How to Choose Your First Tarot Deck – A Beginner’s Guide

So, you're ready to begin your tarot journey—but where do you even start when it comes to choosing your first deck? With hundreds (if not thousands) of beautiful, mysterious, and wildly different decks available, it can feel overwhelming to pick just one. But don’t worry—this beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to consider so you can choose a deck that resonates with you.

1. Start With the Right Structure

If you're brand new to tarot, your first deck should follow the traditional 78-card structure: 22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana. This will make it easier to follow guidebooks, online resources, and tutorials without getting lost in alternate formats or oracle decks (which are wonderful but quite different!).

2. Go With What Speaks to You

Some say your first deck should be gifted, but that’s more myth than rule. The best deck is one you feel drawn to. Whether it’s the artwork, theme, or energy of the cards, trust your gut. If you keep coming back to a certain deck, that’s a sign it may be the right one.

3. Rider-Waite-Smith Is a Classic for a Reason

Many beginners start with a Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) deck—or one based on it—because it offers clear symbolism and has the most educational material available. If you’re planning to study tarot in depth, RWS imagery will come up again and again. But don’t let that stop you from exploring decks with different vibes.

4. Consider the Art Style

You’re going to be spending a lot of time with these cards, so make sure you like how they look. Do you prefer watercolor softness or bold, graphic edges? Mystical and moody or bright and whimsical? Choosing a deck with art that excites you will make you more likely to keep reading and practicing.

5. Don’t Overthink It

It’s easy to get stuck in analysis paralysis. But here’s the secret: your first deck doesn’t have to be your forever deck. Most tarot readers end up collecting multiple decks over time. Start with one that feels like a good fit today, and know you can always grow into others later.

6. Bonus Tip – Check the Guidebook

Some decks come with little white booklets, others with full in-depth companions. If you’re learning, a well-written guidebook can be a major help. Look for sample card images and book previews online before you buy if possible.

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The most important thing to remember? Your tarot practice is yours. The right deck is the one that helps you feel connected, curious, and confident. Whether you’re reading for yourself, your friends, or the universe, your deck is your partner in intuition—and the first step is simply choosing one.