With hundreds of decks available, choosing your first can feel overwhelming. The right starting deck sets the foundation for years of learning. Here's how to choose wisely.
The Golden Rule: Choose What Calls to You
The most important criterion is simple: you must genuinely connect with the imagery. If you don't like looking at the cards, you won't study them. Browse images online before buying. A deck that makes you want to pick it up and explore is already doing its job.
Why the Rider-Waite-Smith Is the Best Starting Deck
The Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck (1909) is the foundation of modern tarot for good reason:
- Fully illustrated pip cards: All 78 cards have detailed scenes, not just symbols. The 5 of Cups shows a figure mourning over spilled cups โ the image tells the story without memorization.
- Universal reference: Almost every tarot book, course, and online resource uses RWS imagery as the base. Learning RWS means every resource you find is immediately applicable.
- Hundreds of clones: Once you know RWS, you can read any RWS-inspired deck (Universal Waite, Radiant Rider-Waite, Smith-Waite Centennial, etc.).
5 Recommended Beginner Decks
1. Rider-Waite-Smith Original (or Radiant Rider-Waite)
The classic. The Radiant Rider-Waite has the same imagery but brighter, more saturated colors that many find easier to read. Ideal if you want the purest foundation.
2. Everyday Witch Tarot (Deborah Blake)
RWS-based with a warm, whimsical witch aesthetic. The scenes are clear and emotionally readable. Great for those who love a magical, approachable vibe without departing from traditional meanings.
3. Modern Witch Tarot (Lisa Sterle)
A modern, diverse reimagining of RWS with contemporary fashion and inclusive representation. Each card maps directly to its RWS counterpart, making it excellent for learning while feeling fresh.
4. Tarot of the Hidden Realm (Julia Jeffrey)
Soft watercolor fairy-tale aesthetic. Slightly more intuitive and less strictly RWS, but still accessible for beginners who prefer dreamier imagery.
5. Linestrider Tarot (Siolo Thompson)
Minimalist, clean line-art. Excellent for visual learners who find busy RWS imagery distracting. The sparse imagery encourages intuitive reading.
What to Avoid as a Beginner
- Non-illustrated pip decks (Marseille-style): Cards like the 7 of Wands show only seven wands with no scene. Without imagery to interpret, beginners must memorize meanings with no visual cues.
- Highly abstract or non-traditional decks: Some beautiful decks depart so far from traditional symbolism that they require prior knowledge to navigate. Save these for after you know the basics.
- Buying based solely on aesthetics: A gorgeous deck that uses incomprehensible symbolism will frustrate you. Always look at the actual card meanings alongside the art.
Physical Size and Card Stock
Standard tarot cards are larger than playing cards (~70ร120mm). If you have smaller hands or plan to shuffle frequently, look for "pocket" or "mini" versions of your chosen deck. Card stock matters too โ heavier stock shuffles more smoothly and feels more substantial in your hands.