In a nation where the number 8 is considered the height of good luck, it comes as no surprise that today's Olympic Games opening ceremony in Beijing is scheduled for 8.08pm on 08.08.08 (and there you were thinking it was just a happy coincidence...).

And so, echoing this Chinese superstition (and in a bid to bestow a bit of good luck on old Team GB), we've compiled a list of eight failsafe steps to enjoying this year's Games to the max...

1. Show your support for Queen and Country with a GB themed tee - we recommend the Union Flag T-Shirt from great British brand Ben Sherman.

2. Be inspired to take up a sport of your own (well, for two weeks at least) - you'll need a good pair of trainers.

3. In the event that we actually make it to any finals, plan your excuses in advance - with the seven-hour time difference between China and the UK equalling some 5am starts to view the live action, a few sneaky duvet days may be in order to catch up on sleep. Our failsafe excuse? "Bowel troubles". Works every time.

4. Speaking of excuses, you'll probably also need one to feed to the girlfriend when she enquires why you're showing such a keen interest in the women's volleyball competition...

5. Don't forget to set your watch for 7.30 on Monday morning to watch 14-year-old waterbaby Tom Daley in the diving competition - the youngster is one of our strongest medal hopes.

6. Take time to familiarise yourself with the 'top talent' of Beijing 2008 - FHM.com have a definitive list (rating not necessarily based upon sporting performance). We're especially liking the look of Bia and Branca Feres, the synchronised swimming twins. There is a god!

7. BMX is a new addition to the Olympic schedule this year, and Team GB has the chance of a gold medal in the competition with 19-year-old Shanaze Reade. In honour of the event, reincarnate your teenage, bike-riding self with a pair of Vans.

8. Erm...have a good one!