The hardest part of choosing your first tarot deck isn’t finding one you like — it’s narrowing it down when there are thousands of options. Here’s how to think about it, and which decks consistently work well for beginners.
What makes a deck good for beginners
The Rider-Waite-Smith tradition. Most tarot books, courses, and learning resources are built around RWS symbolism. A deck that follows this tradition (or is closely based on it) means everything you learn applies directly to the cards in your hand. Illustrated pip cards — each of the 56 Minor Arcana cards should have a scene, not just symbols. This makes interpretation far more intuitive when you’re learning.
The top recommendations
Rider-Waite-Smith (Original) — The gold standard. Every symbol, color, and scene has been analyzed for over a century. Unlimited learning resources exist. The art is dated to modern eyes, but nothing beats it as a learning tool. If you want one deck that will never limit your growth as a reader, this is it.
The Modern Witch Tarot — A faithful RWS reimagining with diverse, modern figures. Keeps all the original symbolism while feeling contemporary. An excellent choice if the original RWS art feels inaccessible.
The Classic Tarot (Lo Scarabeo) — Clean, clear RWS-based illustrations. Easy to read intuitively. Often available at a lower price point.
The Everyday Tarot — A simplified, illustration-forward deck based on RWS. Good for intuitive readers who want clean imagery without dense symbolic detail.
The Radiant Rider-Waite — The original RWS with updated, brighter coloring. Same symbolism, more accessible visually.
What to avoid as a beginner
Non-RWS decks with entirely new systems (like Thoth tarot) before learning the basics. Decks with pip-only Minor Arcana (no illustrated scenes). Oracle decks, which are a completely different system. Decks chosen purely on aesthetics without checking if they’re RWS-based.
FAQ
Should my first tarot deck be gifted or can I buy it myself? The tradition that your first deck must be a gift is exactly that — tradition. Buy the deck that resonates with you. The deck works because you work with it.
Is the original Rider-Waite-Smith too old-fashioned? The art style is from 1909, but the symbolism is unmatched. If the art genuinely bothers you, the Modern Witch Tarot is a direct update. But don’t dismiss the original just because it’s old.
How much should I spend on a first deck? A standard RWS or RWS-based deck runs $20–35. No need to spend more as a beginner. Spend more once you know what you’re looking for.