I'm fairly systematic about my searches. I have a bookmark set with my "preset" search which is:
Include: Male Protagonist
Exclude: Lesbian, NTR, Gay, Female Protagonist, 3d Game and Real Porn
I also exclude; Completed, on hold, collection, site rip and abandoned
I also include harem and incest frequently, but also sometimes include sandbox, corruption, virgin and likely a couple others I've forgotten
I also often exclude Japanese Game often, also likely forgetting some as well.
Furthermore, I do occasionally remove the lesbian and gay tags depending on my mood.
Additionally, I do sometimes limit engine. Generally keep only search for Renpy when I do.