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The standard-memory.com website or the IAM Training Software both use the international “standard” format and show you rows of 40 digits each. For several reasons, for CMSA events we prefer to use rows of 36 digits divided by three blocks of 12.
If you want to train with one of these two websites and still keep using the CMSA format, it is possible with a few adjustments:
- Ignore the last 4 digits of each row completely. Simply pretend they don’t exist.
- Count your final result yourself by applying the CMSA correction rules for numbers.
- Preferably go to the options to adjust the way your digits will be presented.
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How to change the options to make your digits easier to read:
Both websites allow you to adjust the “Grid Pattern” (“Customized sheet” section on Standard-Memory) or to “Draw lines” (IAM). It’s the same thing. The point is to add some black lines in between each small group of digits to make everything easier to read. Usually, people prefer to see their digits either in groups of 2 or 3, or in groups of 4, 6 or 9. It all depends on the memorization system they’re using and how many images they place on each location in their memory palace.
If you want to see them in groups of 2 or 4, just write “2” or “4” in the box. If you want to see them in groups of 3 or 6 or 9, I think it’s better to make some small adjustments. Because if you just enter a number like “3”, with rows of 40 numbers you will end up with a result like this:
To avoid the patterns not being the same for each row, here’s what I suggest you enter:
- “3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 3, 4” (12 times the number 3 followed by the number 4) for groups of 3.
- “6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 6, 4” (6 times the number 6 followed by the number 4) for groups of 6.
- “9, 9, 9, 9, 4” for groups of 9.
For groups of 6, with what I am proposing, the result will look like this:
Now suppose you submit your answers for 2 rows while always ignoring the last 4 digits of each row and while making a few mistakes. The website will then show you something that looks like this:
Since none of your rows will be complete (by traditional standards), the website will give you a score of 0. To calculate your score with the CMSA rules for numbers, you will have to count yourself. In the regular section, each correct digit gives you a point. Here it gives you a score of 76/80. In the advanced section, it works in blocks of 12 and each block has to be completely right for you to get your points.
First row: Everything is good, so 36 points. Second row: There is an error in the 1st block and 3 digits are missing in the 3rd. Only the 2nd block of 12 remains all good. This gives us only 12 points for the 2nd row.
Your final result for this hypothetical attempt: 48/72 (68 correct)