A triage system for what to say after any opener or "game move" — the opener itself "matters a little bit, but what comes after matters tremendously more." Every move produces one of three reactions, each calling for a specific, different follow-up:
Move the conversation from strangers toward more commitment, investment, and positivity — e.g. "I'm Todd, nice to meet you. Who are you?" This is a specific case of the broader Momentum Management in Graduated Escalation pattern.
Disengage rather than repeat the failed move ("the definition of insanity is to keep doing the same thing and expecting a different result"), then pivot to an unrelated topic. The specific line for this is a False Time Constraint: "Hey, just kidding, I got to go in a minute, but anyway..." — implying you have to leave soon before pivoting. This is a self-directed exit line, distinct from Leading With an Off-Ramp, which gives her the exit rather than you.
A neutral response ("Oh, thanks") usually means she's fine with or even likes what's happening but was caught by surprise or unprepared — not that she's disinterested. Add more detail or a more specific observation to give her a second, easier chance to respond, then re-read her next reaction as positive, negative, or neutral again. The framework is recursive: elaborating can loop through several neutral responses until a clear signal finally appears.
This applies beyond openers — to any emotionally charged move throughout an interaction, including compliments, teases, and shit tests (see Push-Pull Teasing). Escalating straight off a negative or a shit test is a mistake — see Banter, Win, Escalate Sequence for why winning must come first.