Mind Performance Hacks

Hack #5. Use the Major System

The Major System is the most commonly used set of mnemonics. This custom Major System will help you memorize lists of up to 100 items, as well as credit card PINs, phone numbers, and the other numeric trivia of daily life.

The Major System was introduced in the 17th century by Stanislaus Mink von Wennsshein and was improved in the 18th century by Dr. Richard Grey.¹ While the Major System is probably the most established mnemonic schema, I prefer the Dominic System [Hack #6], invented by Dominic O'Brien in the 20th century. Nevertheless, you might find that the Major System works well for you, and knowing something about it will contribute to your understanding of advanced mnemonic techniques.

In Action

The Major System uses peg words just like the number-rhyme system [Hack #1] and number-shape system [Hack #2]. Instead of associating numbers with peg words based on rhymes or shapes, however, it assigns each digit a basic consonantal sound and builds up peg words from combinations of those consonants. For example, the digit 3 is linked to the consonant M, and the digit 2 is linked to the consonant N, so our Major System list suggests moon for 32.

The consonant assignments are fairly arbitrary—Lewis Carroll came up with an alternate set [Hack #9] that's probably just as good—but Table 1-2 shows a standard set of mnemonics you can use for these associations until they become second nature.

Table 1-2. Number/letter associations

Number	Letter	Association
0	S, ...