you think 8x3 will be a good one to start with?
I use a routine similar to that up to 80% [8X3].I pyramid the weight starting at 10% at 10% at a time until get to 80% then I use a 1x1 routine like this ;
1x1 90%
1x1 95%
1x1 100%
If I feel stronger I increase the weight for a new 1RM .If I am not having a particular good day I may stop at 80% or 90%
I use a workout schedule like this ;
Monday squat day
Tuesday off day
Wednesday bench day
Thursday off day
Friday deadlift day
Saturday off day
Sunday off day
I try to do cardio every day but can't for different reasons occasionally .
On the core lift days I do the bare minimum of the supplemental and accessory exercises that involve each muscle involved in each of the corelifts .I do them with more of a bodybuilding rep and set scheme such as 4x8 .Plus I do a different ab exercise each core lift day .These are 5x25 .I was using the 4 day split Westside Barbell basic template 9 week routine .My current routine a mixture of the Westside Barbell routine and a Joe Average routine .I am just basically trying to add some size and strength for now .
I think it would depend on your goals as to what type of rep and set routine you should do .I can't compete at the time being but will later .My routine is basically a modified powerlifting routine .