CardStacks
FAQ
Real questions from people training memorized decks with CardStacks.
I already know a stack a little. What is the fastest way to improve with CardStacks?
Start with Position → Card and Card → Position to tighten your core map. Then add Adjacent Card for performance-style transitions, and finish with short Speed Round sessions. Consistency beats marathon sessions: 10-20 focused minutes daily produces better recall than occasional long sessions.
How should I structure a daily training session?
A practical routine is: 5 minutes warm-up (known positions), 10 minutes targeted mode work (missed cards/patterns), and 5 minutes speed drill. Review your weak points immediately after each session while they are still fresh.
What does spaced repetition actually do in the app?
CardStacks uses SM-2 style review intervals. Cards you answer correctly move farther out in time; misses come back sooner. This prevents over-practicing easy cards and keeps your effort focused on cards that are likely to be forgotten.
Which mode should I use when I keep freezing during live performance?
Use Adjacent Card and Speed Round. Adjacent recall trains flow between cards, while speed drills build retrieval under time pressure. If your issue is specific positions, cycle back to Position → Card for targeted repair.
How do Shuffle and Sequence differ in training?
Sequence is ideal for building and validating the full ordered map. Shuffle is better for stress-testing true recall and reducing pattern dependence. Most users improve fastest by mixing both.
Why does the app only allow button-based answers?
Button-only input removes typing friction and keeps response timing consistent across modes. It also avoids keyboard mistakes that can hide whether the memory was wrong or just mistyped.
Can I create my own custom memorized deck?
Yes. In the Decks screen, use Create Custom Deck. Fill all 52 positions with unique cards, save, and the deck syncs to your signed-in account. You can reopen and edit custom decks any time.
Do I need an account for custom decks and progress sync?
Yes. Guest mode is useful for quick evaluation, but synced progress, purchase restoration, and custom deck persistence are account-based features.
Why is only one deck free?
Nikola is included for free so anyone can start training immediately. Premium unlocks the broader professional stack set and supports ongoing product development and support.
I completed a purchase, but I still see locked decks. What should I do?
Open Profile → Billing and refresh the Decks page after the store transaction completes. If access still appears locked, contact support@cardstacks.xyz with your store receipt details.
How can I tell if I’m actually getting better?
Check Stats for accuracy, session count, and streak trends. A strong sign of progress is stable or rising accuracy while answering faster in shuffled sessions.
Where does CardStacks run?
Web app: app.cardstacks.xyz. Main site: cardstacks.xyz.
What if a purchase fails or I have account/access issues?
Email support@cardstacks.xyz with your platform, account email, and purchase receipt details.
Where can I read policy details like refunds and terms?
Use the policy pages linked in the footer: Refund Policy, Terms, Privacy, and Legal.