10 Best Tarot Decks For Beginners 2025 in the United States

The Rider Tarot Deck® is a classic choice for beginners and experienced readers alike, largely because it helped set the standard for many tarot decks that followed. With 78 cards, it covers the full traditional tarot system. The artwork is iconic and richly detailed, making it easier for newcomers to connect with the symbolism and themes in each card. This connection is key for learning and developing an intuitive reading style.

The deck comes with a 56-page instruction booklet that offers helpful guidance for those just starting out. The card size (about 4.9 x 2.9 inches) is comfortable to handle and shuffle, and the card stock quality is solid enough for regular use without feeling too flimsy or overly thick. Since this deck has been around since 1971, its artwork and symbolism reflect traditional imagery, which might feel somewhat dated or less diverse compared to newer decks, but this classic style is often seen as an advantage for learning the fundamentals of tarot.

If you want a well-established, beginner-friendly deck with clear symbolism and a manageable card size, the Rider Tarot Deck® serves as a reliable and widely respected option.

The Wild Unknown Tarot Deck and Guidebook is a popular choice for beginners looking to explore tarot with beautiful and striking artwork. The cards feature bold, nature-inspired imagery that is both modern and symbolic, helping users connect intuitively even if they are new to tarot. The deck comes with a detailed 208-page guidebook that explains the meanings clearly, making it easier to learn and interpret each card’s symbolism and themes.

The cards are a good size—measuring about 7.7 by 5.1 inches—making them easy to handle and shuffle, though some might find them a bit larger than standard decks. The card stock is durable and designed to last, so you can expect the deck to stay in good shape through regular use. However, since the artwork focuses on minimalistic, natural elements rather than traditional tarot imagery, some beginners might find it takes a little extra time to get comfortable with the symbols if they are used to classic decks.

This deck suits those who appreciate artistic design and want a thoughtful, hands-on introduction to tarot reading.

The Original Tarot Cards Deck with Guide Book for Beginners is designed to be an improved alternative to the traditional Rider Waite Tarot Deck, making it an excellent choice for those new to tarot reading. One of its standout features is the high-quality 350 gsm art paper with a 'linen' finish, which ensures durability and a premium feel to the cards. The traditional artwork by Pamela Colman Smith, created in 1909, has been crisply vectorized and remastered to improve colors while respecting the original design, which helps in better visual clarity for beginners learning the symbols and themes of tarot.

The deck includes an 86-page guidebook that explains upright and reversed card meanings, a 3-card spread, and offers helpful tips, making it highly accessible for novice readers. The size of the cards and their weight (4.8 x 2.87 inches and 9.1 ounces) make them manageable and easy to handle, which is beneficial for those not yet accustomed to shuffling tarot cards.

However, some users might find the traditional artwork less appealing if they prefer a more modern or diverse representation. Additionally, while the guidebook is helpful, it may not cover more advanced interpretations that some users might eventually seek. In summary, this tarot deck is well-suited for beginners due to its clear imagery, robust guidebook, and high-quality card stock, though it may not be the best fit for those looking for contemporary artwork or more comprehensive guides.