Guides / Choosing a Tarot Deck
Your first tarot deck should feel comfortable, clear and enjoyable to use. You do not need the most expensive deck or the most unusual artwork. The best choice is one that helps you understand the cards and makes you want to keep practising.
Your first deck can influence how easily you learn the structure, symbols and traditional meanings of tarot.
A clear and well-illustrated deck may make it easier to connect the imagery with the guidebook meaning.
However, there is no single perfect deck for every beginner. What matters most is that you enjoy the artwork and can understand what is happening in the images.
No. You do not need to wait for someone else to give you your first tarot deck.
This is a common tradition, but it is not a rule. You can choose and buy your own deck whenever you feel ready.
Choosing your own deck may actually be helpful because you can select artwork, card size and a guidebook that suit you.
Rider–Waite–Smith style decks are often recommended for beginners because all 78 cards contain detailed symbolic scenes.
Many books, websites and learning resources are based on this system, which makes it easier to find explanations and compare interpretations.
Modern decks inspired by Rider–Waite–Smith often keep the same basic scenes while changing the clothing, characters, colours or artistic style.
Marseille decks use a much older visual tradition. The Major Arcana and court cards are illustrated, but many numbered Minor Arcana cards show arranged suit symbols rather than full scenes.
This style can encourage readers to work more with numbers, suits and traditional symbolism.
It can be rewarding, but some beginners may find it less immediately intuitive than a fully illustrated Rider–Waite–Smith style deck.
The Thoth Tarot uses rich symbolic artwork and a system influenced by astrology, numerology and esoteric traditions.
It can be fascinating, but the symbolism may feel complex for a first-time reader.
Beginners can still learn with it, although it may require more study than a straightforward Rider–Waite–Smith style deck.
The artwork should make you curious and encourage you to study the card.
Before buying a deck, look at several sample cards. Pay particular attention to:
These cards can help you understand whether the deck's style feels clear, expressive and suitable for you.
Fully illustrated cards usually give beginners more visual clues.
Facial expressions, landscapes, gestures and objects can help you build an interpretation even before reading the guidebook.
Minimalist decks can look beautiful, but they may remove some of the traditional imagery that helps beginners understand the meaning.
Tarot cards are often larger than ordinary playing cards.
Large cards can display artwork clearly, but they may be difficult to shuffle if you have smaller hands.
Smaller or pocket-sized decks may be easier to handle and carry, although the details can be more difficult to see.
Check the listed measurements before buying rather than judging the size from photographs alone.
Thick card stock may feel durable, but it can also make a full 78-card deck difficult to shuffle.
Highly glossy cards may slide easily, while very matte cards can sometimes stick together.
For a first deck, look for cards that are flexible enough to shuffle but firm enough to withstand regular use.
A good beginner deck should include explanations that go beyond a few keywords.
A helpful guidebook may include:
Some decks include only a small folded leaflet, so check what is included before buying.
Traditional artwork can make it easier to use older tarot books and online references.
Modern decks may offer characters, settings and themes that feel more familiar or personally meaningful.
Neither style is better. The important question is whether the images clearly communicate the energy and story of each card.
Many modern tarot decks include a wider variety of people, cultures, body types, relationships and identities.
You may find it easier to connect with a deck when its characters and themes feel relevant to your own experiences.
Choose a deck that feels welcoming and respectful to you.
Attractive packaging does not always mean the cards will be easy to read.
Always try to find images of the actual cards, especially the Minor Arcana.
Some decks have beautiful Major Arcana cards but very simple numbered suit cards, which may not be what a beginner expects.
Buying many decks at once can make learning more confusing.
Each deck may use different imagery, titles, colours and interpretations.
Spending time with one deck allows you to recognise its patterns and build a stronger understanding of the full system.
You can always explore other decks once the basic structure feels familiar.
A more expensive tarot deck does not create better readings.
The quality of your interpretation comes from observation, practice and reflection rather than the price of the cards.
Choose a genuine, legally produced deck that fits your budget and provides clear artwork.
Before choosing your first tarot deck, ask:
Tarot cards do not require complicated rituals or special storage.
Keep your deck somewhere dry and protected from direct sunlight, food, drinks and excessive heat.
You can keep the cards in their original box, a pouch or another container that prevents bending and damage.
The most important form of care is simply handling the cards gently and using them regularly.
Your first tarot deck does not need to be perfect. Choose one with clear imagery, comfortable cards and artwork that makes you curious. Familiarity will grow through regular practice.
Once you have chosen a deck, begin learning one card at a time.
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