Ok so last night me and 2 of my flatmates (both girls) went for our first proper night out. Cue me wearing my trilby and assorted interesting garments and feeling like the fucking man. Good.

We started out at the union bar, whereupon I approached a seated 4-set using the absolute classic jealous girlfriend opener. What can I say - it was the first thing that popped into my mind. Anyway the set went well, I had good kino with the target, opened the group well and everything was gravy, especially the best friends test (even though they'd only known each other 3 days). Then I found out that my target was a first year dentist (my old course) so that proved a good connecting point. Also chatted with the obstacle (who was fairly fit herself, about a 7/7.5) about playing the piano, which was quite good for DHVing (I'm good at the piano - I don't mean to brag, but I am). The interaction culminated in the target (an 8) asking for my number so she could buy my old textbooks (it would've been nicer had she asked for my number because I was fun and interesting but them's the brakes). I said that I never gave my number out, but that if she gave me hers I'd promise to call her. She said she didn't know her number (yeah right) and ended up taking mine anyway. After this they all fucked off.

So a decent first set, which was backed up by me being opened by a 4 set of freshers (3 guys and a relatively unattractive girl) when my friends went to the loo. All good stuff, got the confidence going a lot, had a chat about the football.

After this we hit lounge. Let me explain for those who don't know. Lounge is probably the smallest, shittest grime-fest in the history of Bristol. It's dirty, the music is shocking and it's populated almost entirely by snobby socialite-type students and posh rugby players, so I immediately hated everyone in there. No matter though, I opened a 3 set (2 guys and a HB9). I can't even remember what I said, it was spur-of-the-moment type stuff. Anyway, I SOI'd the girl and got chatting to the lads. I stayed in set for a bit, got chatting to everyone, and then invited the girl to come sit with me because I wanted to show her something. I did the ring/finger routine, which she loved, and was about to launch into the pen15 routine when I realised I'd forgotten my pen. Balls. No matter, I ploughed on and after another couple of minutes, before thinking "balls to this, I'm going for it".

Essentially I ran the spontaneity test, which involves getting the girl to put her hands on your shoulders and yours on her waist, at which point you say "on a scale of 1 to 10, how spontaneous are you?" Whatever she says, you come back with "well I'm a 10, I do crazy stuff all the time...like this" and go for the kiss. Alas, this time she was like "Whoa!" and pulled away, but she at least said to me "that was a good one though, you nearly had me!" which is nice and encouraging.

After this there was some fairly low level stuff, opened a few sets here and there to little effect, but to be honest I was more into having fun with my friends, and was a little deflated by my earlier failure. One girl was quite mean in her rejection of my opener, but I guess there's always going to be people who are like this. A good night overall.

So some learning points:

1) In the set in the Union I didn't engage the entire set enough. The 4 set was part of a larger group and I just ended up engaging the target and the obstacle. I had no interaction with anyone else, despite some of them leaning in and attempting to get in on the conversation. Other than that, I don't think I set the right frame from the off. I think they thought of me as the friendly guy who had come to have a chat. Perhaps should've shown more intent from the off.

2) I turned the kiss rejection over in my head all day, wondering where it went wrong but I think I got it. The interaction was too fast. I went from opening her to trying to kiss her in what can't have been more than 5 minutes. Not only that, I didn't demonstrate enough value to her and her group and to be honest I don't think I reached that "hook point". I get the feeling she let me show her something out of politeness.

3) If you wear a hat in a club, be prepared for people to act like pricks towards you. The number of times I had my hat nicked or flicked off my head was unbelievable. I had to tell quite a few people not to be a cunt, so wear them with caution!

4) I went for moderation on the alcohol front last night. At no point was I any drunker than 5/10, just enough to have a good time and be sociable, and this was probably my most successful night so far. Maybe the lack of alcohol, maybe experience, I'll let you decide. Alas, when I got home, the moderation policy didn't extend to other intoxicating substances, hence today's absolute beast of a hangover.

5) On a slightly lighter note, it was quite nice being out with my flatmates, especially since this is the first time they've seen me pulling. All last year I was after a relationship, and such (and because I had zero game) never tried pulling randomers. This year it's different, and it felt quite good in the union when they were like "oh my god I can't believe you went and just talked to those people, that takes such balls!"

Also, I need some advice at this juncture. With seated sets, what's the general etiquette? I sat down almost right away, immediately after delivering the opener. This presented several problems - firstly that it gave the impression that I was going to stick around (despite giving the false time constraint), but also had I wanted to isolate the target I couldn't very well say "lets go sit over here" because we were already seated. Some input needed here fellas.

Anyway, that's it. Tonight was meant to be on but Hustler text earlier to say he's got man flu, and to be honest after last night I'm feeling extremely rough. My apologies to Pavel and Sapphire, I promise I'll meet you guys later in the week (sadly Friday is right out since we're having another massive night out with the flatmates, plus the girl who fucked me over so much last year...should be interesting!)

Just remembered I forgot to do the Apocalypse - balls.

Well done for getting out there and getting right amongst it. Much respect to ya. I wish i had some suggestions i could make to help but i can't think of any. Just keep doing your thing bud and i'm sure you'll see greater results as you progress.

Nick

A good field report dude.

I love the rush opening sets give me, and as you said when you come back from opening sets and your friends are in awe at your confidence.. thats quite a feeling

In regards to opening sets, what I tend to do is this.. (i know its a little text book, but it works).
1) whist walking make eye contact with a member of the group before/during when you walk past.
2) go straight in for the opener. just as you did in your field report, opinion openers are perfect for large sets.
3) whilst your talking to them, grab a spare chair thats within reaching distance (if theres one round), swing it round and sit down. hopefully at the head of the table. (i find this place is usually free and instantly makes you centre of attention.)

i've never had any success when talking to a seated set when standing up. i've never felt part of the group when standing and they're sitting. and if you're not feeling it... neither are they.

4) just before you give the opener, I always go with something like "hey, quick question guys, before i grab a drink..."

5) whilst i give my opener, 1/2 way through i tend to spontaneously say "hey! wicked hat btw.." and carry straight on with my story. shows your spontaneous, confident and you then don't appear too intimidating.

Then when you want to leave you can go with "right thanks guys, im gonna go grab my drink! ... anyone else coming to the bar?" and if you deliver that line looking at your target, majority of times she'll join you.

Which is essentially what you described, minus the time constraint?


I believe it was you who was saying your style is similar to mine? cocky/fun/playful/confident? .. If so, if I can pull it off i'm sure you won't have any problems next time.


When you do the apocalypse... I want field reports!! I'm gonna try that in london this weekend with Wheeler, so i'll post back.

Damn, now that you've apologised so sincerely I'm going to have to cancel that "contract" I took out on you

Anyway nice report. Myself I got on really well with a scorching hot brazilian I was on a date with last night and thurs I got one of my FBs comming round. Will see whats happening later.

(s)