The number-letter system is similar to the peg system in that it uses a predetermined list of words that are already associated with a number. The method for defining this predetermined list, however is different. In the peg system, rhyme was used. The number-letter system is a bit more complicated, but it allows us to go beyond the simple ten items to as many items as you could imagine. To start of, each number is associated with a sound. Usually the sound is represented by a letter, hence the title number-letter system, however, sometimes it will be given by two letters. Here is the list you must memorize to use this method.

1. = t (there is one downstroke in the letter t)
2. = n (there are two downstrokes in the letter n)
3. = m (there are three downstrokes in the letter m)
4. = r (the last letter in four is r)
5. = l (the Roman number 50 is L)
6. = sh (the word six has begins with an x)
7. = k (the number seven can be turned around to look like part of the letter k)
8. = f (a cursive f looks like an 8)
9. = p (a p flipped looks like a 9)
10. = z, s (think of zero)

This system is particularly good for memorizing phone numbers. Without having to make up a word for each number, you can insert vowels between the consonant sounds that represent the numbers. For example. Let's say you want to remember the number (421)474-8657. ReNT ... youRCaR.... iF SHeLiKe. Of course there will be cases where it is very difficult to come up with a good phrase. If that is the case, don't bother wasting your time trying to remember it. Use a different method. It will take practice to come up with phrases easily.

To make up words that go with this list, you can make words that begin with these letters. It is best if they end in a "y" or a "w," so that you don't use sounds from another number in your word. For example:
1. toy, tow, toe,
2. new, now, nay,
3. ma, meow, mow,
4. raw, ray, row,
5. law, low, lay,
6. show, shoe
7. cow
8. foe
9. pow, pay, paw
10. see, zoo, ooze

Then, you can continue the list, thinking of 11 as two t's:

11. TooT
12. TiN, TaN
13. TeaM
14. TRee, TeaR
15. TeeL, TiLe, TaLl, ToLl
16. TooSH (?)
17. TiCK, TaCK, ToCK, TuCK
18. TouGH, TaFFy
19. ToP, TaP, TiP, TaPe
20. NoSe

The list could go on forever....