Memorizing Pi started as a stupid challenge. I had just started learning about memory techniques, such as the "Method Of Loci", and the "Major System". Do they actually work though? I wanted to find out. My school's Pi Day challenge was only a couple months away, and I had never competed before. I'm sure the record was only a couple hundred digits, I thought. The record? 988 Digits. Is there any chance that I could even come close?
Last year's winner used a mnemonic system called the Dominic PAO System. This system encodes 6 digits into a single image, requiring 165 images for the full set of 988. To store all these images, he used the Method of Loci, commonly known as the "Memory Palace". This technique dates back to Ancient Greece, and is extremely useful for memorizing ordered lists of information.
With Pi day approaching in a few months, I needed to get started quickly to stand a chance at breaking the record.
How on earth?
In computer terms, our memory consists of both RAM and SSDs. Our short term memory ( RAM ) is unfortunately terrible, and while it's quite fast, it can really only hold around 7 +- 2 units of information. Every mnemonist on earth uses their long term memory, ( SSD ) to memorise information. There is no known limit to our long term memory, and the only drawback to using it is storing it in there effectively.
However, the key factor that separates mnemonists from the average joe is the metaphorical software they use. In fact, the large majority of memory athletes do NOT have a better "natural" memory than you or me. The trick that basically encompasses all of mnemonics is short-cutting the link from your short term to long term memory. One of the best ways to do this is called Elaborate Encoding, which is basically just adding information to concepts to improve their memorability.
A computers' memory would be useless without the software to read the binary, and make the 1s and 0s into something coherent. Similarly, humans need systems to effectively store and recall their memory. Think about it, last time you were trying to remember something, what were you actually doing? Were you just thinking really hard?. With mnemonic techniques and systems, you can use software to transform your brain into a filing cabinet. Next time you forget something, just look it up in your mind.
One of the most important systems for remembering information is the previously mentioned Method Of Loci. This technique allows you to link an image to a point in your spatial memory. Imagine yourself walking around your house. Where do you start? Where do you end up? In each room, "place" an image of something you should remember. Once you have constructed your journey, and placed all of your images, imagine your journey again. You should see your images right where you left them.
Using the Method Of Loci is good and all, but numbers aren't very memorable, they are just... numbers. This is where the Major System comes into place. The Major System is a code that can convert numbers into words. Words can be converted into images, which are easy to memorise using previously explained methods. The Major System is pretty self explanatory and is shown below.
0 -> S, Z, Soft C
1 -> T, D
2 -> N,
3 -> M,
4 -> R,
5 -> L,
6 -> Sh, Ch, J, Soft G
7 -> K, Hard C, Hard G, Q
8 -> F, V
9 -> P, BVowels and some consonants are ignored, but they can be used as 'placeholders' to form words. Above are the number mappings that I use, but any combination will do. For example, 039 becomes SaMBa
These two main techniques are how I am going to memorise 1000 digits of pi.
Training
Approx Memorisation Time: 2ish Weeks, Average 15m per day
As I became more proficient at the techniques, the images became clearer and more memorable, meaning my progress rate was loosely linked to time spent practising.
Results
As I am writing this, Pi day was 2 days ago, and the competition took place during the school day. There about 15 people competing, with a really rough estimated median count of 200.
Third and second place managed 301 and 303 digits, respectively—pretty high scores, however likely not using advanced mnemonics, instead probably using a mix of rote memorization and mnemonic songs like the Pi Song.
Despite being watched by 20 people, and feeling pretty nervous, traversing my loci worked as usual, and twenty-five minutes later I had flawlessly recited 1004 digits of pi, plenty enough to break the standing record. So far, I haven't found a higher record in Northern Ireland, whether in schools or elsewhere.
Are Mnemonics Useful
I don't just use mnemonics for pi though, I have memorised
- Phone numbers
- Books I've read
- Nerve clusters ( to prove a point.. )
- A calendars
- Todo lists
- Personal memories.
Although I would still consider myself a beginner in the world of memory techniques, I fully believe that everyone should try using them. There is no genetic predisposition that I have, no hidden talent, that makes my memory better than anyone else. Everyone can use these techniques, and I believe they definitely should give it a go. Shopping lists become trivial, formula become inconsequential and you'll definitely never forget anyone's name ever again.