Ladies, question for you: To bring a date to this event or not?

I'll be at a birthday party in the near future and a girl I like will be there. I have met her once when I had my girlfriend with me, who is now my ex girlfriend. I thought I'd just show up by myself and hope to talk to her and if things go well, at least get a date with her. A friend of mine thinks it's better if I bring a date with me to get a date with this girl. I understand the theory behind that, but this comes off playerish to me. What do you think?