My Memory Systems Toolkit
Three powerful systems I use to memorize numbers, cards, and abstract information.
The Major System
I use the Major System to memorize cards, numbers, dates, binary digits, etc. This is my primary number memorization system.
Why I Prefer the Major System:
- More flexible than the Dominic System - can create words for any number combination
- Works well for both short and long numbers
- Easier to create vivid, memorable images
Example Conversion:
| Number | Sound Code | Word | Image |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14 | t/d + r | tire | A giant rolling tire |
| 67 | sh/ch/j + k/g | shark | A jumping shark |
The Dominic System
I constructed my Dominic System after reading the legendary World Champion's book. However, I rarely use it since my first introduction was the Major System, which allows for more possibilities.
Sample Person-Action Pairs:
| Number Pair | Person (Initials) | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 07 | James Bond (JB) | Shooting |
| 15 | Albert Einstein (AE) | Writing on blackboard |
| 42 | David Beckham (DB) | Kicking soccer ball |
When I Use the Dominic System:
- For memorizing playing cards (each card maps to a person-action pair)
- When I need to remember numbers as stories (combining multiple person-action pairs)
- For memory competitions where speed with 2-digit numbers is crucial
Peg Systems
The basic peg system is useful sometimes. I use the number-shape and number-rhyme systems to remember certain items.
My Number-Shape System
| Number | Image | Visualization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pen | A giant pen standing upright |
| 2 | Swan | A white swan with curved neck |
| 3 | Heart | A red Valentine's heart |
| 4 | Chair | A wooden dining chair |
| 5 | Hook | A pirate's hook hand |
| 6 | Smoking Pipe | A tobacco pipe |
| 7 | Club | A golf |
| 8 | hour glass | An antique hour glass |
| 9 | Balloon | An inflate balloon |
| 10 | Bat and Ball | A tenis racket |
My Number-Rhyme System
| Number | Image | Visualization |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gun | A shiny revolver |
| 2 | Shoe | A leather dress shoe |
| 3 | Tree | A large oak tree |
| 4 | Door | A red front door |
| 5 | Hive | A buzzing beehive |
| 6 | Bricks | A brick |
| 7 | Heaven | An angel |
| 9 | Pine | A pineapple |
| 10 | Hen | A chicken |
Example Usage:
To remember a 3-item list: Eggs, Milk, Bread
- Eggs → Gun shooting eggs
- Milk → Milk pouring from a shoe
- Bread → Bread growing on a tree
How I Choose Between Systems
| When I Use... | Best For | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Major System | Cards, long numbers, binary data | Memorizing a 20-digit number |
| Peg Systems | Short ordered lists (up to 10 items) | Grocery lists, daily tasks |
| Dominic System | Special cases needing person-action pairs | Memory competitions, playing cards |
Pro Tip: Combine Systems
For complex memorization tasks, I often combine systems. For example:
- Use the Major System to convert numbers to words
- Place those words in memory palaces
- Use peg systems for the order of items