How to Get Started with MemDeck Work

Have you ever wanted to get started in memorized deck work, but been too intimidated or unsure of where to start? This is the video for YOU!
📘 Take MemDeck to the Next Step ▶️ • Sleightly Out of Order...
In this video, Erudite Magic will go under the hood and explain what a memdeck is, what benefits it offers, how to get started, and further resources to help you on your journey, including a few FREE resources!
Below are links to some of the resources mentioned in the video to help you:
FREE: The Show by Woody Aragon & Vanishing Inc. - bit.ly/3nAnbRe (affiliate link)
FREE: Memories Are Made of This by Simon Aronson - bit.ly/3h7LPX0 (affiliate link)
Try the Impossible by Simon Aronson - bit.ly/3fn0j3u (affiliate link)
Mnemonica by Juan Tamariz - bit.ly/3gKOYue (affiliate link)
The Memory Arts by Vanishing Inc. - bit.ly/2J5f4wS (affiliate link)
Bound to Please by Simon Aronson - bit.ly/3h41Zk0 (affiliate link)
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
0:54 - What is MemDeck work?
1:30 - Isn't it too much work?
3:07 - What is a MemDeck not?
3:40 - What are the real advantages?
4:12 - What are the different stacks?
7:46 - How do you memorize a deck?
8:34 - What resources exist?
11:33 - What things are possible with MemDeck work? FREE SHOW
12:39 - Resources cont'd
18:28 - What's my stack?
19:19 - What's my recommendation?
#EruditeMagic #mnemonics #memdeck #cardmagic

[@EruditeMagic]

📘 Take MemDeck to the Next Step ▶ kzbin.info/www/bejne/a33Ln6CNq7R-i9U

[@Yup712]

Another awesome video! I originally used the “Memory Arts” ebook for Mnemonica to memorize that stack, but I am unable to use that stack b/c it required a few perfect Faro shuffles to get into it from new deck order. Which is one thing I do like about Redford’s stack, it is EASILY gotten to from new deck order w/ overhand shuffles! I just found a copy of Aronson’s books w/ the stack in it used, so going to start exploring his stack also.

[@EruditeMagic]

I think it's great to study multiple stacks. They all have something different to offer. 👍

[@TheRealWinsletFan]

I have learned Mnemonica, I got it more or less in 4 days (1 hour per day), with another 4 weeks to get it properly embedded. Now I practise it for 2 minutes every other day to keep it fresh. All I need now are MemDeck tricks!

[@EruditeMagic]

Wow, that's great - plenty of recommendations for tricks!

[@TheRealWinsletFan]

@@EruditeMagic I have the Mnemonica book, but as you noted it's not terribly well organised for a novice. I'm a beginner/intermediate ( I do not have a full set of sleights yet - still working on a few essentials! I can perfect Faro though so getting from new deck order to the stack is good fun ). Many of the tricks I looked at contained procedures I'm not skilled enough for yet. Thinking it might be good to try non-stack-specific routines from different books to begin with.

[@EruditeMagic]

Great idea!

[@jakelundgren2116]

Fantastic overview for mem deck work! Wish I had this when I stared out! I learned mnemonica about 2 years ago, but never really explored its full potential beyond a couple basic tricks... however, in the last couple months, I’ve really been making in effort to learn it, back abs forth, even and odds, high low, the whole nine yards! And wow the possibilities that have opened up are limitless! (And in regards to simons anecdote of practicing while you brush your teeth, I’ve been doing sit ups in sets of 52, counting reps with the stack, so hopefully when we all get back to performing I will not only have some killer magic... but killer abs too... 😉)

[@EruditeMagic]

🤣 - love it!! Good work, Jake❗👍

[@zur13l13]

I love the suggestion to watch a trick and write down your reaction before learning it. Good stuff.

[@EruditeMagic]

Thanks!

[@MondoNifty94]

I started the Aronson stack around 2 years ago, using memory arts book as my guide. It opens up so much possibility, i also love Woody Aragons idea of the Partial stack idea that he incorporate in his instant memorized deck dvd its absolute genius

[@EruditeMagic]

So glad to hear you've found tools and resources to use such miracle material!

[@Davlavi]

excellent video.

[@tyronejucaban7115]

Awesome video! Very insightful. Thank you for making it.

[@EruditeMagic]

Of course! Thank *you for watching 👍

[@MurshidIslam]

I finally took the plunge and started learning the Aronson stack. I'm using "Aronson Stack for Everybody" by Geoff Williams to memorize it.

[@EruditeMagic]

That's great - I know you won't regret it!

[@hiddevaneijsden6461]

Great guide on mem decks, Jeff. Really appreciate the work

[@EruditeMagic]

Absolutely - thank you for watching! I hope you'll start in on one if you haven't already...

[@jmathai1]

Thanks for the great video, Jeff! Easily the best introductory overview of mem deck I have seen on KZbin! I learned Mnemonica during the early lockdown phase of COVID, and you’re right - the possibilities are endless. I few thoughts I have (as the new guy to this concept): 1. I used Rick Lax Mnemonica Trainer and learned about 5 cards a day, but it took me much longer to recall everything instantaneously without spending several seconds for mental gymnastics. 2. “or forgo shuffling because no one cares” is so hysterically accurate - why magicians think it adds to the entertainment value to open a show by doing multiple perfect faros with great focus is beyond me. 3. Maybe I am missing out but I don’t plan to perform any tricks that are stack-dependent (gambling themed magic isn’t my thing) - so I don’t think either stack is better than the other, but to each their own.

[@EruditeMagic]

💯 great feedback - thanks for sharing how you got started and some of your thoughts! 👍

[@maxlattanzi1484]

Thanks for this very useful review! As an amateur and a beginner, I was interested in memdeck work but I was afraid it would be too difficult for me (or better, not worth the time investment given that I am, as I said, an amateur). After watching this video, I finally resolved to try and in fact I found it is much easier than I thought - I was able to memorize the Aronson stack in a reasonably short time. Thanks for giving me the necessary "push" to try this! PS I have recently discovered this youtube channel and I am slowly going through all the videos. I am finding this a great resource for a beginner. Thanks Jeff!

[@EruditeMagic]

That's so awesome - I'm glad the video helped you. Thanks for being a fan of the channel!

[@jlebowitz8325]

Thanks so much for a wonderful review!

[@EruditeMagic]

You're welcome - I hope it helps your magic in some small way 😃👍

[@jennifermagic7984]

3:30 My main memorized deck I call "Red Stebbins". It's Si Stebbins with the QH as card location 1 and 9C at location 52. It shares 12 card locations with the Redford Stack which is my second memorized deck; Redford also has QH as card 1and 9C as card 52. I know both well and you can transform between them in 15 seconds, covertly with a sequence of overhand shuffle runs. By having both stacks handy I can do ANY memorized deck / stack routine. I can get into Red Stebbins from a brand new sealed pack of cards in front of spectator in 30 seconds after opening the card pack and taking them out of the box. Redford is random looking, easily convertible to red/black alternating, easily transformable to stay stack and even memorized stay stack. Also if I transform to Si Stebbins, I then have access to mathematical/circular based routines (e.g. lie detector, caandy, etc).. also have access to tetradistic routines with Si Stebbins like Acrobatic Anything (see Allan Ackerman video for this on youtube). Also with Si Stebbins you have access to two built in stay stacks at once since it is tetradistic. Also si stebbins allows for easy quartets (13,13,13) -- see Quartets in "In Order to Amaze". Redford/Si Stebbins combo is really lovely. Also I worked out a quick transformation to / from si stebbins /faro-4 and shared with Woody ARagon. He already made a 2 minute tabled routine with the idea and shared with Juan.. they love t.. Woody is going to put the routine in his next book Memorandum 2. Woody is a genius! So with Si Stebbins you can jump to and from the faro-4 realm w/ Woody's routine. So imagine openign a pack of cards and get into faro-1 then do a 1415 stack routine (see woody's book 1415), then 3 more faro.. do somethign in faro-4 (say memorandum or mnemonica routine).. then do woody's transformation routien and end in si stebbins. Do a routine there and then transform into Redford and do somethign there :) With Aronson, Nikola, 8 Kings and other stacks which don't allow you to get into them via NDO, you area really lacking a lot of ability that you have with Si Stebbins / Faro-4 memdecks.

[@mathieu6441]

I have always been fascinated with memory techniques and the use of a MemDeck is really usefull. I use mnemonica for 2 years and I discover new usages every day.

[@EruditeMagic]

It's an amazing tool! So glad to hear you've had good success with Mnemonica.👍What made you choose that over Aronson?

[@mathieu6441]

@@EruditeMagic I'm french ! And there are lots of ressources in french on Mnemonica and not so much on Aronson. It is also the first stack I have met so choosing it seems logical to me.By the way, I would add the work of Pit Hartling and Denis Behr in the must have list !

[@EruditeMagic]

Someone else already mentioned Pit's In Order to Amaze, but you're the first to mention Denis and his Handcrafted Card Magic (more for the proficient users than the beginners). Thanks for the suggestions!

[@jasonm921]

Very good video...now it’s time for me to tackle Mnemonica

[@EruditeMagic]

Do it!! Just get started and the progress will be faster than you think - good luck❗👍

[@TunaOddfellow]

Thank you that was wonderful. My goal is to be bilingual in Mnemonica and the Redford stack for starters and visit Simon’s stack later. I learned Si Stebbins some 40 years ago. One of the interesting things about Redford is it has Si Stebbins and reverse Si Stebbins built into the stack and many routine for the unmemorized stack. I put some work into learning both stacks a while ago but life put it on pause. I am about to get back to work Om learning them again.

[@EruditeMagic]

Good luck with your re-education. I know you'll be successful!

[@tommarquette9706]

Thanks for pointing out Don's book. He had a copy of the originally (maybe a reprint) of the Nicola System. Looking forward to the deep dive. Question: Do you believe the public interest in poke is less prevalent today, thus diminishing tricks centered on the poke hand reveal ?

[@EruditeMagic]

I think the World Series of Poker heyday is over, but gambling effects will almost always captivate people. The problem at hand is finding a version that people understand (Blackjack, Texas Hold'Em, etc.). What version of gambling do your participants understand best?

[@tommarquette9706]

@@EruditeMagic aces, royal flush

[@EruditeMagic]

Most people know those from the dramatic finishes in classic movies. Good choice!

[@nick0703]

Great reviews

[@EruditeMagic]

Thank you, Nick! 🙏

[@SpencerRaybourne]

This is great, I started learning Osterlind's stack right before the pandemic, but there was no one to practice on. I think now I will move onto Mnemonica or Aronson

[@EruditeMagic]

You should! How do you learn them? Brute force, mnemonical tool?

[@SpencerRaybourne]

@@EruditeMagic Osterlind is a mathematical calculation. It's not that hard but has a few twists and turns. I think he mainly uses it to read out groups of cards he has handed out, and for that it would work perfectly. I will probably use a visual and mnemonic method to learn. There's a great f*ls* shuffle in Lew Brooks book "Stack Attack" that I think works particularly well with a memdeck.

[@EruditeMagic]

Yes, I'm familiar with Osterlind's BCS. My question is directed at Mnemonica/Aronson. How do you plan to learn one of those? You should totally learn a convincing false shuffle with these, too

[@rubenlie8207]

The Memory Arts is not expensive. It is worth every cent. Actually one of my favorite books I bought in 2020.

[@EruditeMagic]

So glad to hear it! What version of the pegs did you opt to use? And did you go Aronson or Mnemonica? Inquiring minds want to know!!

[@rubenlie8207]

@@EruditeMagic What do you mean by pegs? I'm sorry English is not my first language.

[@EruditeMagic]

No worries. Did you use the 26 pictures or the 52 pictures? And Aronson or Mnemonica?

[@rubenlie8207]

@@EruditeMagic I use Mnemonica and I actually don't use the Memory Arts for Mnemonica. I use it for every day memorization and during a magic performance a photographic memory demonstration before I do a "impromptu" memdeck demo.

[@EruditeMagic]

Very nice! 👏

[@pasipiispanen2758]

I use Osterlind-stack, which isn´t originally memorized stack. But I started to use different techniques to memorize it: pegs, visual etc. I know I can´t do tricks that use a particular stack (ex. Aronson or Tamariz), but positive side is, that I can calculate the next card if i have a little memory lapse ;)

[@EruditeMagic]

As long as the memory lapse doesn't include forgetting the formula 😆 🤷

[@pasipiispanen2758]

@@EruditeMagic That is true ;)

[@scottadams4656]

No mention of Mike Close or Darwin Ortiz?

[@EruditeMagic]

I think the learning curve is a bit steep to get started with them, but they're certainly some great names in memdeck work - thanks for sharing!

[@i.m.9381]

An other great video!

[@EruditeMagic]

Thank you‼️👍

[@pacozaaskr14]

I just watch Workers vol 1 from Michael Close and found this video right away. What do you think about buying Aronson DVD since it's 20ish USD?

[@EruditeMagic]

I like the Aronson books, but don't have much experience with his DVDs. The books are sometimes only $25 on sale, but I recommend Aronson wholeheartedly!

[@jennifermagic7984]

My current memdeck / stay stack books/resources: Las Vegas Kardma, Al Cardpone, The Cardjurer, Card Theatre, Memorandum, The Show, Bound to Please, Aronson Approach, Simply Simon, Try the Impossible, Buena Vista Shuffle Club, The Flip Shift, Road to Riffsville, The Devil's Staircase, Details on Deception, Faro Fundamentals, The Expert at the Card Table, In Order to Amaze, Encylopedia of Card Tricks, Ireland Writes a Book, Faro Notes, Faro Controlled Miracles, Redivider, The Nikola Card Sytem, At the Card Table, Lessons in Card Mastery, Temporarily Out of Order, Sleightly Out of Order, The Photographic Deck, Card Tricks and the Way they are Performed, Mnemonica, Repertoire, Paperwork, Asi WInd Vanishing Masterclass, Weapons of Mass Destruction/Deception. Do you have Prolix Issue #8? -- I wish I could find that one.

[@shah1n147]

Great guide to get started with MemDeck Work. I understand that this is a beginners guide, but still think Pits book „In Order to Amaze“ should be mentioned.

[@EruditeMagic]

I have it and it's delightful, but you're right, not for beginners! Thanks for bringing his name into the mix

[@rubenlie8207]

Yes I also recommend Devil's Staircase from Greg Chapman!

[@EruditeMagic]

I'm not familiar with that one - I'll be sure to check it out. What's it about?

[@jennifermagic7984]

I seem to memorize Red Stebbins, Redford, Mnemonica fine by brute force.. but I am wondering say if I wanted to memorize 6 or even 10 stacks, what would be the best way to do this? Shoudl I buy The Memory Arts book? Can I construct some sort of photos containing all the info for the various stacks? I just got a copy of the Maigret System and haven't read that yet.

[@EruditeMagic]

Yikes, I have no idea how to advise to learn 6 or 7! You'll have to let me.knownif you find something that works!

[@jennifermagic7984]

@@EruditeMagic Or how about 4 memdecks? Does The Memory Arts teach you how ot memorize 4 in the same picture?

[@EruditeMagic]

Not that I'm aware of, but there are plenty of options when you get into mnemonics

[@MexieMex]

Regarding which stack to learn, a stack you know is infinatly better than a stack you don't, so just pick one and jump in. most tricks can be ported from stack to stack anyway. A note of caution though, if you are planning to use The Memory Arts to learn, be cautious about which version you get, make sure you get a version with the full 52 pegs, the versions with only 26 that you have to reuse is a very poor way to learn a stack and although possibly still better than brute force, isn't a good option.

[@EruditeMagic]

It's really not as hard as one thinks. Getting started is key!

[@jonahberg9280]

Is bound to please a hermetic press book ?

[@EruditeMagic]

No, Simon published his own books

[@peterbugnet]

Are the first two links (for free stuff) not correct?

[@EruditeMagic]

When I checked them they were...what are you getting?

[@EruditeMagic]

They work for me...anyone else? 😬

[@mathieu6441]

​@@EruditeMagic That's weird, only the last one works for me

[@EruditeMagic]

Yikes, thanks for letting me know. I'll try to get that sorted out 😕

[@peterbugnet]

@@EruditeMagic "this site can't be reached"

[@GibsonsVapeShop]

I learned the mnemonica stack (from card value to the location number) in about 2 hours thanks the Rick Lax video. A day of practice and I had it down. Then I spent another couple hours practicing it the other way, from location number to card value. This is not an ad, but a testimonial. And I believe a great tip to my fellow stackers. The video was $20USD at @penguinmagicshop and worth every penny. Probalby on other magic sites as well.

[@EruditeMagic]

Glad you found a method that worked for you - welcome to the memdeck fam! 😃

[@pacozaaskr14]

I just got the stack down. Now I am working on a speed. The system I used is adapted from my other hobby, speed card and number memorizing. Google PAO mnemonic system and memory palace. They are the best system used by top mnemonic performer.

[@EruditeMagic]

Nice! Thanks for sharing 👌