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Memorizing Playing Cards (1)

We have been receiving a lot of requests to describe techniques for memorizing
playing cards and this is why we have developed this bonus material to help you equip
yourself with such a fun skill. We are confident that you will find it to be a pleasurable
experience when you impress your friends and relatives by demonstrating your
phenomenal memory while attending to such a leisurely activity as card games.
Memorizing playing cards technique is very simple. If you are familiar with GMS and
if you have already formed a memorization skill then you already can memorize and
recall random sequences of a set of 13 cards.
First, we will learn how to memorize 13 cards.
Things you have to have learned by now:
-

alpha-numeric code (1-N, 2-THZ, 3-B, 4-WVK, 5-FR, 6-JPX, 7-SD, 8-GQL, 9-C,
0-M)
100 support images formed by the Cicero method (support images have to be well
developed and memorized so that you can easily view them in your imagination).

Lets encode our first 13 cards by assigning each card its own figurative code.
Spades:
2 - S-THZ SHellfish
3 - S-B - SaBer
4 - S-WVK- SeaWeed
5 - S-FR- SaFe
6 - S-JPX- SaXaphone
7 - S-SD- SiDecar
8 - S-GQL- SoLdier
9 - S-C- eSCalator
1(0) - S-N- SaNd
Knave - S-K-N - SKuNk
King - S-K - SKeleton
Queen - S-Q - SeQuin
Ace - S-C - SauCer

Figurative codes must be well fixed. This means that you have to think of one unique
visual image for a card and never change it. Images must be clear, detailed, large and
colorful.

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If you happen to come up with a word (image) that is already associated with one of
previously memorized figurative codes then you will have to replace it with one that was
never used for coding numbers.
1. Take 13 cards (all spades) and on a reverse side of each card write a word (on a
reverse side of Queen of Spades, for instance, write down SeQuin). You may want
to use a pencil so that later on you can easily erase the words off the cards.
2. Memorize figurative codes using the Chain method. The first image (Shellfish),
connect to a playing card box. When memorizing using the Chain method connect
images in pairs.
Playing Card Box + Shellfish
Shellfish + Saber
Saber + Seaweed
Seaweed + Safe
Safe + Saxophone
Saxophone + Sidecar
Sidecar + Soldier
Soldier + Escalator
Escalator + Sand
Sand + Skunk
Skunk + Skeleton
Skeleton + Sequin
Sequin + Saucer
3. Memorize sequence of figurative codes through multiple recollections. Recall
images a few times in both sequential and reverse orders. When recalling an image,
focus on it for 2-3 seconds and abstain from having any other images in your mind at
the same time.
4. Now we have to create a connection between an image of a playing card (each card
has its own unique image) and a figurative code. Words denoting images are only
needed at first in order to ensure memorization of figurative codes. After creating a
connection, an image of a card has to instantly evoke a corresponding figurative code
(visual image) and vice versa.
Do not expect that you will fancy images the same way as if you dream in a sleep.
For example, the images have to be viewed in ones mind the same way you picture
your kitchen when you recall how it is arranged. Always picture images with your
eyes open. When you close your eyes, the clarity of your imagination does not
improve but worsen, because your eye retina starts generating impulses with high
frequency which inhibits visualization of images from your mind. Closing your eyes
does not mean switching them off.

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The next stage is creating connection between an image of a card and a figurative
code.
Take Spades 2 and hold it in front of your eyes as you would hold a book.
Simultaneously with perceiving an image of a card, visualize an image of a Shellfish
and try to picture it somewhere in between the card and your eyes. In order to do this
you will have to adjust your eye focus between closer and farther objects. Examine
the two combined images (perceived and visualized, imagined) for about one two
minutes.
Memorization is creating a connection, thus memorizing just one element is
senseless. When you see a card and at the same time visualize an image of a shellfish
on it then your brain has something to remember and it quickly memorizes the
connection.
Complete the same exercise with the rest of the cards.
5. Shuffle the 13 cards in order to randomize their sequence and check if you can
remember a visual image by a given card. At first it is acceptable to use
corresponding words as reminders but ideally you should see an image of a
shellfish prior to subvocalizing the actual word shellfish.
If, while looking through the cards, you realize that you cannot recall a particular
figurative code then you may turn the card and peek at the corresponding word. If it
happens, try to strengthen the connection between the two by placing imagined object
in between perceived one and your eyes for another 1-2 minutes.
As soon as you can fluently recall all figurative codes corresponding to the 13
cards in any order then you can move on to the next stage.
6. Shuffle the cards and review a prepared number of support images in your
imagination. Now you are ready to memorize a random sequence of the 13 cards.
View a random card, recall a corresponding figurative code and connect it to a
support image. For example, if your first support image is chair and a memorized
card is 2 of Spades then create a connection between the images of a chair and a
shellfish. In like manner, memorize all 13 cards.
Recall sequence of the cards. For this purpose you need to review the support
images while focusing on corresponding figurative codes and subvocalizing
denomination of a given card (2 of Spades). Recall the cards in reverse order and
then test yourself using the same deck of cards.
Memorize 13 more cards using the following (empty) support images. Recall them
in both sequential and reverse orders.

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Please note that it is important that you do not recall the cards more than 2-3 times
because thus you may risk spoiling the set of support images designed for the
exercises. Old connections (reinforced through repetition) will stay in the way of
memorizing new sequences in the following exercises. Support images may be used
multiple times.
We suggest that you do the following exercises:
Shuffle the cards while recalling their figurative codes images first and only then
denomination.
Shuffle the cards in your mind while recalling an image of a card and visualizing a
corresponding figurative code (visual image) on it.
Memorize random sequences of the cards onto the support images designed for
training purposes. If, for instance, you have 104 support images then in one exercise
lesson you can memorize eight random sequences out of the 13 cards.

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Memorizing Playing Cards (2)

Previously we talked about how to encode and memorize random sequences of a set
of 13 cards (all Spades). Today we will add to that 13 more cards (Diamonds) and
will exercise coding random sequences of a set of 26 cards (Spades and Diamonds)
We will need:
-

alpha-numeric code (1-N, 2-THZ, 3-B, 4-WVK, 5-FR, 6-JPX, 7-SD, 8-GQL, 9-C,
0-M)
104 support images formed by the Cicero method

Diamonds:
2 - D-THZ- aDZes
3 - D-B- DoBsonfly
4 - D-WVK- DoVe
5 - D-FR- DooR
6 - D-JPX-DiaPer
7 - D-SD- DaiSy
8 - D-GQL- DaGger
9 - D-C- DiCe
1(0) - D-N- DeNture
Knave - D-N - DoNkey
King - D-K- DiKa nut - edible oil-rich seed of wild mango
Queen - D-Q- DQ Dairy Queen something different
Ace - D-C- DoCument
1. On the reverse side of the cards write corresponding words with a pencil so that later,
once they are memorized, you can erase them.
2. Pay special attention to the set of carefully chosen visual images which, upon
memorization, will become a replacement for the playing cards.
Example:
7 of Diamonds is presented with an image of Daisy (flower). Imagine a daisy with a
pendant in a form of number 7 hanging on it.
Example:

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5 of Diamonds is presented by a door. Imagine a white door with a drawing of a big

red diamond on it.
3. After carefully selecting images, memorize a sequence of figurative codes using the
Chain method:
Adzes Dobsonfly
Dobsonfly Dove
Dove Door
Door Diaper
Diaper Daisy
Daisy Dagger
Dagger Dice
Dice Denture
Denture Donkey
Donkey Dika nut
Dika nut DQ (Dairy Queen)
DQ (Dairy Queen) Document

4. Create connections between cards and figurative codes. For that purpose, look at a card
and keeping it in a background imagine a corresponding figurative code on it.
5. Shuffle the cards and try to achieve an automatic association of a given card with its
figurative code.
6. Once you become confident with figurative codes please do the following exercises for
about 25 minutes:
Exercise 1 Memorizing 13 cards (Diamonds) onto 104 support images.
-

Memorize and recall the 13 cards. Shuffle.

Memorize 13 cards onto the following support images. Recall and shuffle.
Continue memorizing random sequences of the 13 cards onto all 104 support
images (8 times)
As soon as you can recall the cards without mistakes, move on to the next
exercise.

Exercise 2 Memorizing 26 cards (Spades and Diamonds) onto 104 support images.
-

Shuffle all Spades and Diamonds (total of 26 cards)

Memorize and recall all 26 cards. Shuffle.
Memorize next sequence of the 26 cards onto following support images. Recall all
26 cards and shuffle.

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School of Phenomenal Memory. www.Pmemory.com

-

Memorize random sequences out of the 26 cards (4 times) onto the 104 support
images.

Training attention stability

During the process of memorization try listening to some music.

Watch your gaze

If you are going to apply the technique of memorizing playing cards without anyone
noticing it then you should be aware of the so called gaze of a mnemonist. It may be
obvious to others when they look at a persons eyes if he/she is trying to memorize or
recall. Train yourself to memorize and recall without taking your eyes off the cards or
you may even look down so that others would not see your eyes at all.

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Memorizing Playing Cards (3)

Previously we talked about how to encode into images and memorize random sequences
of a set of 26 cards (Spades and Diamonds). Today we will encode another set of 13
cards (Clubs) and will exercise by memorizing random sequences of a set of 39 cards
Spades, Diamonds and Clubs.
We will need:
-

- alpha-numeric code (1-N, 2-THZ, 3-B, 4-WVK, 5-FR, 6-JPX, 7-SD, 8-GQL, 9C, 0-M)
117 support images. In order to memorize three random sequences of the 39 cards
we will need to add 13 new support images to our 104 to have a total of 117 (39
times three). Support images are formed using the Cicero method.

Clubs:
2 - C-THZ- CaT
3 - C-B- CaBinet
4 - C-WVK- CaKe
5 - C-FR- aCRobat
6 - C-JPX- CaP
7 - C-SD- CaSk
8 - C-GQL- CaLf
9 - C-C- CoCkatoo
1(0) - C-N- CaN
Knave - C-N -CaNoe
King - C-K-CoKe
Queen - C-Q- CoQuette
Ace - C-C- iCeCream

1. On the reverse side of the cards write corresponding words with a pencil so that later,
once they are memorized, you can erase them.
2. Pay special attention to the set of carefully chosen visual images which, upon
memorization, will become a replacement for the playing cards.

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Example:
6 of Clubs. Figurative code Cap. Imagine a particular cap your own baseball
cap for instance. Carefully examine it from different angles in order to memorize details
of the image and always use this particular image to denote the 6 of Clubs.
Example:
10 of Clubs. Figurative code Can. Go into your kitchen and pick out any can you
may have in your cupboards. Carefully examine the can and memorize all its details so
that later you can recall even minute details of the object. Always denote 10 of Clubs
with a chosen image of a can.

3. After assigning figurative codes to the corresponding cards memorize them using the
Chain method.
Cat Cabinet
Cabinet Cake
Cake Acrobat
Acrobat Cap
Cap Cask
Cask Calf
Calf Cockatoo
Cockatoo Can
Can Canoe
Canoe Coke
Coke Coquette
Coquette Ice Cream

4. Create connections between the images of cards and the figurative codes. For that
purpose, look at a card and, using it as a background, imagine a corresponding figurative
code.
5. Shuffle the cards (only the Clubs) and attain an automatic (reflex) recollection of
corresponding figurative codes.
6. Once the figurative codes are memorized and affixed to the corresponding cards on a
reflex level you will need to dedicate about 25 minutes to complete the following
exercises:
Exercise 1 Memorizing 13 cards (Clubs) onto 104 support images.
-

Memorize and recall all 13 cards. Shuffle.

Memorize 13 cards onto the next set of support images. Recall and shuffle.

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School of Phenomenal Memory. www.Pmemory.com

-

Continue memorizing random sequences of the 13 cards onto all 104 support
images (8 times)
As soon as you can recall the cards (Clubs) without mistakes, move on to the next
exercise.

Exercise 2 Memorizing 39 cards (Spades, Diamonds and Clubs) onto 117 support
images.
-

Shuffle all Spades, Diamonds and Clubs (total of 39 cards)

Memorize and recall all 39 cards onto support images. Shuffle.
Memorize next sequence of the 39 cards onto the next set of support images (4078). Recall all 39 cards and shuffle.
Memorize and recall the 39 cards one more time onto the following support
images (79-117).

In order to acquire a skill for memorizing playing cards one has to attend to regular
exercises 30 minutes, two times a day.

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Memorizing Playing Cards (4)

In this last issue we will complete the review of techniques for memorizing playing
cards by encoding into figurative codes the last 13 cards (Hearts).
We will need:
-

alpha-numeric code (1-N, 2-THZ, 3-B, 4-WVK, 5-FR, 6-JPX, 7-SD, 8-GQL, 9-C,
0-M)
104 support images formed by the Cicero method

Hearts:
2 - H-THZ- HaTcHet
3 - H-B- HoBgoblin
4 - H-WVK- HooK
5 - H-FR- HaiRpin
6 - H-JPX- HiPo
7 - H-SD- HeDgehog
8 - H-GQL- HeeL
9 - H-C- HaCkle
1(0) - H-N- HaNdkerchief
Knave - H-N - HaNdcuff
King - H-K- HooKah
Queen - H-Q- HQ
Ace - H-C- HaCkamore

1. Carefully select images for the words. Try to use objects around you so that you can
review them in detail.
2. Memorize images using the Chain method.
Hatchet Hobgoblin
Hobgoblin Hook
Hook Hairpin
Hairpin Hippo
Hippo Hedgehog
Hedgehog Heel
Heel Hackle

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Hackle Handkerchief
Handkerchief Handcuff
Handcuff Hookah
Hookah HQ
HQ Hackamore
3. Create connections between the cards and figurative codes by looking at the cards (one
at a time) and simultaneously picturing their corresponding figurative codes.
4. Achieve fluency in encoding the cards into their respective figurative codes by
repeatedly shuffling the cards and recalling their codes.
After memorizing figurative codes move on to the card memorization exercise.

Exercise 1 Memorizing 13 cards (Hearts)

-

Recall and review all 104 support images created by the Cicero method.
Shuffle and memorize the 13 cards onto the first 13 support images. Recall and
shuffle again.
Continue memorizing random sequences of the 13 cards onto all 104 support
images (8 times)
Refresh the earlier memorized figurative codes (Spades, Clubs and Diamonds).
Memorize Spades onto all 104 support images, then only Clubs and finally
Diamonds. This exercise may take about a half an hour to complete.

Now you should be ready to memorize random sequences of the entire deck of cards
(total 52).

Exercise 2
-

Shuffle and memorize the whole deck of cards onto the first 52 support images.
Recall and shuffle again.
Memorize and recall another sequence of the 52 cards onto the second half of
support images.

Exercise 3 working with two decks of cards.

-

Shuffle the two decks of cards and memorize their random sequence onto the 104
support images. Recall and shuffle again.

Maintaining the memory of figurative codes for the playing cards.

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Suppose that for some time you will not attend to the exercises with the cards. How can
you keep the figurative codes fresh in your memory? There is a simple fix for that:
Each suit is fixed in your memory with a sequence of 13 images. In order to have an
access to these sequences and be able to recall and review the figurative codes from
time to time, you need to fixate each of the four sequences onto parts of any random
image.
For example: Picture an image of a table lamp and single out from it extra four other
images:
First part of the lamp + Shellfish
Second part of the lamp + Adzes
Third part of the lamp + Cat
Fourth part of the lamp + Hatchet
This way you will be able to easily recall and review all 52 figurative codes at any
convenient for you time.

Work with the speed of memorization

After achieving confident and fluent memorizing and recollection of the cards with an
average speed of six seconds per card you may start working on your memorization
speed.
The world record for memorizing one deck of cards (52) at the rate of 0.65 sec per
card (34.03 sec per deck) in 1998, as well as memorizing 1170 cards in one hour
(total of 22.5 decks) in 1997, belongs to Andi Bell.

In order to work on our memorization speed we will need a metronome.

At first, try to pay more attention to the rhythm of memorization rather than to speed. On
the metronome, set the frequency of one beat per second. Throw on a table and memorize
a new card each 1st, 7th and 13th beat of the metronome fixing the memorization speed at
the rate of six seconds per card.
Gradually decrease time needed for memorizing one card: 5 seconds, 4 seconds, 3
seconds, 2 seconds, and 1 second.
When your speed of memorizing one deck of cards equals 52 seconds then continue to
improve until you reach a maximum speed. To measure your speed use a timer.

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Training attention stability

It is much easier to memorize when you are all by yourself in a quiet setting than in a
presence of other people. If you want to be able to demonstrate the technique for
memorizing playing cards then train memorizing cards under noisy conditions. You may
want to turn your TV volume up and try memorizing cards.
With the speed memorization you will encounter an interesting phenomenon. It turns out
that with increasing the speed there are less mistakes and the quality of memorization
rather improves than worsen. This phenomenon is easy to explain. When you increase the
speed of memorization your attention is less likely to be distracted. Therefore, increasing
the speed of memorization automatically leads to heightening your level of attention
stability.
However, it is worth noting that the speed memorization is possible only if the system of
support images and figurative codes for a given set of elements (playing cards in our
case) are well fixated in ones memory.

Conclusion
Based on the example of memorizing playing cards you became acquainted with simple
mnemonics. Such memorization technique is basically the classic mnemonics. Similarly,
ancient orators memorized the main points of their speeches and sermons with the
exception that, instead of cards, they memorized elements of their speeches conspectus.
Contemporary mnemonics, unlike the simple methods of memorization in its classic
counterpart, is designed more for memorizing solid and useful information (phone
numbers, names, historical dates, text paragraphs, tables, definitions, phrases, etc.) rather
than separate information elements (cards, digits, words, etc.).
If you did not just read this material but completed all the exercises then you will be
convinced based on your own experience that mnemonics work for everyone.
Phenomenal memory is not a hereditary oddity but rather an intellectual skill. And any
skill is formed in a process of exercising. The more you exercise the better will be your
memorization skill.

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