When I was 16, I read "How to Develop a Super Power Memory", by Harry Lorayne. After practicing his technique for remembering numbers, and exercising with playing cards, I could memorize the order of a 52-card deck. I showed this to my Dad and challenged him to ask me about ANY card in the deck, such as what is the 20th card, what is 33rd card, and so forth. It worked. But you do have to practice this skill, or it fades.
RE: Excellent ways to increase memory!