Sort Cards.
May 25th, 2011 by capitaladmin
Is there any sort of technique which can be used to sort cards quickly?
YES!
1) Make 10 index cards numbered 0-9. If possible, use white index cards and write the numbers using a black, bold permanent maker (like a sharpie). The contrast will make it easier on your eyes. Set the cards on the table in increasing order.
e.g.:
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
OR
0 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9
2) Take the cards you want to sort. Sort them by the last number on the index card (the ones place). Cards with #5 in the ones place would be put next to the #5 index card.
3) When done, pile each stack on the next higher stack. Pick up the #1 stack, place it on top of the #2 stack. Then place that stack on top of the #3 stack, then everything on top of the #4 stack, etc.
4) Starting at the top of the stack (previously the #1 stack), resort the cards using the next to last number (tens digit). Card #432 would go on the #3 stack. Cards with no second number (say 1) would go on the 0 pile)
5) After sorting all the cards by the tens digit, restack the cards on the next lower stack. Pick up #9 and place it on #8, then place that on #7, etc.
6) Resort the whole stack from the top (previously the #9 stack) by using the first number (the hundreds digit). Card #921 would go on stack #9. Cards with no number in the first digit (such as #98) would go in the 0 pile.
7) Restack the cards on the next higher stack (step #3) and your done.
