Putting together a routine stack

[El Fenix]

Using a usual routine stack is something guy's like CJ do, and I recently got the bug to develop one of my own. It's not that different from using a set pitch in sales, so it seems. Allows for more effective and predictable results, rather then "freestyling" as I sarge now. I'd like to have a set gameplan for material.

Any advice you guys have to give on this?

[El Fenix]

Seriously, I'm asking for some pointers here. If you've done it, please chime in.

[Finesse]

See... I think thats the problem.... most people that are here dont have one, and the ones that do would probably perfer not to post for fear of losing some of their material to the discerning crowd..... or maybe some other reason, who knows.....

but i do think that not many people here actually have a stack.

[El Fenix]

Your probably right. I've done this kinda seriously for about 6 months and dont have one. I'd bet that 9 out of 10 guys on here dont have one.
Up till now I know some material and throw it in when I got the chance, but mostly I'd not have any set pattern for my routines.
Well, I'm looking to step up my game to the next level, and that involves a routine stack. This makes it kinda like Led Zeppelin doing Whole Lotta Love in concert. It changes a little every night, but all the main parts are the same.
So, know that soon that when I go out here in the DFW I will have a stack that I will be fine tuning.

[Tracer]

So correct me if I am wrong

Stacks - are a conversation routine that controls the "Frame" of the set which you control.

Threats - are conversation items (stories, questions)

Gambits - are for entertainment (palm reading, magic tricks or jokes)

[status_]

usually i just go with the flow and improvise throughout my sets.

there's nothing better than a guy that can conversate with a girl through the progression model and be witty at the same time.

definately keeps you on ur feet..

[Rhody]

I haven't heard of the term "threats." A "stack" is just a series of routines that you try to do in every set. You would likely have an opener, a few DHV routines, some transition material to get to know the group, and some comfort material to use when you isolate the target.

El fenix, I bet you have had some semblance of a routine stack. Maybe you didn't have a stack of index cards, but you knew what your favorite opener was, you knew you were going to do the best friends test, you knew you were going to ask "how do you know each other," you know you're going to run the cube in comfort, etc. I'm not sure if that is the "next level." I think that is something you do (did) as a beginner.

Guys, tell me if I'm right about this. Once you internalize those routines, there's no need to rehearse them in any particular order. You just instinctively pull them out at the right time.

On the other hand, there are so many openers and routines that it's hard to stick with a few and get them perfect. Using only a few routines allows you to practice every permutation that might come up. Women are unpredictable. But my question is, don't you already have a few routines that are your favorites, that you use all the time?

[Tracer]

Ha ha I meant Threads...

I personally like observation or situational openers, but I have a couple of canned ones that seem to work with mixed success which I think was contributed to my approach.

I haven't really used any gambits or games yet, but I think that will be the next thing I try, but I don't wanna use what everyone else is using. I do wanna try Style's question game, but shouldn't that be after you isolate the target?

[Finesse]

So correct me if I am wrong

Stacks - are a conversation routine that controls the "Frame" of the set which you control.

Threats - are conversation items (stories, questions)

Gambits - are for entertainment (palm reading, magic tricks or jokes)

1:Basically
2:Threads and just paths the story can take consider a conversation like a string, in that you have multiple threads that make up the string and they all intertwine together. But more or less yes, they are conversation Items.
3:Gambits arent for entertainment, gambits are a set of phrases that will most likely get a desired response. Gambits coax a desired response.

A better formed stack should yield better results though. because then you can fine tweak it, to perfect your desired responses.

Tell a person "Hi" and I bet they say "Hi(or some form of it)" back to you.

Stacks just help you gain frame control.

[Twitchy]

The purpose of a routine stack is 3 fold...

1) It helps you to not fuck up and say something stupid if you are nervous, get distracted, have an AMOG, a serious bitch shield/shit test.

2) You can test the stack over and over in the field and after a while, will realize that there are just a few normal responses you get. You can then create responses to those responses so that you don't have to come up with something witty on the fly

3) It helps to fill in dead space. A routine stack can be whipped out any time - the opener, in comfort - it doesn't matter. It is a crutch to fall back on.

That reminds me, I need to create one myself....