If we're talking just about hooking up, I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the Wingman Factor.
Here's the truth: most of your buddies are fucking HORRIBLE wingmen. Just make sure you realize this before they cost you your next piece.
What do I mean? You gotta choose carefully who you're going to prowl with; just like the Hottie whose fat n' ugly Nottie is a foil, your choice of wingman must be careful. If you're wondering why your 'friends' aren't helping you get laid, then you gotta get new friends. Or at least just don't try to pick up with them in tow.
I've got some best buds who are fucking nightmares when picking up. You don't wanna be with these guys. At best, they'll ensure you go home alone and at worst, they'll make you look like a fucking idiot. It's true.
The good news is that guys, unlike girls, can BOTH pick up, and one of you doesn't necessarily have to take one for the team!
Honour is what I'm talking about. If your bud is making a move, do the right thing and help him out. If this means shutting the fuck up, then that's what you do. Someone here made a post about 'mimicking' succesful pickup artists...this is one thing I've noticed about buddies of mine who pick up constantly. Mind you, they're better looking than average but still, when they're working on some pussy, they back each other up and most times, one if not all will get laid.
I'm not going to go into detail about what to do, just make sure you ditch a buddy at the first signs of:
1) Using YOU as material to make the target chicks laugh. It's a douchebag move. Not only does it undermine your buddy, but if you're not witty and smart enough to make a girl laugh because you're actually FUNNY, then shut the fuck up. Time and time again I see this happen. If it happens to you, just make note...and don't make the mistake of bringing him along next time.
2) Whining. Girls are fucking repulsed by whiners.
3) Hitting on your target. This is a mixed bag; if your friends is making a better impression on her than you, well...you've only got yourself to blame. Now you're the wingman. Help a brother out; if it becomes a trend though, then bring it up with him. Leave him at home next time. And work on your game.
4) Getting you to do all the work, ie, breaking the ice. Good looking guys tend to do this more often that not; the Alphas, so to speak. Don't cater to a fucking Alpha; you're a team and ya gotta back each other's plays. If you're constantly the guy talking and making the effort, you'll appear weak to women that matter. And then you get to pound the Palmer Twins later.
Ok, so there is ONE rule that almost trumps all others: Do NOT sell your wingman out! If you make fun of your own friends trying to get a piece of ass, you're garbage. Women will wonder why you're hanging out with losers, make the appropriate connection, and now NOBODY is getting laid. So...don't talk shit behind your buddies back. Ever. It's the mark of a fucking loser...and it doesn't work.
That is all.