how to go back on anki

2 min read 24-01-2025

Anki's power lies in its spaced repetition system (SRS). This system shows you cards at increasing intervals, reinforcing what you've learned and focusing on what you struggle with. But sometimes, you need more control over how you review your cards. This article covers several ways to go back over your Anki cards, ensuring you master your material.

Understanding Anki's Review Process

Before diving into methods for revisiting cards, let's briefly review Anki's core functionality. When you add a card, Anki initially shows it frequently. As you correctly answer, the intervals between reviews lengthen. If you struggle, the intervals shorten, ensuring you focus on difficult concepts.

The Standard Review Queue

Anki's daily review queue displays cards scheduled for review based on the SRS. This is your primary method for consistent learning. Successfully reviewing these cards is crucial for long-term retention.

How to Review Specific Decks or Cards

Sometimes you need to go beyond the daily review. Here's how to target specific areas:

1. Filtering Cards: Anki allows you to filter cards based on various criteria such as tags, due dates, or even custom fields you've added. This helps you target specific topics or cards you want to review. To access filtering, look for the "Browse" button in Anki's interface.

2. Searching for Cards: You can search for specific cards using keywords in the card's text. This is handy if you remember part of the question or answer. The search function is usually readily accessible in the main Anki window.

3. Re-adding Cards: For a more intensive review, you can re-add a card to your learning queue. This forces Anki to show it again soon, irrespective of its current review schedule.

4. Changing Card Ease: If you consistently struggle with a specific card, consider marking it as "Hard" (or even "Again"). This will increase the frequency at which Anki shows the card. Conversely, if you find a card exceptionally easy, marking it as "Easy" will space out its future reviews more quickly.

Addressing Specific Review Needs

Let's delve into common scenarios and how to effectively revisit your cards:

1. Reviewing a Specific Deck:

If you need to brush up on a particular subject, navigate to that specific deck in Anki and select "Study Now." This will prioritize cards from that deck.

2. Reviewing Cards Marked as "Again":

Anki keeps track of cards marked as "Again." These cards are prioritized in your daily reviews and are great for identifying weak points in your knowledge.

3. Reviewing Cards You Missed:

Anki tracks unanswered cards. You can review these specifically to catch up and reinforce the missed material.

4. Spaced Repetition and Reviewing Old Material:

Anki's brilliance lies in its spaced repetition. While it is best to focus on the cards your deck presents daily, you can use the options above to revisit older material if needed, especially before a test.

Optimizing Your Anki Workflow

Here are a few additional tips to enhance your Anki experience and optimize reviewing:

Regular Reviews: Consistently reviewing your cards is more effective than infrequent cramming sessions.
Use Tags Effectively: Categorize your cards with relevant tags for easier filtering and targeted reviews.
Regularly Review Your Decks: Check the progress of your decks to ensure they're progressing as intended.
Adjust Your Settings: Explore Anki's settings to personalize the learning experience and review intervals.

Mastering Anki involves understanding its spaced repetition system and knowing how to navigate its features. By employing the techniques discussed here, you can effectively review your cards, reinforce your learning, and ultimately achieve your learning goals. Remember, consistency and strategic review are key to Anki's success.