(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! :-)