We have high retention rates because we've had our decks for a while now and there's plenty of mature cards which compensate for the young ones. Just keep going at it, don't worry about retention rates, and it'll solve itself. Once you'll have cards maturing it'll go up considerably.

(also, the beginning is the hardest since everything is new. Once you get more familiar with the language learning new words becomes progressively easier)

Hirakana wrote:

I'm using Nukemarine's Optimized Core 6k, and my retention rate is absolutely horrific. 66% for young (I have no mature yet). <snip> How long should I spend on each card to get the amazing 80-95% retention rates that seem to be so common here?

In addition to what has already been said. Those 80+ rates are for mature cards, since you don't have any yet, don't worry!

Don't worry about retention, let yourself become familiar with the words.

I suggest writing every word two or three times. (motor memory)
20 seconds or less
6-13 seconds for 'good' or 'easy' cards

Last edited by Aspiring (2013 July 04, 6:16 pm)