(Flat-Round-Odd-Even)The order of the values is always the same:
A - 3 - 4 - 5 - 7 - J - K - 2 - 6 - 8 - 9 - 10 - Q The idea came from the flat/round dividing principle: A, 3, 4, 5, 7, J and K are flat (or sharp) on the top, while 2, 6, 8, 9, 10 and Q have round tops (just check a regular Bicycle deck, you'll see what I mean). Both the flat and the round values are in ascending order.
The rules:The order of the values is: [A-3] [4] [5-7-J-K] [2-6-8] [9] [10-Q]
Regarding the suits: reds and blacks are alternating based on the odd/even values (blocks).
For example:
[A - 3] [4] [5 - 7 - J - K] [2 - 6 - 8] [9] [10 - Q]Memorize this order using the
BLOCKS! There are only two "lonely" cards, the 4 and the 9, it's easy to remember. Double blocks are A-3 and 10-Q, and there's the 2-6-8 and the 5-7-J-K. With little practice they can be memorized. :-)
Between blocks there is always a
change of color (red/black)!
If there are 2 cards of the
same color next to each other (red-red or black-black), the suits are
alternating hearts->diamonds, diamonds->hearts, spades->clubs, clubs->spades).
If there is a change of color (red-black or black-red), then the suits are in pairs:
hearts-spades and
diamonds-clubs. So it can be either hearts->spades, spades->hearts, diamonds->clubs or clubs->diamonds.
There are two exceptions only: after the
Queen of spades comes the Ace of spaes, after the
Queen of hearts comes the Ace of hearts.
So the whole stack looks like this (separated into blocks):
Some examples explained in detail: The card after the
8 of clubs: after 8 comes the 9, and there will be a change of color (even->odd), so it will be a red card, a diamond (clubs and diamonds are in pair). So after the 8 of clubs comes the 9 of diamonds.
The card after the
Jack of hearts: after the Jack comes the King, they are in the same block so there is no change of color (both red), after a heart comes a diamond. So after the Jack of hearts comes the King of diamonds.
The card after the
King of spades: after the King comes a 2, there is a change of color (new block) so it will be a red card, a heart (spades and hearts are in pair). So after the King of spades comes the 2 of hearts.
It's not that difficult, is it? :-)
Once you understand the rules, you can instantly name the card coming after any card.
Have fun! :-)