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You Can Have an Amazing Memory: Learn Life-Changing Techniques and Tips from the Memory Maestro
Never forget a name or a number again! Dominic O'Brien is legendary for winning the World Memory Championship eight times and outwitting the casinos of Las Vegas to win a fortune at blackjack. Here, for the first time, he reveals his secrets for memory mastery. Follow his brain-boosting techniques and turn your mind into a super-powered computer that will recall PIN numbers with ease, remember directions, and help bring you success in business, leisure, and relationships.
208 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 2011
457 people are currently reading
3124 people want to read
About the author
Dominic O'Brien
49 books188 followersDominic O'Brien is a British mnemonist and an author of memory-related books. He is the eight time World Memory Champion.
He began developing his mnemonic techniques in 1987 when he saw Creighton Carvello memorize a pack of 52 playing cards in less than three minutes on the BBC television programme Record Breakers. In order to memorize numbers, O'Brien developed the mnemonic Dominic system, which is similar to the Major System.
He gives lectures, and has been seen on television programmes such as The Human Body.
Dominic O'Brien had an entry in the Guinness Book of Records for his 1 May 2002 feat of committing to memory a random sequence of 2808 playing cards (54 packs) after looking at each card only once. He was able to correctly recite their order, making only eight errors, four of which he immediately corrected when told he was wrong.
He began developing his mnemonic techniques in 1987 when he saw Creighton Carvello memorize a pack of 52 playing cards in less than three minutes on the BBC television programme Record Breakers. In order to memorize numbers, O'Brien developed the mnemonic Dominic system, which is similar to the Major System.
He gives lectures, and has been seen on television programmes such as The Human Body.
Dominic O'Brien had an entry in the Guinness Book of Records for his 1 May 2002 feat of committing to memory a random sequence of 2808 playing cards (54 packs) after looking at each card only once. He was able to correctly recite their order, making only eight errors, four of which he immediately corrected when told he was wrong.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
November 29, 2018
A great book to dip into for various techniques that really work. Don't expect to be able to complete these exercises overnight though, some take a lot of work!
November 7, 2013
Unlike the previous memory book I read and reviewed, this one was well written and entertaining. In ways, the information it supplied can be found by anyone who has googled the subject. However, what I most enjoyed was the way the narrator broke things down to really give the reader insight into what was going on inside his mind, which is the dominant reason I'm reading several memory books at the moment; I want to see the action at work.
The author walks through a number of standard memory methods, from peg lists to journeys to memory palaces. He does so by taking us through his adventures investigating memory techniques, which, in a pre-internet era, he developed through trial and error.
In addition, he also builds off research into brain activity which he participated in, going so far as to purchase his own EEG machine and to utilize biofeedback to learn to adjust his brain waves. Neither are necessary to basic memorization techniques - the author states that 'manual techniques' are effective - but it was interesting to read.
Finally, the author offers a response to the oft-asked question, what's the point of memorizing playing cards and strings of numbers? He argues that such activities exercise the brain, improving both memory and imagination. What point is there in 11 men kicking a ball across a field while 11 other men try to stop them? No point but exercise and enjoyment - so why shouldn't we do the same for our brain.
The author walks through a number of standard memory methods, from peg lists to journeys to memory palaces. He does so by taking us through his adventures investigating memory techniques, which, in a pre-internet era, he developed through trial and error.
In addition, he also builds off research into brain activity which he participated in, going so far as to purchase his own EEG machine and to utilize biofeedback to learn to adjust his brain waves. Neither are necessary to basic memorization techniques - the author states that 'manual techniques' are effective - but it was interesting to read.
Finally, the author offers a response to the oft-asked question, what's the point of memorizing playing cards and strings of numbers? He argues that such activities exercise the brain, improving both memory and imagination. What point is there in 11 men kicking a ball across a field while 11 other men try to stop them? No point but exercise and enjoyment - so why shouldn't we do the same for our brain.
August 10, 2016
The book: You Can Have An Amazing Memory
The author: Dominic O'Brien, eight time World Memory Champion.
The subject: This expert on memory shares his secrets with exercises for the reader to practise and develop their memories.
Why I chose it: My study mentor loaned it to me to help with my memory before exams.
The rating: Four out of five stars
What I thought of it: I feel like I have a terrible memory, or at least a memory that doesn't work how I'd like it to. That random thing that happened ten years ago? Crystal clear. That really important thing I need to do or, say, that entire module of work? Uh... I've resorted to diligently writing to-do lists, which in itself helps me remember things, but also ensures I have a record of everything I need to do so, in theory, nothing should get neglected. I wish I didn't have to do that though. I was resigned to my fate – a side-effect, I suspect (with my tin foil hat at a jaunty angle), of both depression and anti-depressant use – until I borrowed this book.
This book confirmed what I've found in the past: creativity is the key to memorising things. O'Brien takes us through various techniques, including the path method and his own Dominic method, which utilise a lot of association and coming up with interesting imagery that's far more likely to stick than a dry list of things. I liked how he portrayed it as a trial and error discovery through recounting his development, from child who "would never amount to anything" to champion memoriser. I also enjoyed his exposition of the neuroscience behind the techniques. At the end he put forward the case for memorising things; rather than it being pointless as many would suggest, he points out that we exercise our bodies for fun, so why not exercise our minds for fun too?
Of course, this review would be useless without a mention of how this book has helped improve my memory. Well, comparing how I was at the start of the book and the end, there was a clear improvement – at the start I struggled on the exercises, but by the end I sailed through them. I am putting the techniques to use in my real life too.
I would recommend it to anyone who thinks they have a poor memory. It may just be that, like me, you just don't know the best way to utilise it (and/or are being self-deprecating). Even if you don't have a poor memory, I'm sure you can make yours better and have fun in the process with this book.
Just one more thing: Another memory resource that I've been using recommends the website Memrise. It's not much use to me at the moment because I need to work on remembering stuff for my exams, which doesn't lend itself to how Memrise works, but I gave it a little go and it seemed good.
The author: Dominic O'Brien, eight time World Memory Champion.
The subject: This expert on memory shares his secrets with exercises for the reader to practise and develop their memories.
Why I chose it: My study mentor loaned it to me to help with my memory before exams.
The rating: Four out of five stars
What I thought of it: I feel like I have a terrible memory, or at least a memory that doesn't work how I'd like it to. That random thing that happened ten years ago? Crystal clear. That really important thing I need to do or, say, that entire module of work? Uh... I've resorted to diligently writing to-do lists, which in itself helps me remember things, but also ensures I have a record of everything I need to do so, in theory, nothing should get neglected. I wish I didn't have to do that though. I was resigned to my fate – a side-effect, I suspect (with my tin foil hat at a jaunty angle), of both depression and anti-depressant use – until I borrowed this book.
This book confirmed what I've found in the past: creativity is the key to memorising things. O'Brien takes us through various techniques, including the path method and his own Dominic method, which utilise a lot of association and coming up with interesting imagery that's far more likely to stick than a dry list of things. I liked how he portrayed it as a trial and error discovery through recounting his development, from child who "would never amount to anything" to champion memoriser. I also enjoyed his exposition of the neuroscience behind the techniques. At the end he put forward the case for memorising things; rather than it being pointless as many would suggest, he points out that we exercise our bodies for fun, so why not exercise our minds for fun too?
Of course, this review would be useless without a mention of how this book has helped improve my memory. Well, comparing how I was at the start of the book and the end, there was a clear improvement – at the start I struggled on the exercises, but by the end I sailed through them. I am putting the techniques to use in my real life too.
I would recommend it to anyone who thinks they have a poor memory. It may just be that, like me, you just don't know the best way to utilise it (and/or are being self-deprecating). Even if you don't have a poor memory, I'm sure you can make yours better and have fun in the process with this book.
Just one more thing: Another memory resource that I've been using recommends the website Memrise. It's not much use to me at the moment because I need to work on remembering stuff for my exams, which doesn't lend itself to how Memrise works, but I gave it a little go and it seemed good.
September 1, 2020
3.5* Expected a lot more than it provided.
January 11, 2013
Fascinating techniques to improve memorization of lists and numbers using the journey method. By connecting novel information to familiar, you can trick the brain into storing new information. Essentially you get the brain's hemisphere's to work together.
Great information about how the brain activates as is works and how to stimulate neuroplasticity in your own brain.
Great information about how the brain activates as is works and how to stimulate neuroplasticity in your own brain.
September 24, 2015
Having read a number of Memory books I must admit that most of it are either tedious or not effective. Many Mnemonist don't share all their techniques in their books. People, like myself, who are looking to improve memory overnight might find it frustrating(trust me its not possible) . Dominic O'Brien, eight times World Memory Champion, shares some of his best memory techniques in this book. I personally find it to be informative and easily the best memory book available. But again there is no short cuts for obtaining a sharp memory. It will definitely take time since we are trained to think in a certain way from a early age; its not easy adapt a new tool of learning overnight. We all can have an amazing memory provided we work on it. Happy Learning!!
March 5, 2018
***INCREDIBLE***
The review ended above, this book changed my way to memorize things, Dominic O'Brien himself is 8 times world memory champion and covers some exceptional exercises in this book, if done regularly than one truly enhance the capacity of the brain.
The review ended above, this book changed my way to memorize things, Dominic O'Brien himself is 8 times world memory champion and covers some exceptional exercises in this book, if done regularly than one truly enhance the capacity of the brain.
December 19, 2016
This is a great book that helps you learn the techniques to having a great memory.
I preferred it to the book by Joshua Foer
I preferred it to the book by Joshua Foer
October 6, 2012
As I was hesitated about reading the book .. I was never interested -not a little bit- in books with titles like "know yourself better" , "secrets of success" " how to become a millionaire" , but this one is an exception ; the author is someone who really knows what he is talking about describing his personal experience . So I am dying to read every letter he wrote . It's just like that :D . About my rating , for me it deserves more than 5-with a range out of 5 too- but since it's the highest one here so it totally deserves it .
May 2, 2016
Fantastic book, well written and more entertaining compared to another magnificent book (use your memory by Tony Buzan).
These kind of book will introduce you to new concept that will change you forever. If you are willing to stick with the instruction and implement these technique immediately; you'll end up with big gains.
These kind of book will introduce you to new concept that will change you forever. If you are willing to stick with the instruction and implement these technique immediately; you'll end up with big gains.
July 20, 2017
very useful techniques and practices
November 27, 2016
I've always been interested in psychology and how the brain functions with certain data, especially languages. Memory is a fascinating subject but weirdly I've never really investigated 'how it works'. Mine is ok and I was able to rely on it when I needed it. It is not infallible however and I did wonder how certain people seem able to achieve amazing feats. A little while ago, I heard about 'memory palaces', in Sherlock and in The Mentalist, which spurred me on to find out exactly what that is.
Queue searching the web for reference books on the subject. Dominic O'Brien has written a few and this one seemed a good place to start. And it was. The author charts his journey into training his brain and finding out what techniques work, in a time before the easy access to internet resources, as well as his experience with the World Memory Championships and how they are held.
He also offers various exercises for the reader to use. And this is key! For instance, how many words, in order, would you remember if you only have 3 minutes to study. The norm is 6-10 but using association and visualisation, I was able to retain 18 the first time I tried, and this was without writing them down (I usually have to write to retain). Not only were they in order, but I could go backwards too!
Numbers, especially for long sequences, is harder to attain and requires work, but once you've done the leg work, it becomes easier and stronger. I'm still working at devising my pairs.
So, a pretty good introduction to training one's memory that is entertaining to read, combining anecdotal facts with beginners hands on training. I feel however that I've just scratched the surface and want more, especially on managing several palaces/journeys and 'coding' the various kinds of data.
Queue searching the web for reference books on the subject. Dominic O'Brien has written a few and this one seemed a good place to start. And it was. The author charts his journey into training his brain and finding out what techniques work, in a time before the easy access to internet resources, as well as his experience with the World Memory Championships and how they are held.
He also offers various exercises for the reader to use. And this is key! For instance, how many words, in order, would you remember if you only have 3 minutes to study. The norm is 6-10 but using association and visualisation, I was able to retain 18 the first time I tried, and this was without writing them down (I usually have to write to retain). Not only were they in order, but I could go backwards too!
Numbers, especially for long sequences, is harder to attain and requires work, but once you've done the leg work, it becomes easier and stronger. I'm still working at devising my pairs.
So, a pretty good introduction to training one's memory that is entertaining to read, combining anecdotal facts with beginners hands on training. I feel however that I've just scratched the surface and want more, especially on managing several palaces/journeys and 'coding' the various kinds of data.
February 22, 2020
The techniques taught in this book really work! However, its one flaw is that the techniques seem to have limited impact outside of memorizing decks of cards or 100 digits of pi. The whole time I'm reading the book, wading through legitimate techniques, carefully navigating between the instances of pure braggadocio, I'm thinking "Yeah that's great and all, but when the hell will I need to memorise a deck of cards in a random order."
In fact, you have to wait until right at the end of the book for him to finally say "Now I taught you this multitude of techniques, here's how you can memorise a speech, or assist with studying."
For this book to have been 4 or 5 stars for me, he would need to relate each technique to a real world memory problem, and then sum up at the end. Example - here's the journey technique and how you could use it in your daily life. Technique -> Real world use. Cause -> effect. It would have been perfect.
At the moment, the book is Technique A -> B -> C -> A story about how amazing my memory is -> Brief anecdote about one of my *ahem* many, Guinness world records -> D -> E -> Some technical information about why the brain works this way -> finally, here's a brief chapter on memorising speeches. The relational bit, the reason I'm reading this book is reserved for the last chapter, and because of that, it's a bit of a frustrating read, despite the fact that the techniques really do work.
In fact, you have to wait until right at the end of the book for him to finally say "Now I taught you this multitude of techniques, here's how you can memorise a speech, or assist with studying."
For this book to have been 4 or 5 stars for me, he would need to relate each technique to a real world memory problem, and then sum up at the end. Example - here's the journey technique and how you could use it in your daily life. Technique -> Real world use. Cause -> effect. It would have been perfect.
At the moment, the book is Technique A -> B -> C -> A story about how amazing my memory is -> Brief anecdote about one of my *ahem* many, Guinness world records -> D -> E -> Some technical information about why the brain works this way -> finally, here's a brief chapter on memorising speeches. The relational bit, the reason I'm reading this book is reserved for the last chapter, and because of that, it's a bit of a frustrating read, despite the fact that the techniques really do work.
March 8, 2017
YOU CAN HAVE AN AMAZING MEMORY
Learn life-changing techniques and tips from the memory maestro
Dominic O'Brien
Dominic has a truly amazing memory, not surprising that he was the World Memory Champion eight times.
In this book, he tells how he developed his technique, through experimenting and trial and error. But many of us are not that interested in how his technique came about, or how he had to develop new tricks; we just want to know how to use our memory to assist us in our everyday lives. The same thing applies to his techniques for memorising 50 packs of playing cards. For most of us, it is not what we are going to use his methods for.
On the other hand, most of the techniques can be used in various situations. I did skip some chapters, such as the one about memorising ink-blot shapes, or a page of 0's and 1's in random order. An impressive party trick, but it is only really useful if you are in a world memory championship.
He does give useful tips on how to memorise numbers, names, people, all of that is good. That's where the book is valuable. It could have been more valuable if it had focused on the areas that students, adults, ordinary people need for the lives.
I just found out that he has written some other books, with titles suggesting they might be more practical.
Learn life-changing techniques and tips from the memory maestro
Dominic O'Brien
Dominic has a truly amazing memory, not surprising that he was the World Memory Champion eight times.
In this book, he tells how he developed his technique, through experimenting and trial and error. But many of us are not that interested in how his technique came about, or how he had to develop new tricks; we just want to know how to use our memory to assist us in our everyday lives. The same thing applies to his techniques for memorising 50 packs of playing cards. For most of us, it is not what we are going to use his methods for.
On the other hand, most of the techniques can be used in various situations. I did skip some chapters, such as the one about memorising ink-blot shapes, or a page of 0's and 1's in random order. An impressive party trick, but it is only really useful if you are in a world memory championship.
He does give useful tips on how to memorise numbers, names, people, all of that is good. That's where the book is valuable. It could have been more valuable if it had focused on the areas that students, adults, ordinary people need for the lives.
I just found out that he has written some other books, with titles suggesting they might be more practical.
July 6, 2020
A must read book if you have a poor memory and dont know anything about memory techniques
This is my first memory book.I think this book is really great.It explains the memory technique.Then author explains how he uses the technique and there are exercises at the end of each chapters for you to practise the techniques.This was the kind of book I wanted.Also the author of the book also invented the dominic Memory technique for numbers and 10 times world memory champion.This book will tell you why you should strive to have an amazing memory in the beginning chapters and quickly moves on to various memory techniques and practise exercises at end of each technique.
Book is interesting to read and is not boring
Sometimes it feels great to directly learn from the legends themselves through their books
This is my first memory book.I think this book is really great.It explains the memory technique.Then author explains how he uses the technique and there are exercises at the end of each chapters for you to practise the techniques.This was the kind of book I wanted.Also the author of the book also invented the dominic Memory technique for numbers and 10 times world memory champion.This book will tell you why you should strive to have an amazing memory in the beginning chapters and quickly moves on to various memory techniques and practise exercises at end of each technique.
Book is interesting to read and is not boring
Sometimes it feels great to directly learn from the legends themselves through their books
May 20, 2017
This book is just the right size for what it is. O'Brien gets to the point and is very succinct in explaining his "origin story" so to speak as well as the techniques he's developed. The techniques themselves are handy but I think limited in scope (although I've only been practicing a week so I might be missing something). For example they're really useful if you need to remember a long list of items or if you want to remember someone's name (something that's been the bane of my existence) but not great if you need to remember what took place during a meeting or conversation. That being said, this book is a safe bet because even if it turns out his techniques aren't for you, the book is so short and concise that you'll only have lost a few hours of your time.
Read
December 26, 2020The following framework is key for memory: come up with image, come up with place, glue image to place
The journey system is the most efficient memorization technique
Use all senses to build associations: vision, smell taste, touch, hearing
Put yourself in the center of the story to memorize better
To memorize people's names: use first association, use physical features, chunk long names, use memory palace to remember a group of people
Repeat items 5 times to remember them: in a few minutes, next day, next week, next month, in 3 months
Use mind maps to remember speeches
Memory doesn't deteriorate because of age
Avoid alcohol altogether
The journey system is the most efficient memorization technique
Use all senses to build associations: vision, smell taste, touch, hearing
Put yourself in the center of the story to memorize better
To memorize people's names: use first association, use physical features, chunk long names, use memory palace to remember a group of people
Repeat items 5 times to remember them: in a few minutes, next day, next week, next month, in 3 months
Use mind maps to remember speeches
Memory doesn't deteriorate because of age
Avoid alcohol altogether
June 8, 2021
What an excellent book!
Most of the methods explained in this book aren't new, but they do have unique twists and modifications to them that make them a lot easier to understand than other memory books. This is obviously something that Dominic is very passionate about and explains complicated procedures with ease. I especially like his own method - the Dominic method.
Since reading this i have already managed to memorize a compete deck of cards and I'm going to try and take it further. Well worth it!
Most of the methods explained in this book aren't new, but they do have unique twists and modifications to them that make them a lot easier to understand than other memory books. This is obviously something that Dominic is very passionate about and explains complicated procedures with ease. I especially like his own method - the Dominic method.
Since reading this i have already managed to memorize a compete deck of cards and I'm going to try and take it further. Well worth it!
July 23, 2022
This method should be taught in schools. I've always been self conscious of my poor ability to retain what I read. I can now actually memorize and easily recall huge volumes of information, in a way that's quite rewarding and almost effortless. I tried unsuccessfully to apply this method to chess, but unfortunately the sheer volume of branching in chess variations makes the linear journey method of little use.
July 16, 2025
The book caught my attention from the very beginning. I took the tests and wasn't very happy with the results. So I decided to dive deeper into the book and improve my memorising skills.
We can find many techniques that help to improve our memorising. The practice exercises presented in this book are great for reinforcing knowledge. And just stories from the author's life give this book some charm.
This is 5/5. I like this book. I would recommend reading it.
We can find many techniques that help to improve our memorising. The practice exercises presented in this book are great for reinforcing knowledge. And just stories from the author's life give this book some charm.
This is 5/5. I like this book. I would recommend reading it.
July 2, 2019
Like most self-help / productivity books this could have been boiled to a simple blog post. There is too much autobiographical details about a guy I simply do not care about; I simply wanted some practical information. That comes, at the end of the book, just when I was about to give it up because bored out of my tits. Skim read it until the last couple of chapters, or find a better book.
March 16, 2020
A very informative book - contains lots of interesting techniques for improving memory and educational tidbits on why improving your memory can help you in many aspects of your life. Would be nice if the author elaborated more on memory techniques other than his own though. That said, still a great book - I'll be revisiting and practicing using the exercises provided.
July 29, 2022
This book is absolutely incredible for someone starting to explore this field.
I was halfway through the book and had already created multiple mind palaces and was able to memorize 100 digits at once.
This covers the basic technics to get you started and will help you with some tasks that are often played in memory contests.
I was halfway through the book and had already created multiple mind palaces and was able to memorize 100 digits at once.
This covers the basic technics to get you started and will help you with some tasks that are often played in memory contests.
June 16, 2021
All the info. you need to gain memory skills are no doubt in this book but it wasn't fell designed or written; something was off and it just wasn't engaging enough. Needless to say I never persisted and my memory remains average!
April 17, 2024
เหมือนจะมีหลายเล่มนะที่เขียนเกี่ยวกับความจำ how to จำ พวกนี้
แต่เล่มนี้อ่านเข้าใจไม่ยาก
ในช่วงแรก แต่ช่วงหลังโคตรยาก
มีแบบฝึกหัดด้วย
การหลับตาแล้วมานั่งนึกภาพตามหนังสือเล่มนี้ แล้วฝึกเชื่อมโยงเรื่อองราวนี่มันรู้สึกเพิ่มรอยหยักสมองดีนะ ปกติหลังจบมหาลัยมันไม่ต้องจำไปสอบอะไรมากแล้วไง55
แต่เล่มนี้อ่านเข้าใจไม่ยาก
ในช่วงแรก แต่ช่วงหลังโคตรยาก
มีแบบฝึกหัดด้วย
การหลับตาแล้วมานั่งนึกภาพตามหนังสือเล่มนี้ แล้วฝึกเชื่อมโยงเรื่อองราวนี่มันรู้สึกเพิ่มรอยหยักสมองดีนะ ปกติหลังจบมหาลัยมันไม่ต้องจำไปสอบอะไรมากแล้วไง55
December 14, 2017
I watched summary of this book. In this book three principles to remember anything in memory:
1. Imagination, 2. Association, and 3. Location.
1. Imagination, 2. Association, and 3. Location.
February 14, 2018
หลังจากลองมาหลายวิธีรู้สึกว่าวิธีช่วยจำแบบนี้เข้ากับตัวเองมากที่สุด ใครที่ยังหาวิธีที่ชอบไม่ได้ ควรลองวิธีที่หนังสือเล่มนี้สอน
August 18, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It contains many memorizing strategies and exercises. Definatelly 5 stars.
December 10, 2018
Not exactly what I was looking for, but certainly a nice step to practice my memory.
November 1, 2019
Fantastic book
Lot of effective methods for improving memory , easy and fun to read and learn , i can remember deck of cards for 5 min only one week training
Lot of effective methods for improving memory , easy and fun to read and learn , i can remember deck of cards for 5 min only one week training
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews