I have a problem with the Dominic O'Brien system for remembering numbers

General Memory Chat
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Hi I am Omid a new member here.
i just began reading the book perfect memory by Dominic O’Brien, and i have a problem with the remembering numbers chapter, my problem is that should i stick to his letters that are assigned to each number? because i just don’t know any person with the initials i mean like literally no one!! so can i like have my own letters instead.
like
1 ) D Donald trump
2) J John wick
etc…
and then put them into action?

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It’s okay to change the letter assignments. I think many people do that.

There is an overview of some similar systems listed here too: How to Memorize Numbers with a Memory Palace | Art of Memory

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thanks, in Dominic system you should assign an action to a person with the initials that the system introduced, but my problem is that i can’t relate them to any person that i know so i think i have to stick to the suggested list of people’s names he brought in his book. is it going to cause any problem for memorizing them? tnx in advance :folded_hands:

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Some people have had good success using the Dominic system, but if it’s not really clicking for you, its ok to try some other techniques.

Have you looked into the Major System? It offers much more flexibility in constructing entries than Dominic, you can base your entire list on it if you want, and it provides a foundation for expansion if you ever want to try a larger system for numbers or playing cards.

With Major, you’re not limited to initials that may force you towards a person you have no connection with. This is a big weakness I’ve found with the Dominic system and one of the reasons I don’t usually recommend it. With Major you can use it to make simple first names and pick whoever you want with that name.

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I started with the Dominic System, but it wasn’t ideal for me, because I don’t like having too many people in my images.

As another example, here’s the system that I use: A 2-Digit Consonant-Vowel Number System (CV System)

It’s a combination of the Ben System, the Major System, and my own customizations.

Examples

The number 00 is pronounced “SO”. You can use any word that begins with that sound: sewing needle, sofa, soap.

The number 36 is pronounced “MIH”. Example words: mist, mitt, Mini Mouse, mimosa, millipede, Mick Jagger. (Using people is okay, but not necessary.)

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thank you you’ve been very helpful, I’ll certainly look into it

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thank you for sharing this valuable information I’ll look into it for sure :blush:

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I use the Dominic System. Most of my names follow the letter–number designation perfectly, but not always. Sometimes I use names that work even if they do not follow the rules consistently. As they say, “perfect is the enemy of the good.”

For example:

For 19 (AN), I use AeNeas.

For 02 (OB), I use OBi-wan kenobi.

As you can see, I mix fact with fiction, though about 95% of the names are associated with real-life personages.

For example: 22 (BB), I use Bugs Bunny

So, if you cannot find names that you relate to, you may need to get a little creative with the name-letter designation or adopt fictional characters

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