How long does it take to memorize the Aronson stack?
Most learners reach usable recall in four to eight weeks with short daily practice. Mastery under performance conditions takes longer and depends on consistent drilling.
Aronson Stack – Full Card Order
The Aronson stack is Simon Aronson's memorized deck order, first published in his 1979 book A Stack to Remember and expanded in later works such as Bound to Please and Simply Simon. Aronson built the arrangement so that strong routines—like a memorable poker deal—are built directly into the order.
Alongside Tamariz's Mnemonica, it is one of the two most widely studied memorized decks. The complete 52-card order is listed below; use Mem Deck to drill it until recall is automatic.
Complete 52-card order
- Jack of Spades
- King of Clubs
- 5 of Clubs
- 2 of Hearts
- 9 of Spades
- Ace of Spades
- 3 of Hearts
- 6 of Clubs
- 8 of Diamonds
- Ace of Clubs
- 10 of Spades
- 5 of Hearts
- 2 of Diamonds
- King of Diamonds
- 7 of Diamonds
- 8 of Clubs
- 3 of Spades
- Ace of Diamonds
- 7 of Spades
- 5 of Spades
- Queen of Diamonds
- Ace of Hearts
- 8 of Spades
- 3 of Diamonds
- 7 of Hearts
- Queen of Hearts
- 5 of Diamonds
- 7 of Clubs
- 4 of Hearts
- King of Hearts
- 4 of Diamonds
- 10 of Diamonds
- Jack of Clubs
- Jack of Hearts
- 10 of Clubs
- Jack of Diamonds
- 4 of Spades
- 10 of Hearts
- 6 of Hearts
- 3 of Clubs
- 2 of Spades
- 9 of Hearts
- King of Spades
- 6 of Spades
- 4 of Clubs
- 8 of Hearts
- 9 of Clubs
- Queen of Spades
- 6 of Diamonds
- Queen of Clubs
- 2 of Clubs
- 9 of Diamonds
Learning tips
- Study Aronson's own writings—he documented memory hooks and the reasoning behind the arrangement.
- Drill small groups of cards and use Mem Deck's practice range to focus on the section you are learning.
- Perform one simple stack trick early, even for friends—performance pressure exposes weak spots faster than solo drilling.
Frequently asked questions
When was the Aronson stack created?
Simon Aronson published the stack in 1979 in *A Stack to Remember*, and continued releasing routines and refinements for it over the following decades.
Aronson vs Tamariz—which is better?
Neither is objectively better. Tamariz has more published material worldwide; Aronson offers powerful built-in effects. Choose based on the routines you want to perform.