I am fascinated by, but currently a complete beginner at memory training. In fact, I haven’t even started yet. That’s why I’m here: can some of you more experienced members help me devise a system of exercises and a practice routine to improve my memory? Including the traditional techniques (loci, etc…) Any advice you could add in to help me on my journey is also greatly appreciated. Also, one quick question: Which method is better for numbers? The Major System, or PAO? I’m willing to put in the time and effort, I just need some initial guidance.
In just about every mnemonic system, numbers are converted into images, and then placed in points along a memory journey. There are several ways to convert the numbers into images:
Arbitrary images -- the numbers have no relation to the images
There are also variations on those methods.
Most people have either a 2-digit system (Dominic or Major System) or a 3-digit system (Major or Ben System).
Once you convert the numbers 00-99 or 000-999 into images, then you have a choice on how you place them in each locus.
In the original Ben System, images are placed three per locus. If the three images are 127 (toucan), 912 (peanuts), 437 (raccoon)*, the locus might contain a toucan throwing peanuts at a raccoon. The actions aren’t necessarily set in stone.
In a PAO system, each number is a person that has an action and an object. You take three numbers at a time and combine them: the person from the first number, the action from the second number, and the object from the third number. See this link for an example.
So, many people use both the Major System and PAO System together–the Major System is one common way to generate images, and PAO refers to the way of placing images along the journey.
*everyone has their own images – these are just examples from the ones I use.
Thanks for the response! Which system do you suggest a beginner use? Which is easiest, or most effective? What are the pros and cons of each, based on your experience? Also, can anyone give me a link to or at least suggest a practice routine for memory training?
I’m working on building a modified Ben System. It’s very time consuming to create.
I chose that system after watching this video:
[edit: the video is no longer online]
I was totally blown away by the video.
Wang Feng is the current world memory Champion and he apparently uses a 2-digit non-PAO system, which suggests that the complexity of the system doesn’t necessarily make it faster. Though Ben Pridmore did break the world record again for the most decks of cards memorized in one hour.
At the moment, I think the best system to go with is the one that inspires you the most. I’m inspired by the Ben System even though it is taking forever to finish.
I think that you can’t go wrong with a 2-digit PAO system based on the Major System.
Other people here might have suggestions about different systems.
If you’re looking for inspirational memorizers, check out the Memory League leaderboard. You can watch them compete on the Memory League home page and Memory Sports TV on Twitch.
