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10 Best Tarot Decks For Beginners 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

The Rider Tarot Deck®: The Authentic Rider-Waite® Tarot Deck with Instruction Booklet, Essential for Tarot Beginners & Expert Readers

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,469
Artwork and Imagery
Guidebook
Card Stock Quality

Most important from
24531 reviews

Artwork and Imagery
Its iconic and richly detailed imagery offers clear visual cues that make learning traditional tarot meanings accessible and confidence-building for beginners.
Guidebook
Timeless simplicity and traditional symbolism make this deck invaluable for those seeking to master the fundamentals of tarot.
Card Stock Quality
Crafted on quality card stock, the deck is highly usable and durable, standing out as a practical choice rather than a novelty item.

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.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,469
Artwork and Imagery
Guidebook
Card Stock Quality

Most important from
24531 reviews

Artwork and Imagery
Its iconic and richly detailed imagery offers clear visual cues that make learning traditional tarot meanings accessible and confidence-building for beginners.
Guidebook
Timeless simplicity and traditional symbolism make this deck invaluable for those seeking to master the fundamentals of tarot.
Card Stock Quality
Crafted on quality card stock, the deck is highly usable and durable, standing out as a practical choice rather than a novelty item.
#2

KLEDERY Tarot Cards for Beginners, Classic Tarot Cards with Meanings on Them, Durable Tarot Cards with Guide Book for Beginners (Black)

Rating
8.5
Artwork and Imagery
Guidebook
Card Stock Quality

Most important from
2517 reviews

Artwork and Imagery
Visually stunning with rich imagery and clear symbolism, making it both beautiful and practical.
Guidebook
The guidebook is straightforward and accessible, with clear explanations that help beginners learn intuitively.
Card Stock Quality
Durable and luxurious cards that are enjoyable to handle.
Symbolism and Themes
Visually stunning with rich imagery and clear symbolism, making it both beautiful and practical.
Intuitive Connection
An exceptional first choice for beginners, thanks to its quality and craftsmanship.

The KLEDERY Tarot Cards for Beginners offer a solid entry point for those new to tarot reading. The deck is based on the historic Waite Tarot, providing classic symbolism and imagery that is fundamental for learning. Each card includes meanings for both upright and reversed positions, along with additional references like zodiac signs and numerology, which can significantly aid in understanding and practicing tarot readings. This makes it an excellent learning tool for beginners.

The cards are made from durable 350GSM paper, ensuring they can handle frequent use, and their size (4.72" x 2.75") makes them easy to shuffle and comfortable to hold. The minimalist design with a black background allows for focused readings without distraction, and the elegant lines around the edges add a touch of sophistication. However, the simplicity might not appeal to those who prefer more intricate artwork.

The included color guidebook is helpful, offering tips and interpretations suitable for both beginners and more experienced users. The set also comes with a flocked storage bag to protect the cards. While the product does well in providing a comprehensive beginner-friendly experience, some users might find the minimalist visual style less engaging compared to more artistically detailed decks.

Rating
8.5
Artwork and Imagery
Guidebook
Card Stock Quality

Most important from
2517 reviews

Artwork and Imagery
Visually stunning with rich imagery and clear symbolism, making it both beautiful and practical.
Guidebook
The guidebook is straightforward and accessible, with clear explanations that help beginners learn intuitively.
Card Stock Quality
Durable and luxurious cards that are enjoyable to handle.
Symbolism and Themes
Visually stunning with rich imagery and clear symbolism, making it both beautiful and practical.
Intuitive Connection
An exceptional first choice for beginners, thanks to its quality and craftsmanship.
#3

The Original Tarot Cards Deck with Guide Book for Beginners, Alternative to Rider Waite Smith

Rating
7.9
Artwork and Imagery
Guidebook
Card Stock Quality

Most important from
7787 reviews

Artwork and Imagery
The colors are more vibrant than the Centennial version but not as garish as other editions.
Guidebook
The guidebook is well made and well written, with color images of every card.
Card Stock Quality
The linen finish of the cards is really nice on the hands and diffuses glare.

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.

Rating
7.9
Artwork and Imagery
Guidebook
Card Stock Quality

Most important from
7787 reviews

Artwork and Imagery
The colors are more vibrant than the Centennial version but not as garish as other editions.
Guidebook
The guidebook is well made and well written, with color images of every card.
Card Stock Quality
The linen finish of the cards is really nice on the hands and diffuses glare.

Buying Guide for the Best Tarot Decks For Beginners

Choosing a tarot deck as a beginner can be an exciting yet overwhelming experience. With so many options available, it's important to find a deck that resonates with you and is easy to understand. The right tarot deck will help you connect with your intuition and provide clear insights during your readings. Here are some key specifications to consider when selecting a tarot deck for beginners.
Artwork and ImageryThe artwork and imagery on a tarot deck are crucial because they help you connect with the cards and interpret their meanings. As a beginner, you should look for a deck with clear, vibrant, and detailed images that are easy to understand. Traditional decks like the Rider-Waite-Smith are popular among beginners because their imagery is straightforward and widely referenced in tarot literature. If you prefer a more modern or themed deck, ensure the images still convey the traditional meanings clearly.
GuidebookA guidebook is an essential tool for beginners as it provides explanations and interpretations of each card. A good guidebook will offer detailed descriptions, keywords, and possible meanings for both upright and reversed cards. Some guidebooks also include sample spreads and tips for conducting readings. When choosing a deck, make sure it comes with a comprehensive guidebook that you find easy to follow and understand.
Card SizeThe size of the tarot cards can affect your comfort and ease of use. Standard tarot cards are typically around 2.75 x 4.75 inches, but some decks come in larger or smaller sizes. Larger cards can showcase more detailed artwork but may be harder to shuffle, while smaller cards are more portable and easier to handle. Consider your hand size and how you plan to use the deck when choosing the card size that works best for you.
Card Stock QualityThe quality of the card stock determines the durability and feel of the cards. Higher quality card stock will be more durable and resistant to wear and tear, which is important if you plan to use your deck frequently. Look for decks with a good balance of flexibility and sturdiness. Some decks also have special finishes, like matte or glossy, which can affect the shuffling experience and the appearance of the cards.
Symbolism and ThemesThe symbolism and themes of a tarot deck can greatly influence your connection to the cards. Traditional decks often follow established symbolism, while modern decks may incorporate unique themes or cultural references. As a beginner, you might find it easier to start with a deck that follows traditional symbolism, as it will be easier to find resources and guidance. However, if a themed deck resonates with you on a personal level, it can enhance your intuitive connection and make your readings more meaningful.
Intuitive ConnectionYour intuitive connection to a tarot deck is perhaps the most important factor. When choosing a deck, pay attention to how you feel when you look at the cards. Do they inspire you? Do you feel drawn to them? A strong intuitive connection will make it easier for you to interpret the cards and trust your readings. Take your time to explore different decks and choose one that feels right for you.

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