Fogell,
You are asking a good question. Most of this comes from in-field calibration. How many negs should you limit yourself too, never limit yourself. Okay since I know this post will be somewhat disputed this is a "general rule of thumb." Using the HB Rating Scale, which I'm not that fond of here is how many negs I typically use. I start the scale at 6 because I won't even consider anything below that. Please remember the HB rating scale is how "she" view herself. For example an HB7 that works in a strip club is a typical HB7 on the street, but when she's at work her mentality is probably HB9.
HB6-HB7. Typically 1-2 descent negs is all you need after opening inserted sometime in the first 10 minutes of conversation. Always remember to use your disinterested rocking out body language when opening.
HB8. 2-3 descent negs will soften her up. Continue to tease and banter, and as always be sure not to give away IOIs with body language.
HB9 & HB10. 3-4 negs is typically what is needed. For true HB9s and HB10s I will typically open with a neg, or drop one in the first few seconds of conversation. Firing of a couple up front will make life easier.
Then like you said you want to start looking for 3 solid IOIs. Typically by the time you count 3 there have been more but thats what we saw. Remember the biggest IOIs are when she touches you in any way, she reinitiates conversation, she touches her hair, and great eye contact. For a bigger list search the forum.
When you have your 3 IOIs time to stop the negging, you can stop ignoring your target, and SOI. Now you need her to start talking, so she can DHV herself, and you can show interest.
