier when she's into it.
Wrong-answers-only quiz: tell her she must answer five questions incorrectly. Ask a couple of easy ones, then "Wait, how many questions was that?" Most people answer correctly and "lose".
Would-you-rather / pick-one games with celebrities or silly options.

Banter

Light, playful comebacks for common moments:

She's funny: "Okay, top five funniest people I've talked to today. Maybe top three."
She compliments you: "Do you say that to all the guys?"
You have lots in common: "Too much in common. We'd argue about who's better at it."
She teases you: "My mum warned me about girls like you."
She overreacts: "Whoa, calm down, you're out of control."