Readers seem like a natural step with a memorized deck (no more bottom glimpses!). Currently, I only mark two cards in my stack, but I've toyed with some ideas short of a full deck (e.g., marking the Queens, marking every fifth card). I suspect most of us have played around with marked decks, but ultimately decided the juice isn't worth the squeeze. I am interested in learning opinions from stack users about why they use one or choose not to use one.

If I were a right-handed Mnemonica-user, then I probably would have experimented with various marketed decks available. Maybe I would have realized, "Hey, this is actually a useful tool." As it stands, I'm a lefty non-Mnemonica user resistant to depending upon products that I cannot personally re-create, so I never got there. Am I missing out?

I long time ago I read a post on the Cafe from someone who said they always use marked decks because it is kind of like having a safety net in case of problems. This makes a lot of sense to me. Especially if combined with a stack - it means that the estimate-cut-glimpse technique no longer requires a glimpse to check exactly where you are.

I buy the Penguin marked decks. They work out about $5 per deck if you buy a brick; the markings are easily readable; AND they are marked both sides for lefties as well as righties.

Being a non-Mnemonica user is irrelevant. I use the Joyal stack. I know the stack perfectly so why would I need the stack numbers??? I just need to know the card's value and suit, and I automatically know its stack number.

As for products you can't re-create - do you make your own playing cards? I doubt it!

So yes, I would say you are definitely missing out on a useful tool. The only way to find out is to buy some and see how you like them.

It's not at all difficult to mark your own cards, thus freeing you from reliance on the availability (and cost) of someone else's marking system. It also means that if you're stuck in the middle of nowhere, and your luggage hasn't made it yet, you can still create a deceptive marked deck for tonight's performance.

I've published my own technique for doing this, but there are plenty of alternatives on the market.

Luke Jermay's Marksman Deck contains information regarding the sum value of a cut off packet (along with the number of red cards). It sounds like an interesting effect, but it's exclusively available to Mnemonica users (unless one personally marks a deck, or can find a motivated way to use a crib sheet, or can use a combination of memory and math skills).



I just ordered a pack. I thought they came in Mnemonica order, but it looks like there are options between "Standard" and Mnenomica. I might as well see how I fare with bold markings before deciding if I want to mark them myself. Thanks.



I said I'm "resistant," not absolutely opposed. Moreover, there's no reason to believe Bicycle Rider Backs will not be commercially available in my lifetime. Even if the UPCC went bankrupt, the brand itself would be sold off and the cards reproduced.

Thanks, Doug. The most updated version appears exclusively in Calculated Thoughts?

Cain asked:
Yup.