This page contains information on how to memorize your mnemonic images for your numbers and cards (like the Major System or PAO System).
First, there is a page on how to memorize numbers with a video that can help you with the basic concepts. Once you have chosen a number system and started to generate your number images, you can start to memorize them.
How to Memorize the Number Images
Some people find it useful to place the numbers in a memory palace. Other people print out a few sheets of and read through them at various points in the day. You can also practice by reading numbers that you see around you.
It can help to print a few pages numbers from the links below, reloading the page each time to get different numbers. Copy and paste them into a word processor and format them with a font you like. Carry them around in your pocket and read through them, marking off the ones you don’t know. Then look them up. Repeat throughout the day.
- random number generator — decimal and binary
- random number generator in smaller groups — for 2- or 3-digit number systems
- additional memory training tools
Here is sample output – it prints each 2-digit number only once in each group, so you can be sure that you’re practicing every image:
85 77 22 55 43 10 06 94 11 21 97 86 82 98 87 99 60 37 27 50 96 45 13 73 56 30 72 36 68 54 62 89 38 20 64 42 95 02 23 18 39 78 07 32 34 51 28 67 70 35 71 92 09 93 63 52 16 17 69 58 44 33 79 41 74 03 26 05 12 88 04 84 31 48 90 59 46 53 80 29 25 91 75 14 65 66 15 08 00 19 24 49 57 76 01 47 61 40 81 83
This is what the sheets look like when printed:
Once you have all the images memorized you can practice on Memory League , which should help with speed.
Another exercise that might help is to recite the numbers forwards and backwards (00 to 99 and 99 to 00), converting each number to an image in time with your steps while walking. You can start slowly, like one number per every 4 steps, eventually speeding it up until you get to one number per step. The steps work like a metronome.
Here are some related discussions, including tips on using a memory palace to memorize the number images:
- How to memorise the Major System itself?
- Guide to memorizing PAO/PA system for beginners (like me)
- How should I be memorizing my PAO system?
- Using a Memory Palace to Help Learn the Major System
- Memorizing 2 digit PAO system help
- How do you practice/train your number recall?
- Memorizing PAO
- Best way to commit a 1000-element number/image association system to memory?
- How to memorize number pegs?