For Matt: The primary reason why most magicians avoid using a memorized deck is the misconception that it requires memorizing the entire deck to learn it. Ironically, memorized deck work is not centered around memorization but rather involves associating each card with its designated number in the stack. Memorizing the deck traditionally implies knowing each card's order from top to bottom or bottom to top. However, this is not the ultimate goal, and focusing solely on memorization can hinder progress. Consider the example of the nickname "Matt" for "Matthew." If you can recall the nicknames and full names of at least 52 people, you are tapping into semantic memory-the ability to make connections between related concepts. Associating a person named Matthew with the nickname Matt involves the brain's capacity to link different forms of representation for the same entity. Similarly, when a magician associates a playing card, like the 4 of clubs, with the number 1 or the 7 of diamonds with the number three, they likely employ mnemonic devices or memory techniques. These methods leverage the brain's ability to create associations between unrelated items through visualization, patterns, or other memory aids. The magician forms a mental association between the playing card and a number, enabling them to recall and manipulate information in a seemingly magical manner. In both cases-associating names with nicknames and playing cards with numbers-the brain's capacity for semantic memory and association plays a crucial role in creating and retrieving connections between related concepts. Learning a memorized deck order doesn't entail immediate automatic recall in the early stages. It involves gradually working through the stack, calling out the number and card without mistakes during practice sessions. It's normal not to get it right initially. Also don't be too hard on yourself otherwise you will eventually begin to procrastinate. Take a few minutes and cut anywhere in the stack and call out the number of the card, and if you don't remember, it never fails if you look at the next card or the card above it the number will come to you. Sometimes I conduct this exercise for up to thirty minutes and other times only a minute or two. Individual differences in how we associate numbers with playing cards are influenced by our unique cognitive processes and semantic memory. There is no universal method for transitioning to automatic recall. While various utilities and cribs are available, the most effective method is consistent practice in a relaxed state until it becomes second nature. A practical way to commit card-to-number associations to semantic memory is to keep stacked decks accessible in places where you frequently rest. Spending a few minutes associating cards with numbers during these moments helps reinforce the connections. Over time, this practice leads to achieving semantic memory, allowing you to effortlessly associate each card with its number in the stack.
Craig’s points here are spot on! I started magic about the same time Matt did. The first thing I did was learn Mnemonica. You can work on it at any time and you can start performing amazing magic with very little sleight of hand skill. Then just keep learning those slights that take so long. Just learn it Matt!
This stack saved me in the real world , because you get those participants that want to shuffle the cards or want you to mind read them or something to try to make it harder , it is worth it.
I learned Mnemonica, ts an awesome stack. I even learned where all 4 of a kinds are in relationship to each other and more. took me mnth of hard work. Then put it aside for a year. Low and behld, all memory is already lost again. Like a language, if you dont use it, you ll lose it.
I was thinking about mem deck magic and ran across this. Laughed my a$$ off 😆 I would love to do the effects in the beginning; where can I find them? Is the stack you're using Mnemonica? I am thinking about getting Juan Tamariz's book. Thanks and keep up the good work. PS: I am a retired veteran living in South Korea. Now that I have the time, I'm getting back into card/closeup magic. Have a good day.
I did finally get around to memorizing a stack, partly thanks to your tips in Forecast for getting the info into long-term memory. I went a bit slowly so it took me a few months, but I think all the info is in my head now. I do need more practice to ensure I remember it and to help gain speed though. The thing is, once I basically had it down, I started looking at the books I own and saw that a bunch of tricks involve making minor modifications to the stack (e.g., slide this card two positions up before you start). Granted, not every trick can have zero set-up, but I guess being new to this, I kind of thought the stack *was* the setup and there wouldn't need to be extra manipulations to prepare for the tricks (and then to get back into the stack afterwards). So, it seems like there's more memorization in general than I was expecting beyond learning the deck, especially for the kind of improvising you were doing. Maybe I need to look for more of the tricks like others you showed here that don't involve additional stack manipulations.
Multiple memdeck stacks are available. You have chosen Mnemonica. Others include Aronson, Aragon, DaOrtiz, Osterlind, Redford, Joyal, Wild and many more. Would love to see a pros/cons comparison on at least Aragon, Redford and Aronson vs Mnemonica. In theory any memdeck allows you to perform generic (stack INdependent) memdeck effects. Mnemonica seems to have the most adherents & fans. Aside from that, however, what are the unique advantages to each stack? What effect(s) are possible with Mnemonica but not Redford and vice versa for example? Empirically it seems it would be the number, type, variety and strength of the stack DEPENDENT effects that would differentiate them from one another. It is hard enough to learn one stack. Can't imagine putting in that work only to realize another stack would better suit my interests and needs and having to start over. If you or anyone else knows of such a comparison please advise! Thanks! John
I think redford, aragon or mnemonica should be the top 3 contenders. Most memorized deck ideas and routines can be done with any memorized deck. Some tricks that can be only done with a stack can be done without memorizing the order. So if you like a stack dependent trick that only needs the cards in the order, you can always do a deck switch to do that trick without needing to memorize the order. Aragons, redfords, aronson stacks have a lot of these tricks that are in built to the stack. Also aragons has a lot of tricks that can be done with half the stack and shuffle the rest so you can start with memorizing only half. Mnemonica has a lot of resources / books so if you use another stack you just have to translate it. mnemonica and aragon are derived from faro 4 position while redford is from si stebbins.
@@ifuj Thank you very much for the detailed reply! I guess I should simplify my requests to those who use these 3 memdecks: 1. What are the two strongest and most practical stack-specific effects for each stack that you actually use? If you were the stack creator which two stack independant effects would you show me to sell me your stack/book? Given their names I can and will search them out. 2. What are the two most useful general characteristcs for each stack? For example your mention that Aronson allows use of a half deck. Or the ease of getting to/from new deck order to stack order and back. Or perhaps one stack is setup optimally for gambling demonstrations vs spelling effects vs ACAAN, etc. I'm not interested in gambling demos so that's not an advantage for me. Really appreciate your help! Kind regards, John
@@johnbauman4005 woody Aragon is the one one that uses half stack. I use his stack but haven't used any of the others so I can't really comment on the other 2. There's also something called the siamese deck concept that woody talks about in his book. Woody aragon and Aronson have a lot of gambling stuff I think. I would say you should either go for mnemonica or Redford. If I started from scratch today. I would probably pick Redford.
I picked Mnemonica mostly because I didn't own any Tamariz books at that point and wanted to see what his writing was like. Now that I have a stack memorized, it's my opinion that it doesn't really matter which stack you use. I don't do any stack dependant tricks. I think, in general, stack independent tricks are what a stack is best for. I've read that Darwin Ortiz suggested that magicians shuffle a deck and make that their own personal memorized stack. My only argument for Mnemonica over others is that Pit Hartling's book In Order to Amaze has a section that works best with it and he has a few Mnemonica dependent tricks. In Order to Amaze is my favorite mem deck book hands down.
Mem deck magic is wonderful, you already convinced me some videos ago :) I learned it after seeing some of your mem deck tricks on youtube... Would love to see some mem deck magic in the Netrix :)
Seriously. It's an anytime, any place, fun process to learn a mem-deck. Everyone who starts learning a mem-deck always complains about a shit memory, but neverhtheless... Not an issue at all.
With regards to the diary trick mentioned in the video: I've got it set up on Google calendar so I've have the diary with me on my phone so I can carry it with me all the time. As a bonus this set up allows me to ask Google assistant (through a Google home smart speaker or Google assistant) to get me what's happening on any particular day and it'll return whatever card.
Did you have to go through each day manually or is there a way to add the numbers to the calendar without having to go through each of the 365 days individually?
I made a script to output a CSV that can be uploaded to Google calendar. The downside is that you have to do this every year since there's no option in the CSV upload to do recurring events
@@somethingafal Thanks. So if you click on a particular day on the calendar you don't see a specific card (e.g. "7 of Spades"), but instead you have to click on a CSV file and scroll to whatever date?
After doing a trick to a very difficult/unbelieving spectator, always have a second deck at the ready for a deck-switch. Then if they insist on seeing the deck, simply do the switch and hand them the second deck. I have done that many times and it works like magic 😊 Then switch back when you are ready for the next trick or different spectator.
Do false shuffles. Cut the deck over and over but do it overhand style and make it look like you're casually overhand shuffling. Do the optical false overhand shuffle. Charlier shuffle. If someone else insists on shuffling, just let them and then do something impromptu. Put it back in order later.
C’mon tired Craig you need to slow down you’re definitely losing it KH =35 correct JH=20 correct 35-20=10 Doh, don’t think so, answer should have been 6S=15. Matt’s app was asking him to do an ACAAN. I’ve always known the second trick as Card Sense by Darwin Ortiz. Looking forward to mem deck on the Netrix 👍
I bought Rick Lax's Mnemonica trainer. His memory aid made it much more pleasant to learn this stack. Highly recommended
For Matt:
The primary reason why most magicians avoid using a memorized deck is the misconception that it requires memorizing the entire deck to learn it. Ironically, memorized deck work is not centered around memorization but rather involves associating each card with its designated number in the stack.
Memorizing the deck traditionally implies knowing each card's order from top to bottom or bottom to top. However, this is not the ultimate goal, and focusing solely on memorization can hinder progress.
Consider the example of the nickname "Matt" for "Matthew." If you can recall the nicknames and full names of at least 52 people, you are tapping into semantic memory-the ability to make connections between related concepts. Associating a person named Matthew with the nickname Matt involves the brain's capacity to link different forms of representation for the same entity.
Similarly, when a magician associates a playing card, like the 4 of clubs, with the number 1 or the 7 of diamonds with the number three, they likely employ mnemonic devices or memory techniques. These methods leverage the brain's ability to create associations between unrelated items through visualization, patterns, or other memory aids. The magician forms a mental association between the playing card and a number, enabling them to recall and manipulate information in a seemingly magical manner.
In both cases-associating names with nicknames and playing cards with numbers-the brain's capacity for semantic memory and association plays a crucial role in creating and retrieving connections between related concepts.
Learning a memorized deck order doesn't entail immediate automatic recall in the early stages. It involves gradually working through the stack, calling out the number and card without mistakes during practice sessions. It's normal not to get it right initially. Also don't be too hard on yourself otherwise you will eventually begin to procrastinate. Take a few minutes and cut anywhere in the stack and call out the number of the card, and if you don't remember, it never fails if you look at the next card or the card above it the number will come to you. Sometimes I conduct this exercise for up to thirty minutes and other times only a minute or two.
Individual differences in how we associate numbers with playing cards are influenced by our unique cognitive processes and semantic memory. There is no universal method for transitioning to automatic recall. While various utilities and cribs are available, the most effective method is consistent practice in a relaxed state until it becomes second nature.
A practical way to commit card-to-number associations to semantic memory is to keep stacked decks accessible in places where you frequently rest. Spending a few minutes associating cards with numbers during these moments helps reinforce the connections. Over time, this practice leads to achieving semantic memory, allowing you to effortlessly associate each card with its number in the stack.
I just ordered the Elysian Duets deck, which is both marked multiple ways and mnemonica. Training wheels for learning, and a bit of safety.
I believe in you Matt, I will come to Blackpool and you will show me mem deck in real life... THX
Craig’s points here are spot on! I started magic about the same time Matt did. The first thing I did was learn Mnemonica. You can work on it at any time and you can start performing amazing magic with very little sleight of hand skill. Then just keep learning those slights that take so long. Just learn it Matt!
I also recently learned Mnemonica. Do you have any good sources that you would recommend for learning mem deck routines?
6:10 and 6:36 craig trying to get the deck back 😂
This stack saved me in the real world , because you get those participants that want to shuffle the cards or want you to mind read them or something to try to make it harder , it is worth it.
I learned it on my way to/from work while on the bus.
I learned Mnemonica, ts an awesome stack. I even learned where all 4 of a kinds are in relationship to each other and more. took me mnth of hard work. Then put it aside for a year. Low and behld, all memory is already lost again. Like a language, if you dont use it, you ll lose it.
I was thinking about mem deck magic and ran across this. Laughed my a$$ off 😆 I would love to do the effects in the beginning; where can I find them? Is the stack you're using Mnemonica? I am thinking about getting Juan Tamariz's book. Thanks and keep up the good work. PS: I am a retired veteran living in South Korea. Now that I have the time, I'm getting back into card/closeup magic. Have a good day.
Tamariz is a genius
Matt I'm working on memorization of mem deck.If I can do it you can
I did finally get around to memorizing a stack, partly thanks to your tips in Forecast for getting the info into long-term memory. I went a bit slowly so it took me a few months, but I think all the info is in my head now. I do need more practice to ensure I remember it and to help gain speed though. The thing is, once I basically had it down, I started looking at the books I own and saw that a bunch of tricks involve making minor modifications to the stack (e.g., slide this card two positions up before you start). Granted, not every trick can have zero set-up, but I guess being new to this, I kind of thought the stack *was* the setup and there wouldn't need to be extra manipulations to prepare for the tricks (and then to get back into the stack afterwards). So, it seems like there's more memorization in general than I was expecting beyond learning the deck, especially for the kind of improvising you were doing. Maybe I need to look for more of the tricks like others you showed here that don't involve additional stack manipulations.
Ahhh I loved this 😂😂 the comedy and jabs are amazing keep producing videos please 😂
Create a mind palace Matt. It’ll take you no more than one week, I promise. Then just refresh for 10mins every morning.
craig, how would you have worked your way out of the mess up on the second trick?
Let’s hope Mrs. Petty doesn’t watch this one, otherwise Craig might be toast 🤫
Multiple memdeck stacks are available. You have chosen Mnemonica.
Others include Aronson, Aragon, DaOrtiz, Osterlind, Redford, Joyal, Wild and many more. Would love to see a pros/cons comparison on at least Aragon, Redford and Aronson vs Mnemonica.
In theory any memdeck allows you to perform generic (stack INdependent) memdeck effects.
Mnemonica seems to have the most adherents & fans. Aside from that, however, what are the unique advantages to each stack? What effect(s) are possible with Mnemonica but not Redford and vice versa for example? Empirically it seems it would be the number, type, variety and strength of the stack DEPENDENT effects that would differentiate them from one another.
It is hard enough to learn one stack. Can't imagine putting in that work only to realize another stack would better suit my interests and needs and having to start over.
If you or anyone else knows of such a comparison please advise!
Thanks!
John
I think redford, aragon or mnemonica should be the top 3 contenders.
Most memorized deck ideas and routines can be done with any memorized deck.
Some tricks that can be only done with a stack can be done without memorizing the order. So if you like a stack dependent trick that only needs the cards in the order, you can always do a deck switch to do that trick without needing to memorize the order.
Aragons, redfords, aronson stacks have a lot of these tricks that are in built to the stack. Also aragons has a lot of tricks that can be done with half the stack and shuffle the rest so you can start with memorizing only half.
Mnemonica has a lot of resources / books so if you use another stack you just have to translate it.
mnemonica and aragon are derived from faro 4 position while redford is from si stebbins.
@@ifuj Thank you very much for the detailed reply!
I guess I should simplify my requests to those who use these 3 memdecks:
1. What are the two strongest and most practical stack-specific effects for each stack that you actually use? If you were the stack creator which two stack independant effects would you show me to sell me your stack/book? Given their names I can and will search them out.
2. What are the two most useful general characteristcs for each stack? For example your mention that Aronson allows use of a half deck. Or the ease of getting to/from new deck order to stack order and back. Or perhaps one stack is setup optimally for gambling demonstrations vs spelling effects vs ACAAN, etc. I'm not interested in gambling demos so that's not an advantage for me.
Really appreciate your help!
Kind regards,
John
@@johnbauman4005 woody Aragon is the one one that uses half stack. I use his stack but haven't used any of the others so I can't really comment on the other 2. There's also something called the siamese deck concept that woody talks about in his book. Woody aragon and Aronson have a lot of gambling stuff I think. I would say you should either go for mnemonica or Redford.
If I started from scratch today. I would probably pick Redford.
@@ifuj Thank you very much! Penguin reviewers gave Redford book high marks.
I picked Mnemonica mostly because I didn't own any Tamariz books at that point and wanted to see what his writing was like.
Now that I have a stack memorized, it's my opinion that it doesn't really matter which stack you use. I don't do any stack dependant tricks. I think, in general, stack independent tricks are what a stack is best for. I've read that Darwin Ortiz suggested that magicians shuffle a deck and make that their own personal memorized stack.
My only argument for Mnemonica over others is that Pit Hartling's book In Order to Amaze has a section that works best with it and he has a few Mnemonica dependent tricks. In Order to Amaze is my favorite mem deck book hands down.
Great video
Mem deck magic is wonderful, you already convinced me some videos ago :) I learned it after seeing some of your mem deck tricks on youtube... Would love to see some mem deck magic in the Netrix :)
Seriously. It's an anytime, any place, fun process to learn a mem-deck. Everyone who starts learning a mem-deck always complains about a shit memory, but neverhtheless... Not an issue at all.
Matt have a look at Paul Gordon dairy trick mate
With regards to the diary trick mentioned in the video: I've got it set up on Google calendar so I've have the diary with me on my phone so I can carry it with me all the time. As a bonus this set up allows me to ask Google assistant (through a Google home smart speaker or Google assistant) to get me what's happening on any particular day and it'll return whatever card.
Did you have to go through each day manually or is there a way to add the numbers to the calendar without having to go through each of the 365 days individually?
I made a script to output a CSV that can be uploaded to Google calendar. The downside is that you have to do this every year since there's no option in the CSV upload to do recurring events
@@somethingafal Thanks. So if you click on a particular day on the calendar you don't see a specific card (e.g. "7 of Spades"), but instead you have to click on a CSV file and scroll to whatever date?
35:24 😂
My problem with this deck is that it annoys me to not being able to shuffle it or give it to a spectator to shuffle it.
false shuffle, false cut
@@pbp6741 Spectators shuffles are very real :D
After doing a trick to a very difficult/unbelieving spectator, always have a second deck at the ready for a deck-switch. Then if they insist on seeing the deck, simply do the switch and hand them the second deck.
I have done that many times and it works like magic 😊
Then switch back when you are ready for the next trick or different spectator.
Do false shuffles. Cut the deck over and over but do it overhand style and make it look like you're casually overhand shuffling. Do the optical false overhand shuffle. Charlier shuffle.
If someone else insists on shuffling, just let them and then do something impromptu. Put it back in order later.
35 - 20 = 15.
C’mon tired Craig you need to slow down you’re definitely losing it KH =35 correct JH=20 correct 35-20=10 Doh, don’t think so, answer should have been 6S=15. Matt’s app was asking him to do an ACAAN. I’ve always known the second trick as Card Sense by Darwin Ortiz. Looking forward to mem deck on the Netrix 👍
when is my birthday Craig should say 3 spades !!!
class work