Sup guys!
I´ve been using fsrs since december in a whole new profile with the default parameters and the first interval was good, it was only 2 days. But a few weeks ago i decided to optimize the parameters when i did 1000 reviews, cause i did a research in english websites and understood that if i do that the interval becomes more adaptative (Im brazillian and also learning english, so maybe i understood wrong) but suddenly my first interval is basically 5 days and now i thinks it is too large. Basically im studying for a exam (it is not a english exam, more like a college exam) thats gonna happen in november and i don`t think with this large interval im gonna be able to keep these cards in my mind.
What you guys tell me? Especially people who use fsrs a long time.
Is that a long interval? Can i keep that in my mind till november with this interval?
Should i change it? If yes, what yall recommend?
I’ve been using Anki regularly for years, but I only recently decided to switch to FSRS.
At first, I had a similar experience: the intervals seemed too long, which made me skeptical, but I can assure you the algorithm is highly efficient.
At core, FSRS is designed to maximize retention while minimizing unnecessary reviews, so even if the intervals feel longer than what you’re used to, that doesn’t mean you’ll forget the material.
Concerns like this come up often, and I think most end within two possible scenarios:
If the interval is truly too long and you’re forgetting cards within those five days, just be honest when reviewing and press “Again” so FSRS can adjust over time and shorten the intervals in the next optimization. You won’t get stuck with ineffective spacing unless your responses indicate that you’re struggling.
Otherwise, it could be that you’re underestimating your own memory, and may not need as many reviews as you think. Often we get used to managing a backlog of hundreds of daily reviews to only realize that even with fewer reviews you’re retaining more than enough.
In short, trust the algorithm—it’s really not worth stressing over. FSRS does a surprisingly good job of keeping everything in your long-term memory without overloading you with unnecessary reps.
The interval is not too long, it is optimal for matching your DR, studying for an exam at a specific point in time is not the goal of Anki or its scheduler. However you can work around this by using plugins such as
