I recently completed a block system adaptation of the Ben system for memorizing cards (along with 10-digit binary and numbers 000 - 999). The system consists of 1744 images (1352 for cards, 1000 for numbers, and 1024 for binary). I chose a block system because it seemed like it could do everything a full 2704-image system could do while also allowing greater selectivity of images.
I recently reached a recall proficiency level where I can actually practice with cards instead of Anki. While practicing, though, I realized one drawback that I didn’t consider before: (At least for me) recall depends partly on the interaction of images. Images interact with adjacent images in the same locus, and images at the end of one locus interact in some way with the first image in the next locus. While practicing I felt torn between keeping each locus discrete (to identify which block I’m in) and promoting interactions between loci, which obviously can muddy the transition from one block to another.
I’m curious if this is an inherent disadvantage of a block system, or if there’s some way to counteract it. In particular, it seems like this might cause problems with marathon events. On the other side, apart from the time difference it takes to learn the systems, is there any advantage to a block system over a 2704-image system? I considered that image uniqueness might suffer from a large system, but I don’t think that’s a big issue.
All my images are a subset of the full Ben system, so if I decided to expand to the full Ben system the only thing that would change would be the grammar for cards. Numbers and binary would be completely unchanged.
I have some first-hand experience now, but I’m curious about others’ thoughts about the advantages and disadvantages of each system.
edit If I did decide to expand to the full Ben system, it wouldn’t affect me too much. I would just continue using my system for binary and numbers while using a 52-card system until everything is completely filled out.
You would double your review time. To cycle through the full 2704 images while practicing, would take longer.
I’m using a block hybrid, see here: 2018 2Card and 3 Digit System
I tried to make a system that I could reverse engineer for when I have a brain fart. I have 1000 locations and mostly based on the major system. I have all possible two card combinations and 0-999, I have not integrated binary. The complication is only in reverse engineering when I cant remember. My systems(borrowed from the Shadow System etc) is slower than the full 2704 ie staying at a loci if its red, moving on if its black. I decided, for myself, the cost of this extra step was worth the extra practice time I gained.
Are you saying you have created a memory palace and placed all the card combinations on those locci? So if you have a brain fart you can find the image in the memory palace? Is my understanding of that correct?
Not really, but helpful to better memorize. On a brainfart, so to speak, I could translate 242 to NRN, the major system and thats my hint that its Narnia. Or vice versus, knowing the image was Narnia and turning that into 242. So a basic image of a classic Narnia lamppost in the snow to represent 242; a normal 3 digit major system. But I could break down a two card combination presented too, ie. Q2 or Q2, which both systematically will also equal NRN. On the other hand, for cards, if there is no face card in the two card combination, it would use something similar to Ben system instead of Major. Q2 or Q2 could also be NON so in my case the NonSuch ship. This means 242 technically has two images. But not all 3 digit numbers will have two images. More details here
Its the fact I can break all these down that helps if your in a Jam, but I believe the logic helps it sink-in too.
Palace is just to assist memorizing them all and its awesome to have 1000 locations in rock solid sequence.
Sorry for neglecting this thread. I’ve been very busy with school. Anyway, I did ultimately decide to expand to the full Ben system because I think it has some very clear benefits over its block counterpart. Practice has been going very well, but as you said (Rasamaya), practice time is substantially longer. Being able to fluidly elicit nearly 3000 images takes time.
2
or Q
2
, which both systematically will also equal NRN. On the other hand, for cards, if there is no face card in the two card combination, it would use something similar to Ben system instead of Major. Q