I think following routines and using canned lines can be useful at the beginning as a way of getting your foot in the door but don't get stuck in them. When you get as good as Phil and Kowalski you can just drop them completely and go freestyle.

You have to mess up a lot to figure out what does and doesn't work. I don't think negging has ever got me laid. It may have satisfied me to do it sometimes just when someone has been rude to me.

I like some of the things that Mystery says but you have to take it with a pinch of salt. There are also a lot of things in there which I would never do. It's overly technical and a bit robotic. Also, you must bear in mind that it was created in Hollywood for women who are up their own arses.

If you are going to use routines, use ones that are congruent with your personality. I am very interested in psychology so I use riddles. Quite often the group have some of their own and I get to learn a new one.

I play the cube a lot. I do it because I genuinely like it and would do that sort of thing anyway, even if it were not for pick up. But it just so happens to have the added benefit of creating connection.

I also tell a lot of stories (I have a lot to tell. I've had a very interesting life). If you are a funny guy and like comedy, learn some jokes and tell them. You can even use them as openers.

Have fun. Good luck.

Don't get stuck in a rut. Too much game can fuck up your game.