So you are standing by the bar with your guys, eyeing up the hot group of girls in the corner. You’ve had a couple of drinks and are starting to feel the buzz. Should you approach the girls afraid that you might say something dumb because you are so tipsy, or embrace the liquid courage and make your move?

When you finally pluck up the courage to venture over to the red zone, the question is — How do you break the ice? Many guys go with something cheesy in an attempt to make the girl laugh or something sweet.

If you take anything from this picking-up-girls “How To,” remember this:

1. Confidence is key, and don’t reveal all your moves at once. Holding the mystery keeps a girl interested longer.

Vladimir Gudovich, a sophomore majoring in business, said, “The guys that are successful are the ones who show less.”

2. Tell a little joke.

Girls love to laugh.

According to Alessandra Rannazzisi, a junior majoring in psychology, “It’s always good to start off with something funny, something like, ‘Are you a Dementor? Because you just took my breath away.’”

3. A drink always helps.

Lauren Sadowsky, a sophomore majoring in psychology, thinks it would be a safe bet to come bearing drinks.

“Buying a girl a drink will always guarantee a guy a five-minute period where he must prove himself worthy of another five minutes,” Sadowsky said. “Also, if he keeps his eyes on your face rather than your chest, that’s always a plus.”

4. Your dance moves may make or break your chances.

Another way to charm a girl is by showing her you can dance. Most girls love to dance and showing her you are more than willing to dance will give you brownie points, especially if your pickup line didn’t work its magic.

Dan Bessel, a junior majoring in marketing and leadership, said, “It’s always important to show a girl your moves on the dance floor.”

5. Come prepared.

Think a little bit before you approach your target; no one wants to fumble. If you recognize a girl from class, bring up the connection, but don’t start rambling about the paper due Monday — it’s probably the last thing she wants to think about on a Friday night.

So brush up on your skills, and if you’re not sure you can pull it off, don’t lose hope.