The Long Game 

The gratuitously long yet rewarding journey of courting a woman into becoming your girlfriend.

Coleman played the Long Game in order to win the heart of Katherine and make her, his girlfriend.

The Long Game by Dr. Hambone April 27, 2015

The Long Game 

When two people, who, by chance like each other, but can't commit themselves to a relationship straight away (maybe due to age difference, or other situations etc.) agree to play The Long Game, essentially saying "I'll wait for you".

"Look, I'm in it for The Long Game. I know you're always out there, and I know you are too."

The Long Game by funkyspidertatoes July 23, 2021

playing the long game

The saying playing the long game refers to active participation in achieving goals which may take some time.

Susan knew that all she had to do was wait and watch, and eventually her cruel boss would do something so bad she'd be able to report him. She was good at playing the long game.
His friends called it being friend zoned, he called it playing the long game, but she called it being a fuckboy.
On the show Supernatural, both Big Bads have been playing Long Games to fulfill their plans. We won't find out what the final result will be until the season finale.

playing the long game by RenRen March 16, 2016