Tarot Decks — Overview & How to Choose

On OneCardTarot, cards are drawn from the Rider–Waite–Smith (RWS) system. This guide explains the main deck lineages, what makes a deck beginner-friendly, and how to pick the right one for you.

The big three systems

Rider–Waite–Smith (RWS) — our default

• Why it’s popular: Every card (including the Minor Arcana) is a scene you can “read like a picture,” not just memorize.

• Great for: Beginners, journaling, story-based readings, online learning (most tutorials use RWS).

• Notes: Court cards = Page, Knight, Queen, King. Strength is VIII, Justice XI in RWS numbering.

Tarot de Marseille (TdM)

• Look & feel: Historic woodcut style; the Minor Arcana are pips (arrangements of suit symbols) rather than scenes.

• Great for: Readers who enjoy numerology + suit logic and traditional aesthetics.

• Notes: Numbering typically has Justice VIII and Strength XI.

Thoth Tarot

• Look & feel: Abstract, richly symbolic paintings; dense esoteric correspondences (astrology, Kabbalah, alchemy).

• Great for: Symbol geeks, ceremonial/occult study, deep-dive spreads.

• Notes: Some card titles differ (e.g., Lust for Strength, Adjustment for Justice).

Bottom line: If you’re new, start with RWS or an RWS-inspired modern deck. You can always explore Thoth or Marseille once you’re comfortable.

Scenic vs. pip Minors (why it matters)

• Scenic Minors (RWS-style): Show people and actions → easier to interpret quickly and consistently.

• Pip Minors (TdM-style): Show suit symbols → interpretation leans more on number + suit + context.
  Choose scenic if you want immediate readability; pip if you prefer minimal art and numerological logic.

How to choose your first deck

1. Readability at a glance
   Can you tell a plausible story from the image without a book? (RWS-style decks usually win here.)

2. Art style you’ll actually use
   Moody? Minimal? Illustrated? You’ll read more often if you love looking at it.

3. Inclusivity & tone
   Many modern decks refresh the imagery to feel welcoming and contemporary.

4. Card size & handling

   • Standard tarot ≈ 70×120 mm / 2.75×4.75 in

   • Pocket/travel = smaller, great for on the go

   • Oversized = beautiful, harder to shuffle

5. Card stock & finish
   ~300–350 gsm is common. Finishes: matte (grippy, no glare), satin, glossy (slick, more glare). Linen textures shuffle easily.

6. Edges & durability
   Gilded or matte edges look great; sleeves or careful shuffling extend life if you riffle.

7. Guidebook quality
   A clear, structured booklet helps you grow. Look for upright/reversed keywords, suits overview, and example spreads.

8. Availability & price
   Start with something you can replace; save rare/collector decks for later.

Quick start picks (RWS family): classic RWS, plus modern takes like Modern Witch, Light Seer’s, Morgan-Greer, The Wild Unknown (more minimalist). Pick one that “clicks” at first glance.

Choosing beyond your first deck

• For depth & symbolism: Thoth (study-friendly if you enjoy correspondences).

• For tradition & pips: Tarot de Marseille (great for numerology practice).

• For theme alignment: Nature, art nouveau, modern life, mythic, animal, minimalist—whatever supports your reading style.

What makes a deck beginner-friendly?

• Clear scenes on the Minor Arcana

• Consistent symbolism across suits

• Legible courts (you can tell Page vs Knight vs Queen vs King at a glance)

• Accurate but concise guidebook

• Standard size and shuffle-friendly finish

Care, cleansing & storage (practical, not precious)

• Storage: a simple box or pouch keeps corners safe.

• Cleansing: optional—if ritual helps your focus, do it; if not, skip.

• Reversals: if you plan to read reversed cards, keep orientation random while shuffling.

• Logging: note draws in a journal; it’s the fastest way to improve.

FAQs

Do I have to be gifted my first deck?
No. It’s a sweet tradition, not a rule. Choose the deck you’ll use.

Can I learn on Marseille or Thoth first?
Yes, but most learning resources assume RWS. That’s why we use RWS on OneCardTarot.

Are “oracle cards” the same as tarot?
No. Oracle decks don’t follow the 78-card tarot structure; they’re great companions, not replacements.

Do all RWS-style decks read the same?
Broadly, yes—meanings transfer. Art and nuance differ, which can change the “feel” of a reading.