Don't bother with The Game if you want to learn about the techniques in a practical way, though it's fascinating reading and well worth reading for the story (it's more of a "history of game").

Especially don't take The Game as a manual. Much of what it describes is perhaps the worst aspects of "old style" game, full of manipulation and scripted material. A lot of newer stuff is far more palatable for most people, and much more "human".

Check out fastseduction.com or rsdnation.com - both are huge free resources.

fastseduction.com has archives of most of the posts referenced in The Game, as well as assorted guides and a step by step guide with references to reading material etc. for people who are new.