I have a lot of thoughts to this, but I also have a pinched nerve in my neck right now so my response probably won't be as thorough as I'd like.
Personally, I think the only rule that matter is this: Be interesting.
Think about what you want to do with your opener. As Steerpike said, what kind of show do you want? If you're doing a really classic style act, then yes a manipulation act or something like that can be a good opener. Show you have skill, establish yourself as an expert. Show them your character right away.
Personally, the only thing I do is avoid audience participation in the first bit. This is because to my audiences I am an unknown and they have no reason to trust me not to embarrass them yet. I tend to start my shows visually, but not quickly. I like to use something that will create a slightly eery, weird feeling because that's more what my shows have.