[ Different topics require different levels of subtlety. Asking for an alliance can be straight-forward, admitting that she wants to use the right pieces, of course. It's when you start investigating potential weaknesses of your allies that you need a lighter touch.

The classics. This man likes to look at himself as higher than others, as most people tend to, but doesn't want to be seen as someone who only looks at what makes him appear in higher status. Anastasia knows that much from being a social climber herself. ]

What genres might those be? The classics are enjoyed by most with taste, but it's the other ones that are always far more interesting to know about people.