My friends and I have noticed a pattern regarding groups of women in public: For every one cute girl, there are at least two ugly friends (this is probably how the old pilot/co-pilot concept came into being). This scientific equation has been tried and tested, and works in most cases. However, there are times where you strike gold and a girl has a hot friend- maybe even two. If you end up going out with one of them, you're already halfway towards getting lucky with the other, so there's no reason why you shouldn't go for her friend. After all, how many chances like this do you get? So here's some advice on getting the hot friend:

Pre-game talk

Before we begin, let me assure you that in most cases the friend won't tell your girlfriend that you're hitting on her. She'll be flattered. And it has that "forbidden passion" allure. Women dig that. "Telling" will ruin their relationship, and most girls prefer silence to that.

However, use some common sense. It goes without saying that if the friend isn't receptive, it could put the relationship with your girlfriend in danger. Also keep in mind that this will create tension between your girlfriend and the friend. But before you start feeling guilty, remember the old adage- it takes two to tango.

Step 1: Bosom Buddies

Ok, we're ready to go. Let's say your girlfriend and her friend are roommates. You're supposed to meet your girlfriend at 6pm for dinner. You know she gets off work at 5pm and the roommate is at the apartment. Get there around 4:15 and tell the roommate that you're supposed to meet your girlfriend and apologize for being early. Start making small talk with her roommate. Keep in mind that you don't want to go into any in-depth topics yet, because your girlfriend could show up at any time. Keep it simple and relatively harmless. Don't do this too often or else you'll arouse her suspicions. Keep it down to about once every few months. If they aren't roommates, don't despair- go on to step 2.

Step 2: The "Double Date"

Ask a person you don't like very much or wouldn't mind pissing off to go out on a double date with your girlfriend and her friend. When your girlfriend and the guy you "set up" aren't around, apologize to the girl for bringing along your "friend" since he can be a real jerk sometimes (do this even if it looks like they're getting along). If she's digging your "friend", this will give her second thoughts about going for him as well as creating that secret bond between the two of you. The latter is especially important because it gives the two of you something to talk about away from your girlfriend.

If you play it right, he won't find out that you impugned his name mercilessly. But make sure it's a friend you can afford to lose in the off chance that he does. If your girlfriend asks what the conversation is about, tell her it's about your "friend". Got it? Good.

Step 3: Making the Connection

Now you're ready to start talking to her one on one. If you don't have her phone number, you must "accidentally" meet her somewhere. Just show up where you know she will be. When you meet, talk about your "friend" from Step 2 or about your girlfriend. Make sure that you talk about specific things, so it appears you have a reason to be talking to her. When you feel ready, ask for her number, with the intention of calling her about your girlfriend. The trick here is to make it seem innocent enough that she doesn't get too suspicious. Once you start getting to know her better, start talking about her interests. If all goes well, move on to step 4.

Step 4: A Shoulder to Lean on

This is probably the most important part of the process. If you've done everything right up to this point, it should be easy. If you haven't developed that bond with the friend, wait until you're sure, since this is the acid test of ultimate success.

This is what you do: bring up a vague problem you've been having with your girlfriend. Don't make it too specific. Something like, "You've been spending a lot of time with your friends and I feel ignored" works well. Don't make it too serious, either, and back down if she starts getting defensive. The last thing you want to do is lose both girls.

Ok, now that you've got the problem, call her friend and ask to meet. Make it sound urgent and don't go into too many details over the phone. Once you meet her, tell her about your fight with your girlfriend. You have to sound emotionally upset. This is the key. If she backs away and doesn't shower you with affection, then some things just weren't meant to be. If she digs you, though, she'll try to comfort you in your hour of need, and will have achieved what very few men have done- score with two hot friends.