It may not be easy at first to determine the order state by looking at the square when the couples are paired like stripes.  This section gives you some mnemonics that might help you determine the order right away if you notice the partners are paired like stripes letting you procede immideately to your get-out.

The following diagrams assume the dancers look like this when squared up at home....

See Selecting Key Couples for more information on Primary/Secondary Couple and the "Boy Couple" / "Girl Couple" idea.

• [B] or [P] - When the key couples are facing each other (if [P] then a couple will be between them):
  • "s-in" is when the "Primary Couple" ("Girl Couple") is on the outside
  • "s-out" is when the "Secondary Couple" ("Boy Couple") is on the outside

  All of these are "s-in" = In Order

   

• [B], [T], [P] or [M] - When the key couples are facing the same direction (if [B] or [T] then a couple will be between them):
  • "s-in" is when the "Primary Couple" ("Girl Couple") is in front of the "Secondary Couple" ("Boy Couple")
  • "s-out" is when the "Secondary Couple" ("Boy Couple") is in front of the "Primary Couple" ("Girl Couple")

  Think: "ladies before gentlemen"

  All of these are "s-in" = In Order

  
   
• If the key couples aren't fitting the pattern you recognize, here's a trick...  (again, everyone has their partner beside them)
  • from [0B] call Pass Thru  Trade By to get [0B] (same order) with different couples looking at each other.
  • from [0P] call Centers Pass Thru + Dive Thru (or Pass To The Center) to get [0P] (same order) with different couples looking at each other.
  • from [0M] call Lead Couple (or Ends) Trade
  This repositions the dancers without affecting the order state giving you a chance to examine them in a more familiar pattern.  This is also a great way to keep the dancers moving while observing them.  If you are quick, you might try to picture in your mind what calling any of these things would do to the key couples rather than actually calling them.

  All of these are "s-in" = In Order