Best Tarot Decks for Beginners
The "best" first deck is the one you'll actually reach for — but a few things genuinely make learning easier. Here's what to look for, then honest notes on the decks beginners most often love. Some links below are affiliate links; if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no cost to you, and it never affects what we recommend — see our editorial standards.
What actually matters in a first deck
- Illustrated Minor Arcana. Fully-illustrated number cards (not just pips) make meanings far easier to read. This is the single biggest factor for beginners — see the four suits.
- Standard 78-card structure. So every guide and spread on this site applies. Learn more in tarot for beginners.
- Imagery you connect with. You'll read a deck you enjoy looking at.
- Sturdy, shuffleable cardstock. Matte or lightly glossy, not flimsy.
Our beginner picks
1. Rider-Waite-Smith — the standard
The 1909 Rider-Waite-Smith is the deck most guides (including ours)
are based on, which makes it the easiest to learn from — every meaning you look up will match. Clear, fully
illustrated, and inexpensive. If you want the path of least resistance, start here.
Check price → · Full review
2. Modern RWS-based decks
Many contemporary decks keep the RWS structure and symbolism but refresh the art with modern, diverse, or
themed imagery (for example, Modern Witch Tarot by Lisa Sterle, or The Light Seer's Tarot by Chris-Anne).
Because they follow RWS, our guides still apply — you get familiarity and art you love. Choose by which
imagery speaks to you.
Browse modern RWS decks →
3. Tarot de Marseille — for the traditionalist
The historic Tarot de Marseille is elegant and the root of the tradition,
but its Minor Arcana are pip cards (arrangements of the suit symbol, not scenes), which is a little harder for
absolute beginners. A wonderful second deck, or a first one if history and reading-by-structure appeal to you.
Check price → · Full review
Our promise on reviews
We only publish hands-on ratings after genuine use, and we disclose affiliate links. These beginner notes are editorial guidance based on each deck's well-established reputation and structure; deeper hands-on reviews are being added over time.