1. Correct fingering
- Thumb – pushes earth beads up to the beam.
- Index finger – pulls earth beads down and moves the heaven bead both ways.
Using the wrong finger costs a fraction of a second every move. Over a 10-number chain that adds up.
2. Combine movements
When a move needs both the heaven bead and earth beads, do them together. For +7 on an empty rod, pinch with thumb and index finger at the same time: heaven down, two earth up. This is called a pinch move.
3. Keep your eyes ahead
Read the next number while your fingers are still finishing the current one. Your eyes should always be one number ahead of your hand.
4. Train in sets
- Pick a level you can do with 90% accuracy.
- Do 10 questions against the clock using our practice page.
- Note your time. Repeat tomorrow and try to beat it.
- When you hit 100% twice in a row, move up a level.
Relaxed hands are fast hands. Keep your wrist loose and your fingers close to the beads.
Try it yourself
Practise the pinch: from 0, show 7 in a single motion (heaven down + two earth up).
Your abacus shows 0.
Quick check
Type your answers, then check them. Get them all right to complete the lesson automatically.
Practice tips
- Short, daily timed sets beat long, occasional sessions.
- If accuracy drops below 90%, slow down. Speed built on mistakes does not last.