Hi all
My previous ‘training journal’ is a bit tired and out of date and I’d like to start again with a better explanation of the system I’ve settled on, and the attitude I take into it. I really don’t know how often I’ll update this, but I wanted to explain where I’m at with it to myself (mostly) and to anyone else who might be interested (possibly), as well as creating a space where I can post progress notes as and when I feel like it.
My systems
For memorising card decks, I use a two-block system that’s identical to @katiek’s, except that I’ve played around with the suit combo > vowel associations so that they are more intuitive to me. An explanation of her system is available here: https://katiekermode.com/card-system.html
I’m also using some tips from Katie that she’s offered elsewhere, including:
- a consistent person at every locus point in a memory palace, normally someone I know personally, who is effectively ready and waiting to interact with any syllable/image I throw at them;
- never more than 3 syllable/images per locus. In my system, I keep ‘stacking’ images into each locus point until I reach a black-first pair of cards, which could go on indefinitely; but I stop at 3 and just add a “weird” visual/emotional overlay to that locus if I’ve had to stop at a red-first card pair (which is fairly unusual, hence “weird”).
For memorising long numbers, I use a 3-digit system that’s identical to @Zoomy’s, except that, again, I’ve changed the way digits translate to vowels in a way that makes more sense to me. An explanation of Ben’s system is available here: https://artofmemory.com/wiki/Ben_System/
My adaptations
Here’s how I translate digits to vowel sounds:
0 = oh; 1 = i; 2 = a; 3 = e; 4 = o; 5 = u; 6 = ay; 7 = ee; 8 = oo; 9 = igh
And here’s how I generate vowel sounds from suit combos:
(I’m pleased with these - I’ve used an emotional ‘tone’ for each sound to reinforce the association with the suit pair. For instance, “Ee(k)!” is fear of the sharp points of double diamonds/spades; “i-i-i” suggests discomfort of a sharp diamond/spade poking into a softer, rounder club/heart.)
Finished but not
At the time of writing, this system isn’t “finished” in the sense that I haven’t come up with discrete images for every syllable generated by each 3-digit number and pair of cards. However, I consider the system “ready to go” as it’s possible to come up with associations for each syllable “on the fly,” with some obviously coming easier than others.
E.g., “t-i-n” is easy (Tin Man, or a tin can), “j-oo-f” is harder, but a “jelly hoof” will do in a pinch (picture a hoof made of jelly, as clearly as you can and hope that you can work out what you meant when you come to the recall).
Perfectly imperfect
I maybe ought to add that I’m naturally pretty bad at this pastime and my speed and accuracy is still very low. I consider this to be an aspect of dyspraxia, which is at root an issue with short term verbal/visual memory, and I think that the reason I keep getting drawn back into memory sports is in part because I want a fun way to practise this (my brain knows what’s good for it, generally speaking!).
So, I’m not currently chasing a specific time limit or accuracy level. I’m just having fun with the images and mini-stories that this process generates. It’s like a game I can play on my own, anytime, with nothing but a physical or virtual pack of cards. I love it. 
