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If you’re new to tarot, one of the first big questions you’ll face is: “Which tarot deck should I start with?” With hundreds of designs and themes available, choosing your first deck can feel overwhelming. Don’t worry—I’ve got you covered! Here’s what to consider when picking a deck that feels truly right for you.
1. Start with a Beginner-Friendly Deck
Some tarot decks have very abstract art or stray far from traditional meanings, making them harder to learn with.
For beginners, most readers recommend:
- Rider-Waite-Smith Tarot Deck – The classic choice, easy-to-read imagery, tons of resources and guides available.
The beloved Rider-Waite® Tarot Deck is the most recognized and influential tarot deck of all time, setting the standard for countless decks that followed. Originally published in 1909, it features the iconic artwork created by Pamela Colman Smith under the guidance of Arthur Edward Waite. This edition preserves Smith’s vivid imagery and original hand-drawn titles, maintaining the authenticity and historic significance of the deck. U.S. Games Systems, Inc. publishes the original and only authorized edition of the famous 78-card tarot deck designed by Pamela Colman Smith®. The Rider Tarot Deck®, also known as the Waite® Tarot and Rider-Waite® Tarot are registered trademarks of U.S. Games Systems, Inc. Connect with a rich tradition: Own a piece of tarot history and join the countless individuals who have found wisdom and insight within these 78 cards.
- Radiant Rider-Waite or Universal Waite – Same system but with brighter or softer illustrations.
Virginijus Poshkus has successfully undertaken the task of re-colorizing an iconic tarot deck and enhancing the beloved artwork created by Pamela Colman Smith. His carefully chosen palette of vibrant color brings new energy and radiance to the 78 cards of the Rider-Waite Tarot. The updated look replaces Smith’s thick, black outlines with subtle shading that gives depth to the familiar scenes. Radiant Rider-Waite’s enhanced brightness highlights the traditional symbolism that readers rely on for insightful readings. The card backs have also been given the fresh new look of a star-filled deep, blue sky. Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot includes an instruction booklet with an Introduction by Stuart R. Kaplan.
These decks give you a strong foundation, making it easier to understand the symbolism before exploring unique or themed decks later.
2. Connect with the Artwork
Tarot is a visual language. If you don’t feel drawn to the art, it’s harder to read intuitively.
Ask yourself:
- Do the images spark curiosity or emotions?
- Do they feel inviting, not intimidating?
- Could you imagine spending time with these cards daily?
If a deck’s artwork gives you that “yes, this feels right!” feeling, that’s a great sign.
3. Choose a Deck with Clear Symbolism
Some modern decks are gorgeous but too minimalistic or abstract for beginners. Look for:
- Detailed, expressive illustrations
- Cards that show action, emotion, and meaning at first glance
- A companion guidebook that explains each card clearly
4. Size and Handling Matter
If you have smaller hands, jumbo cards might feel clumsy. If you like shuffling easily, choose a standard-sized or slightly smaller deck. Comfort is key because you’ll be handling your deck often.
The most common (standard) tarot card size is:
- 2.75 x 4.75 inches
- ≈ 7 x 12 cm
This is the size of a typical Rider-Waite-Smith deck, which is considered the industry standard and easiest to shuffle for most people.
| Type | Inches | Cm |
|---|---|---|
| Mini / Travel Size | 1.75 x 2.9 in | 4.5 x 7.5 cm |
| Standard | 2.75 x 4.75 in | 7 x 12 cm |
| Large / Oversized | 3.5 x 5.75 in | 9 x 14.5 cm |
5. Buy From Trusted Sellers and Publishers
With the rise of counterfeit tarot decks online, it’s important to support original creators and publishers.
- Official publishers like U.S. Games Systems and Llewellyn produce high-quality decks that last.
- Avoid suspiciously cheap “copy decks” as they often have poor print quality, missing guidebooks, and hurt real artists.
Final Tip
There’s no “perfect deck” for everyone. The best tarot deck is the one that feels comfortable, intuitive, and inspiring to you. Start simple, learn the basics, and later you can build a collection that reflects your unique personality and style.