Best Bumble Prompts: 30+ Opening Moves That Get Responses

Bumble's opening moves are pre-written questions you send to start conversations. Women have 24 hours to pick one and send it. Then matches have 24 hours to respond.

Most people pick the first boring question they see ("Hey, how's your week going?") and get one-word answers or silence.

Here's what actually works: questions that are interesting enough to make someone want to respond, but easy enough that they don't have to write an essay.

I've analyzed thousands of Bumble conversations. The opening moves that lead to actual dates have one thing in common - they make responding fun instead of feeling like work.

This guide breaks down the best opening move prompts to send, shows you how to respond when you receive them, and explains what makes each one effective.

According to Bumble's 2025 research, 87% of users connect better when conversations start with authentic questions rather than generic greetings.

Let's get into which prompts actually work and how to answer them.

How Bumble Opening Moves Work

Quick rundown if you're new to this:

If you're a woman (or making the first move):

• You have 24 hours to send an opening move to your match
• You can write a custom message OR pick from pre-written prompts
• Pre-written prompts are often easier and lead to better responses

If you're receiving an opening move:

• You have 24 hours to respond or the match expires
• Your response should be interesting enough to keep the conversation going
• One-word answers kill momentum fast

The goal is simple: pick questions that are easy to answer creatively, and respond in ways that invite more conversation.

The Best Opening Moves to Send

These prompts consistently get good responses.

"If You Were a Food, What Would You Be and Why?"

Why this works: It's creative without being hard. Everyone has an opinion about food.

When to use it: When their profile shows personality and you want a playful start.

What good responses look like:

"Sourdough bread. Takes time to develop properly, a little tangy, way better than mass-produced stuff"→ This shows self-awareness and humor

"Hot sauce because I improve everything and some people can't handle the intensity"→ Confident and flirty without being over the top

"Mystery leftovers from the back of the fridge. High risk, potentially high reward"→ Funny and self-deprecating

How to respond if you receive this:

Pick a food that actually describes your personality, not just your favorite food. Explain why in 1-2 sentences. Add one detail that makes it memorable.

Example: "Probably espresso. Small, intense, and I'll keep you thinking about me. What about you?"

See how that invites them to answer back? That's the goal.

"What's Your Go-To Karaoke Song?"

Why this works: Everyone either loves karaoke or has strong opinions about it. Plus it reveals music taste.

When to use it: When you want something light and fun that leads to talking about music.

What good responses look like:

"Bohemian Rhapsody because I commit to the full 6-minute performance and yes, I do all the parts"→ Shows they're fun and don't take themselves seriously

"I don't do karaoke but if forced, probably something where everyone else sings along so I can hide"→ Honest and relatable

"Total Eclipse of the Heart. I need the drama and the key change"→ Specific and shows personality

How to respond if you receive this:

Pick an actual song. Explain why you chose it. If you hate karaoke, say that but suggest an alternative music topic.

Example: "Turn Around Bright Eyes every single time. I need the theatrical moment. Do you actually go to karaoke or is this hypothetical?"

"Two Truths and a Lie"

Why this works: It's a game. People like solving puzzles.

When to use it: When their profile shows they're playful or you want to stand out.

What good responses look like:

"I've eaten tarantulas in Cambodia, I speak fluent Japanese, I'm afraid of butterflies"→ Specific and hard to guess

"I once accidentally crashed a wedding, I have a tattoo of my childhood dog, I can solve a Rubik's cube blindfolded"→ Each one is interesting enough to ask about

"I've never seen Star Wars, I make my own kombucha, I lived in Iceland for a year"→ Mix of mundane and impressive makes it harder to guess

How to respond if you receive this:

Make your guess, but also ask a follow-up question about the most interesting one whether you're right or wrong.

Example: "I'm guessing the butterfly thing is the lie because that's too specific to make up. But also - tarantulas??? What do they taste like?"

"Perfect First Date?"

Why this works: Gives you insight into what they want AND makes planning easier if things go well.

When to use it: When you're genuinely interested and might actually want to meet up.

What good responses look like:

"Coffee walk through a park where we can actually hear each other talk, not a loud bar where we're shouting"→ Shows they want real conversation

"Dive bar with cheap beer and a dartboard. Loser buys the next round"→ Casual and competitive in a fun way

"Farmers market breakfast, then hitting vintage shops and debating which ugly lamp is the ugliest"→ Specific and quirky, shows their interests

How to respond if you receive this:

Describe something you'd actually enjoy. Be specific about the vibe, not just the activity. Add a question about their ideal date.

Example: "Trying a new restaurant neither of us has been to, so we're both discovering it together. What's yours - are you more coffee date or dinner date?"

"What's Your Most Controversial Opinion?"

Why this works: Creates engagement through friendly debate. Just stay away from actually controversial stuff.

When to use it: When you want to see their personality and sense of humor.

What good responses look like:

"Breakfast food is acceptable at every meal but dinner food should stay in its lane"→ Silly controversy that's fun to debate

"The book is rarely better than the movie and I will die on this hill"→ Bold take that will get strong reactions

"Pineapple on pizza is correct and people who disagree haven't tried the right combination"→ Classic debate that everyone has opinions on

How to respond if you receive this:

Give your actual hot take on something non-serious. Be ready to defend it. Ask their opinion.

Example: "Cereal is a soup and nobody can convince me otherwise. What's yours - I'm ready to either strongly agree or fight about it"

"I Get Way Too Excited About..."

Why this works: Shows what they're passionate about. Passion is attractive.

When to use it: When you want to see what lights them up.

What good responses look like:

"New restaurant openings. I keep a spreadsheet ranking every place I try"→ Shows enthusiasm and organization

"Finding the perfect hiking trail that nobody else knows about yet"→ Adventurous but also likes solitude

"Used bookstores with creaky floors and the smell of old pages. I can spend three hours lost in there"→ Nostalgic and literary

How to respond if you receive this:

Pick something you genuinely get excited about. Explain why. Make it visual so they can picture you doing it.

Example: "Dog parks. Watching dogs just be absolutely thrilled about life for no reason fixes my mood instantly. What gets you unreasonably excited?"

"What's Something You're Surprisingly Good At?"

Why this works: Everyone has hidden talents. This is their chance to show off.

When to use it: When you want to learn something unexpected about them.

What good responses look like:

"Parallel parking. Put me in the tightest spot and I'll nail it first try"→ Specific and oddly impressive

"Guessing people's coffee orders with disturbing accuracy. You're definitely an oat milk latte person"→ Fun and gives you something to confirm or deny

"Falling asleep anywhere. Movie theaters, concerts, standing up. It's both a gift and a curse"→ Funny and relatable

How to respond if you receive this:

Pick something genuinely surprising - not just "I'm good at my job." Add humor if it's not actually impressive.

Example: "I can identify any pasta shape by name. Useful exactly never but I'm weirdly proud of it. What's your useless superpower?"

"Beach or Mountains?"

Why this works: Simple choice that reveals a lot about lifestyle preferences.

When to use it: When you want an easy conversation starter.

What good responses look like:

"Mountains. The rugged landscape and the quiet just hits different"→ Shows they value nature and solitude

"Beach every time. Salt air, sound of waves, getting a tan - can't beat it"→ Shows they're more social and relaxed

"Both but for different reasons. Beach in summer, mountains in fall"→ Balanced and thoughtful

How to respond if you receive this:

Pick one and explain why. Or explain why you can't choose. Ask them back.

Example: "Mountains. The ocean is great but I need that crispy forest air and the views from the summit. You seem like a beach person - am I right?"

"What's Your Hidden Talent?"

Why this works: Similar to "surprisingly good at" but invites slightly more impressive answers.

When to use it: When you want them to brag a little.

What good responses look like:

"I can solve a Rubik's cube in under a minute"→ Actually impressive

"I speak three languages fluently and can get by in two more"→ Shows worldliness

"I can cook a perfect steak every single time. It's the one thing I've mastered"→ Practical and appealing

How to respond if you receive this:

Be honest even if it's not that impressive. Add humor if needed. Ask about theirs.

Example: "I can pack a week's worth of clothes into a carry-on. It's a weird flex but it's mine. What's yours?"

"Nightclub or Netflix?"

Why this works: Quickly shows energy levels and lifestyle.

When to use it: When you want to know their typical Friday night vibe.

What good responses look like:

"Netflix 90% of the time but that 10% at a nightclub hits different"→ Honest and balanced

"Nightclub if they're playing 90s hip-hop, otherwise Netflix"→ Specific conditions show personality

"Netflix and it's not close. Give me a blanket and a show to binge"→ Clear preference, no apologies

How to respond if you receive this:

Be honest about your preference. You'll filter for compatible energy levels. Add context.

Example: "Depends on the week but usually Netflix. I need like three business days to recover from a night out now. You?"

Opening Moves to Avoid

Some prompts seem fine but consistently get bad responses.

"How's Your Week Going?"

Why it fails: Too generic. Feels like small talk with a coworker.

The responses you get: "Good, you?" and then silence.

"What Do You Do for Fun?"

Why it fails: Too broad. People freeze trying to summarize their entire personality.

The responses you get: "Hang out with friends, watch Netflix" - things everyone does.

"Tell Me Something Interesting About Yourself"

Why it fails: Too much pressure. They have to decide what counts as "interesting."

The responses you get: Either silence or something generic about travel.

"Why Did You Swipe Right on Me?"

Why it fails: Puts them on the spot. Feels like a test.

The responses you get: "You seemed cool" or awkward fumbling.

"What Are You Looking For?"

Why it fails: Too serious too fast. This is first message territory.

The responses you get: Defensive answers or ghosting.

How to Write Custom Opening Messages

Sometimes pre-written prompts don't fit. Here's how to write your own.

Reference Something Specific From Their Profile

Bad: "Hey, I see you like hiking"Good: "Your photo at Yosemite - did you do Half Dome or just the valley trails?"

The second shows you actually looked at their profile.

Ask Questions They'll Want to Answer

Bad: "What do you do?"Good: "I saw you mentioned you're a designer - what kind of projects are you working on?"

The second is specific and shows genuine interest.

Keep It Short

Bad: A paragraph explaining why you matchedGood: 1-2 sentences maximum

You're starting a conversation, not writing a letter.

Add Personality Without Trying Too Hard

Bad: "Hey there beautiful, you have an amazing smile"Good: "That photo of you with the rescue dog - please tell me you kept the dog"

The second is observational and playful without being creepy.

How to Respond to Opening Moves

You've received a prompt. Now what?

Rule 1: Actually Answer the Question

This seems obvious but people skip it constantly.

If they ask "What's your go-to karaoke song?"Bad: "I don't really do karaoke"Good: "I avoid karaoke like the plague but if forced, probably Mr. Brightside so everyone else sings along"

Both answers say you don't do karaoke, but one continues the conversation.

Rule 2: Add a Detail That Invites Follow-Up

Don't just answer - give them something to respond to.

Question: "Beach or mountains?"Bad: "Beach"Good: "Beach every time. There's something about the sound of waves that completely resets my brain. You?"

The second gives them a detail to comment on and asks them back.

Rule 3: Ask a Question Back

Keep the momentum going.

Question: "Perfect first date?"Bad: "Coffee and a walk"Good: "Coffee and a walk somewhere with good people-watching. What's yours - are you more coffee date or dinner date energy?"

The second keeps the conversation moving.

Rule 4: Match Their Energy

If they sent something playful, be playful back.If they sent something thoughtful, be thoughtful back.

Question: "Two truths and a lie"Their energy: SillyBad: Serious response about your career achievementsGood: "I've never broken a bone, I once convinced my office our CEO's middle name was Thunderbolt for 6 months, I'm allergic to strawberries"

Rule 5: Show Personality

Your answer should sound like you talking, not like you're filling out a form.

Question: "What are you surprisingly good at?"Bad: "I'm good at problem-solving"Good: "I can identify any dog breed in under 5 seconds. Mutt? Still got it. I'm basically a dog encyclopedia"

The second has personality and humor.

What to Do After the Opening Move Exchange

You've both answered the opening move question. Now the real conversation starts.

Option 1: Go Deeper on Their Answer

They said they're a beach person? Ask about their favorite beach or last beach trip.

They said they're surprisingly good at cooking? Ask what their signature dish is.

Option 2: Pivot to Related Topic

They said they love hiking? Transition to asking about other outdoor activities or travel.

They said they're a Netflix person? Ask what they're watching currently.

Option 3: Suggest Meeting Up

If the conversation is flowing and you're interested:

"This is a fun conversation - want to continue it over coffee this week?"

According to Bumble's features, users who move from messaging to meeting within the first few days have better success rates.

Don't message for weeks. Strike while the iron is hot.

Common Mistakes When Using Opening Moves

These patterns kill conversations.

Mistake 1: Sending Generic Prompts to Everyone

"How's your week?" sent to every match feels impersonal.

Better: Choose prompts based on their profile. Outdoorsy person? Ask about beach vs mountains.

Mistake 2: Not Reading Their Answer Carefully

They gave you a detailed answer and you respond with "cool."

Better: Comment on something specific from their answer.

Mistake 3: Taking Too Long to Respond

The match expires in 24 hours. Don't wait 23 hours to respond.

Better: Respond within a few hours while you're still on their mind.

Mistake 4: One-Word Answers

They asked a question and you reply "Yeah" or "Not much."

Better: Even if your answer is simple, add context and ask them back.

Mistake 5: Turning It Into an Interview

You ask three questions in a row without sharing anything about yourself.

Better: Answer, share, then ask. Create actual conversation.

The 24-Hour Window Strategy

Bumble's timer creates urgency. Use it strategically.

For Women Sending Opening Moves:

Don't wait: Send the opening move within a few hours of matching. The sooner you send it, the sooner they can respond.

Choose wisely: Pick a prompt their profile suggests they can answer well.

Send before they're active: Look at their "Active X hours ago" status. Send when they're likely to be online soon.

For People Receiving Opening Moves:

Respond quickly: Ideally within 2-3 hours. Shows interest and keeps momentum.

Put effort in: Don't phone it in with one-word answers just because you're busy.

Ask them back: Most opening moves work both ways. Flip the question to them.

Real Examples of Great Opening Move Conversations

These led to actual dates:

Example 1:Opening: "If you were a food what would you be?"Response: "Definitely hot sauce. I add spice to everything and some people can't handle it. What about you?"Follow-up: "I love this answer. I'm probably aged cheddar - sharp, better with time, pairs well with wine"Result: Conversation about favorite restaurants, led to date at a wine bar

Example 2:Opening: "Beach or mountains?"Response: "Mountains all the way. The quiet and the views just can't be beat. You seem like a beach person based on your photos?"Follow-up: "You got me - beach every time. But I'd be down to try a mountain hike if you know a good spot"Result: First date hiking, second date at the beach

Example 3:Opening: "What's your most controversial opinion?"Response: "Breakfast food is valid at every meal. Pancakes for dinner? Yes. What's yours?"Follow-up: "I'm with you 100%. Also cereal is a soup"Result: Bonded over food opinions, first date at a breakfast-all-day diner

Your Opening Move Checklist

Before sending an opening move:

• Did I look at their profile first?
• Does this prompt relate to something they mentioned or showed?
• Is this question easy to answer creatively?
• Would I want to answer this if someone sent it to me?
• Is it better than just "hey"?

Before responding to an opening move:

• Did I actually answer the question?
• Did I add enough detail to continue the conversation?
• Did I ask them something back?
• Does this sound like me talking?
• Did I respond within 24 hours?

The Bottom Line

Bumble's opening moves exist to make starting conversations easier.

The best ones are interesting enough to get creative answers but simple enough that people don't freeze.

If you're sending: Pick prompts that relate to their profile. Make it easy for them to respond with personality.

If you're receiving: Actually answer the question with details. Add personality. Ask them back.

The goal isn't to craft the perfect opening - it's to start a real conversation that leads to meeting in person.

Choose prompts strategically. Respond thoughtfully. Move to meeting up quickly.

That's how opening moves turn into actual dates.

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