Stepping into the world of tarot is an exciting journey, but looking for your very first deck can feel overwhelming. With thousands of beautiful, artistic, and mysterious decks available today, how do you know which one is right for you?

First, let’s clear up a common myth: You do NOT need to be gifted your first tarot deck. It is completely fine—and often better—to buy one for yourself!

Here is a simple, step-by-step guide to help you choose a deck you will actually love using.

1. Start with a Traditional System (The Rider-Waite-Smith)

If you are brand new to tarot, consider starting with the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck or a deck strongly based on it.

Why? Almost every beginner tarot book, online guide, and video tutorial uses the RWS symbolism.

The Benefit: The artwork on RWS-style decks contains rich scenes on every card (even the number cards like the 5 of Cups), making it much easier to intuitively guess the card's meaning without constantly looking at a guidebook.

2. Pay Attention to the Artwork and Imagery

Tarot works through visual storytelling and intuition. When you look at the cards, they should spark an immediate emotional or visual reaction.

Ask yourself:

Do the images speak to me? Do you like the art style (e.g., traditional, modern, minimalist, vintage, dark fantasy)?

Are the cards easy to read? Some modern decks are minimalist or abstract. While beautiful, they can be harder for beginners because they lack detailed scenery to help you remember the meanings.

3. Consider the Size and Cardstock

You will be shuffling and handling these cards frequently, so physical comfort matters!

Standard Tarot Size: Tarot cards are usually larger than regular playing cards. If you have smaller hands, look for Pocket-sized or Travel-sized editions of popular decks.

Finish: Matte cards shuffle smoothly and don't glare under lights, while glossy cards tend to be more durable and vibrant.

4. Look for Decks with a Good Guidebook

As a beginner, you will likely refer to the accompanying book often. Look for decks that include a comprehensive Companion Guidebook rather than just a tiny folded paper ("Little White Book"). A solid book will explain the card meanings, symbolism, and basic spreads to get you started.

5. Popular Beginner-Friendly Decks to Consider

If you aren't sure where to start looking, here are a few widely recommended decks for beginners:

The Classic Rider-Waite Tarot: The original standard for learning traditional symbolism.

Radiant Rider-Waite Tarot: The exact same classic art, but updated with richer, brighter colors.

Modern Witch Tarot by Lisa Sterle: A vibrant, modern take on the traditional RWS imagery featuring diverse, modern figures.

The Wild Unknown Tarot by Kim Krans: A gorgeous, nature-and-animal-focused deck (note: it uses minimalist imagery, so it relies heavily on reading the included guidebook).

Trust Your Instincts

Choosing a tarot deck is a personal experience. Don't worry too much about what is "popular" or what other people say you should buy. Browse pictures or unboxing videos online, pay attention to which deck draws your attention first, and trust your gut!