I've been a recruiter for 11 years now so I have a lot of experience with negotiating. I think it get's harder to counter after your initial counter, but it can be done. Let me ask you this, if they come back low are you ok with walking away? I think the strongest move you can make is respectfully saying something like "I want the job and I think I'd be a great fit with your company and team. If you can meet me at $____ I'd accept today and give my notice. If you can't go any higher, I understand. Financially it doesn't make sense for me at this amount, so I unfortunately would have to decline." Of course they still may walk away, but if it's close they may come back with the offer you want. I think you need to have the lowest number in your head that you're ok with. Make sure it's a number that won't leave you resentful down the road because you don't want to be in that type of position. In my opinion companies get to the point of "forget this guy" when a candidate is waffling or passively asking for more multiple times (for money or vacation, etc). I think if you're strong they will respect it and hopefully come up to what you are asking for. Again, please know that with this type of move you may lose the job. Having a job you know you'd love is worth a lot. So again, figure out what your low dollar amount is that still leaves you happy with the decision. If they can't meet that, I'd use a counter like I mentioned.