How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck: Buyer Guide for Beginners

Choosing your first tarot deck can feel overwhelming. Thousands of decks exist, each with different art, card sizes, and price points. Without guidance, many beginners end up with a deck that frustrates them or sits unused in a drawer.

This guide covers every factor that matters when you choose your first tarot deck: structure, tradition, art style, physical quality, price, and where to buy. By the end, you will know exactly what to look for and feel confident making your purchase.

Why Your First Tarot Deck Matters

Your first tarot deck shapes how you learn the entire system. A well-chosen beginner deck makes card meanings easier to memorize because the artwork provides visual cues that match traditional interpretations. A poorly chosen deck can leave you struggling to connect the images to their meanings, which slows your progress and may discourage you from continuing.

Think of it like choosing a first musical instrument. You want something playable, well-made, and appropriate for a learner. A professional concert violin would overwhelm a beginner just as an abstract, heavily esoteric tarot deck would. The right starter deck teaches you the fundamentals while keeping you engaged and curious.

The connection you build with your first deck also matters. When you enjoy looking at the cards, you will practice more often. When you practice more often, you learn faster. This positive feedback loop starts with choosing a deck whose imagery speaks to you on an intuitive level.

Understanding Tarot Deck Structure

Before shopping for a deck, you need to understand what a standard tarot deck contains. Every traditional tarot deck has 78 cards divided into two main groups:

Major Arcana (22 cards): These are the numbered trump cards from 0 (The Fool) through 21 (The World). Major Arcana cards represent major life themes, archetypes, and turning points. Cards like The Tower, The Star, and Death are all Major Arcana.

Minor Arcana (56 cards): These are divided into four suits, each containing cards numbered Ace through Ten plus four court cards (Page, Knight, Queen, King). The four suits are typically Wands, Cups, Swords, and Pentacles. Minor Arcana cards deal with day-to-day events, emotions, and situations.

One detail that trips up beginners is the difference between "illustrated pips" and "non-illustrated pips." In an illustrated pip deck, every single card has a unique scene. The Three of Swords, for example, might show three swords piercing a heart against a stormy sky. In a non-illustrated pip deck, the Three of Swords would simply show three swords arranged in a pattern, similar to how a Three of Spades looks in a regular playing card deck.

For beginners, illustrated pip cards make a significant difference. The scenes act as memory aids. When you see a woman sitting blindfolded between two swords on the Two of Swords, you intuitively sense a feeling of being stuck between two choices. That visual association helps you remember the card's meaning far more quickly than staring at two plain swords on a blank background.

Tarot vs. Oracle: Which Should Beginners Pick?

New buyers often confuse tarot decks with oracle decks. They sit side by side in stores and look similar at first glance. However, they are fundamentally different tools.

A tarot deck always follows the 78-card structure described above. It has defined suits, numbered cards, court cards, and Major Arcana. This consistent structure means that knowledge transfers between decks. Once you learn what the Ten of Pentacles means in one tarot deck, that knowledge applies to every other tarot deck you pick up.

An oracle deck has no fixed structure. It can contain any number of cards (typically 36 to 64), and the creator defines all the themes and meanings from scratch. Oracle decks are wonderful creative tools, but they do not teach you the tarot system.

Our recommendation: start with a proper 78-card tarot deck. Once you are comfortable with the tarot system (usually after a few months of regular practice), you can add an oracle deck to your collection if you want.

The Three Main Tarot Traditions

Tarot decks generally fall into one of three major traditions. Each tradition has a different visual language, different ordering of certain cards, and a different community of practitioners behind it.

Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS)

Created in 1909 by Arthur Edward Waite and artist Pamela Colman Smith, the Rider-Waite-Smith deck is the most widely used tarot deck in the English-speaking world. Its greatest strength for beginners is that every single card has a detailed illustration. Pamela Colman Smith drew scenes for all 78 cards, including the pip cards, which was unusual at the time. Those scenes became the standard visual language of modern tarot.

When tarot books describe the "traditional meaning" of a card, they are almost always referencing the RWS imagery. This means that any RWS-based deck gives you instant access to the largest library of learning resources available.

Tarot de Marseille (TdM)

The Marseille tradition dates back to the 15th and 16th centuries and represents the oldest widely available tarot style. Marseille decks have bold, woodcut-style art on the Major Arcana but use non-illustrated pips for the Minor Arcana. The Five of Cups in a Marseille deck shows five cups arranged in a pattern, not a figure mourning over spilled cups as in the RWS version.

Some experienced readers love the Marseille style for its simplicity and historical purity. However, beginners usually find it harder to learn with because the pip cards lack visual stories to aid memorization.

Thoth Tarot

Designed by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris between 1938 and 1943 (published in 1969), the Thoth deck is a masterwork of esoteric symbolism. It incorporates astrology, Kabbalah, and ceremonial magic into every card. The artwork is vibrant and abstract, full of geometric patterns and layered symbolism.

The Thoth deck appeals to people with a strong interest in Western esoteric traditions. It is not ideal for beginners because its symbolic density requires prior knowledge of multiple esoteric systems to interpret fully. The deck also renames several cards and reorders some Major Arcana, which can cause confusion when cross-referencing standard tarot books.

How Art Style Affects Your Learning

Art style is the most personal factor in choosing a tarot deck, and it directly impacts how well you learn. Research on visual memory shows that emotionally engaging images are remembered more easily and for longer periods. When a tarot card's artwork moves you, surprises you, or makes you curious, your brain encodes that card's meaning more deeply.

Here are the most common art styles you will encounter:

Classic/Traditional: Faithful reproductions or close reinterpretations of the original RWS artwork. These decks use familiar imagery and color palettes. Good for purists and learners who want their cards to match exactly what textbooks describe.

Modern/Contemporary: Updated takes on RWS imagery using current illustration techniques. These might feature diverse human figures, clean line work, soft watercolors, or bold digital art. Popular examples include The Modern Witch Tarot and the Everyday Tarot.

Diverse and Inclusive: Decks intentionally designed to represent a wide range of skin tones, body types, ages, genders, and cultural backgrounds. These help readers see themselves and others reflected in the cards, which deepens personal connection. The Modern Witch Tarot, This Might Hurt Tarot, and the Next World Tarot are well-known examples.

Nature-Based: Decks that replace human figures with animals, plants, or natural landscapes. The Herbcrafter's Tarot and The Wild Unknown are popular nature-themed decks. These work well if nature imagery resonates with you, though some beginners find it harder to learn court card meanings without human figures.

Minimalist: Stripped-down designs with clean lines, limited color palettes, and simple compositions. These can look beautiful but sometimes lack the visual detail that helps beginners distinguish between similar cards. Make sure the minimalist deck you are considering still tells a visual story on each pip card.

Dark/Gothic: Moody, shadow-themed artwork that leans into the mysterious side of tarot. Decks like the Deviant Moon Tarot or the Marigold Tarot use darker palettes and unconventional imagery. These appeal to readers drawn to shadow work and darker aesthetics.

The "right" art style is whichever one makes you want to pick up the cards every day. Browse sample images of any deck you are considering. Most publishers and independent creators share full card galleries on their websites. Spend time with the images before you buy.

Card Size and Physical Quality

The physical feel of your cards matters more than you might expect. You will be shuffling, fanning, and handling these cards regularly, so comfort is a real factor.

Card stock refers to the thickness and stiffness of the card material. Thicker card stock (300+ gsm) feels more durable and professional. Thinner stock bends and wears more quickly. Most major publisher decks use a card stock weight between 300 and 350 gsm, which is a good range for everyday handling.

Finish affects how the cards feel when you shuffle. Matte finishes have a soft, smooth feel and resist fingerprints. Glossy finishes are shinier and more vibrant in color but can stick together during shuffling and show fingerprints. Linen finishes add a subtle texture that improves grip and shuffle feel. For beginners, matte or linen finishes tend to be the most comfortable.

Edge treatment affects both aesthetics and durability. Gilt (gold) or silver edges look beautiful but can chip with heavy use. Standard cut edges are more durable for daily practice. Round corners resist bending better than sharp corners.

Best Tarot Decks for Beginners

After evaluating dozens of beginner-friendly options, here are the decks we most often recommend to new readers. All of these follow the RWS tradition, feature fully illustrated pips, and are readily available from major retailers.

Each of these decks has been in print for years, has strong community support, and is backed by readily available learning resources. You truly cannot go wrong with any of them as a first deck.

Setting Your Budget

Tarot decks span a wide price range, from under $10 for low-quality knockoffs to over $200 for limited-edition collector sets. Here is what each price tier generally gets you:

Under $15: Budget decks and reprints. Quality varies widely. Some are decent mass-market editions, while others are poorly printed counterfeits. Check reviews before buying in this range.

$15 to $35: The sweet spot for beginners. This range includes all the major publisher decks from U.S. Games Systems, Lo Scarabeo, Llewellyn, and others. Card quality is good, printing is accurate, and many come with guidebooks or companion books. You do not need to spend more than this for your first deck.

$35 to $60: Premium mass-market decks and some independent creator decks. You might get better card stock, special finishes (gilt edges, holographic details), or larger companion books. Nice to have, but not necessary for learning.

$60 to $100+: Independent and small-batch decks, often with unique card stock, custom tuck boxes, and limited print runs. Beautiful to collect, but save this tier for after you know what you like.

$100+: Collector editions, hand-gilded decks, and luxury sets. These are art objects as much as reading tools. Not recommended for a first purchase unless budget is truly no concern.

Where to Buy Your First Deck

Where you purchase your deck affects what you receive and how much you pay. Here are the most reliable options:

Local metaphysical or occult bookshops: The best option if you have one nearby. You can hold the deck, feel the card stock, and see the artwork in person. Staff can often make personalized recommendations. Prices are typically retail or slightly above.

Major bookstores (Barnes and Noble, Waterstones, etc.): Many carry a selection of popular tarot decks, especially RWS, The Wild Unknown, and The Modern Witch. You can browse in person, though selection may be limited.

Amazon: Largest selection and often the lowest prices. However, counterfeit decks are a known problem on the platform. Stick to listings sold by the publisher or "Amazon.com" directly. Read recent reviews and check for complaints about print quality, color inaccuracy, or thin card stock, which are common signs of counterfeits.

Publisher websites: U.S. Games Systems (usgamesinc.com), Llewellyn (llewellyn.com), and Lo Scarabeo (loscarabeo.com) all sell directly to consumers. You are guaranteed an authentic deck, though shipping may take longer.

Independent creator shops (Etsy, personal websites): The place to buy indie and small-batch decks. Quality is usually excellent because independent creators stake their reputation on every deck. Prices tend to be higher, and popular decks may sell out quickly.

Used/secondhand: Thrift stores, eBay, and used bookstores sometimes have pre-owned tarot decks at reduced prices. This is a perfectly fine option. Check that all 78 cards are present and in readable condition.

Common Myths About Buying Tarot Cards

Several persistent myths circulate about how you should acquire your first deck. Let us address the most common ones:

Myth: Your first tarot deck must be gifted to you.
Reality: This is a modern superstition with no historical basis. The vast majority of tarot readers bought their own first deck. Choosing your deck yourself means you get exactly what suits your style and learning needs. Waiting for someone to gift you a deck could mean waiting indefinitely for something that might not suit you.

Myth: You must use the Rider-Waite-Smith deck first.
Reality: While RWS-based decks are excellent for learning, you are not required to use the original 1909 version. Any RWS-tradition deck with fully illustrated pips will work. The important thing is choosing a deck with detailed imagery, not necessarily the specific Rider-Waite-Smith edition.

Myth: Tarot decks must be wrapped in silk.
Reality: There is no evidence that storing your deck in silk has any effect on its "energy" or accuracy. Store your cards however you like: in the original box, a cloth bag, a wooden box, or a simple zip-lock bag. What matters is keeping them clean, dry, and protected from bending.

Myth: Used tarot decks carry the previous owner's energy.
Reality: A used deck is just as functional as a new one. If this concern bothers you, you can shuffle the deck thoroughly, knock on it three times, or simply set your own intention with the cards. These are personal rituals, not requirements.

Myth: Expensive decks read better than cheap ones.
Reality: Price reflects production quality (card stock, printing, packaging) and the creator's costs, not reading accuracy. A $20 Rider-Waite deck reads just as accurately as a $100 gold-edged limited edition. Choose based on what feels right and fits your budget.

Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing Your Deck

Here is a clear, actionable process you can follow from start to purchase:

Step 1: Clarify your intention. Write down in one or two sentences why you want to learn tarot. Common reasons include personal reflection, creative inspiration, spiritual growth, or curiosity about symbolism. Your reason helps narrow your options.

Step 2: Commit to a 78-card tarot deck. Skip oracle cards for now. You want the full tarot system with Major Arcana, Minor Arcana, and court cards.

Step 3: Choose the RWS tradition (recommended) or another tradition. If this is your first deck, an RWS-based deck gives you the most learning support. If you are strongly drawn to Marseille or Thoth, go with your gut, but know that fewer beginner resources will match your card imagery.

Step 4: Browse art styles. Visit sites like Aeclectic Tarot, Little Red Tarot, or the publisher websites listed above. Look at full card galleries. Save or bookmark any deck whose artwork resonates with you. Narrow your list to three to five candidates.

Step 5: Check the physical details. For each deck on your shortlist, look up the card dimensions, card stock weight (if listed), and finish type. If you have smaller hands, lean toward poker-sized decks. If you want detailed art, standard tarot size is better.

Step 6: Watch video flip-throughs. Search YouTube for "[deck name] flip-through" or "[deck name] unboxing." Seeing the cards in motion gives you a much better sense of the art, color accuracy, and card handling than static photos alone.

Step 7: Read reviews from other beginners. Search for reviews specifically from people who used the deck as beginners. They will mention things that experienced readers take for granted, such as whether the card meanings are easy to read from the images alone.

Step 8: Make your purchase. Pick one deck from your shortlist. Do not overthink this step. If two decks feel equally appealing, choose the one with the included guidebook, or simply flip a coin. Remember, this is your first deck, not your last.

What to Do After You Buy Your First Deck

Once your deck arrives, here is how to start building your tarot practice:

Open and inspect your deck. Remove the cards from the packaging and flip through every card. Check that all 78 cards are present and undamaged. Get a first impression of the artwork and notice which cards catch your eye.

Handle the cards. Spend 10 to 15 minutes simply shuffling and holding the cards. Get comfortable with the weight, size, and feel. Try different shuffling methods: overhand shuffle, riffle shuffle, or pile shuffle. Find what feels natural.

Pull a card a day. The single most effective learning method for beginners is a daily card pull. Each morning (or evening), shuffle the deck and draw one card. Study the image, read the guidebook entry, and sit with the card for a few minutes. Write a sentence or two about the card in a journal. Over 78 days, you will have met every card in the deck at least once.

Study the Major Arcana first. The 22 Major Arcana cards carry the weightiest themes and appear frequently in readings. Focus your initial study here. Learn the Fool's Journey narrative, which tells the story of The Fool traveling through all 21 other Major Arcana cards as a path of personal growth and discovery.

Learn the suit associations. The four suits correspond to four elements and four areas of life:

Try a simple three-card spread. Once you feel somewhat comfortable with individual card meanings (usually after two to four weeks of daily pulls), try a basic Past-Present-Future three-card spread. Ask a simple question, draw three cards, and interpret them using your guidebook and your own intuitive impressions of the images.

Join a community. Online tarot communities on Reddit (r/tarot), Instagram, Facebook groups, and Discord servers offer a wealth of free learning resources, practice partners, and encouragement. Posting your daily card pulls and asking for feedback accelerates your learning.

Be patient with yourself. Learning all 78 card meanings takes time. You do not need to memorize everything before starting to read. Many experienced readers still reference their guidebooks occasionally. The cards are a tool for reflection, and your personal interpretation is always valid alongside the traditional meanings.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best tarot deck for a complete beginner?
The Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck is widely considered the best option for complete beginners. Its illustrated pip cards provide visual cues that make learning card meanings much easier. Most tarot books and courses reference RWS imagery, giving new readers a strong foundation for study.

How much should I spend on my first tarot deck?
A quality beginner tarot deck typically costs between $15 and $35 USD. Mass-market editions from major publishers like U.S. Games Systems or Lo Scarabeo fall in this range. You do not need to spend more than $40 for your first deck.

Does someone have to gift you your first tarot deck?
No. The idea that your first tarot deck must be a gift is a modern myth with no historical basis. Most experienced tarot readers purchased their own first deck. Choosing your own deck helps you form a stronger personal connection with the cards from the start.

Should I get a 78-card tarot deck or an oracle deck first?
If you want to learn traditional tarot, start with a standard 78-card tarot deck that includes both Major and Minor Arcana. Oracle decks have no fixed structure and work better as a supplement after you understand tarot basics.

What card size is best for beginners?
Standard tarot size (approximately 2.75 x 4.75 inches) works well for most beginners. This size balances readable imagery with comfortable shuffling. If you have smaller hands, poker-sized tarot decks (2.5 x 3.5 inches) are easier to handle.

How do I know if a tarot deck is right for me?
Look at sample card images and notice your emotional response. A good deck will have artwork that draws you in and sparks your imagination. You should be able to look at any card and begin forming a story or feeling from the image.

What is the difference between Rider-Waite and Thoth tarot?
The Rider-Waite-Smith deck features scenic illustrations on all 78 cards with accessible symbolism. The Thoth deck uses abstract art with astrological and Kabbalistic symbolism. RWS is better for beginners, while Thoth suits those drawn to deeper esoteric study.

Can I use tarot cards without being psychic?
Yes. You do not need any psychic abilities to use tarot cards effectively. Tarot works as a tool for reflection, pattern recognition, and structured self-inquiry. The skill develops through study and practice, not through innate psychic talent.

How long does it take to learn tarot?
Most beginners can perform basic readings within 2 to 4 weeks of regular study. Gaining confidence with all 78 cards typically takes 3 to 6 months. Mastering complex spreads and your personal reading style is an ongoing process that deepens over years.

Should I buy a tarot deck with a guidebook included?
Yes. A deck with a guidebook (Little White Book or LWB) is very helpful for beginners. The guidebook provides card meanings, suggested spreads, and tips for getting started. Some box sets include full companion books with detailed explanations.