How to Choose the Right Tarot Deck for Beginners
By Tanuki Games | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Buying Guides
New to tarot? Learn what to look for in a beginner deck, from art style to guidebook quality, and get clear decision rules to find your perfect first deck.
Quick answer
For beginners, choose a deck that follows the Rider-Waite-Smith system, has clear, approachable art, and includes a guidebook that explains each card. Start with a deck you feel drawn to, but prioritize readability over complex symbolism.
Why the Rider-Waite-Smith system matters for beginners
Most tarot books, online courses, and apps reference the Rider-Waite-Smith (RWS) system. If your first deck uses a different system, you'll have to learn new meanings for every card, which adds unnecessary difficulty. Sticking with RWS means you can use almost any learning resource and start reading sooner.
Art style: find a deck you'll want to pick up
The artwork is what you'll look at every time you read. A style that feels confusing or unpleasant will make practice feel like a chore. Look for clear, warm, or familiar imagery that helps you remember card meanings. Whimsical or modern themes can make learning feel more personal and fun.
Guidebook quality: your built-in teacher
A good guidebook is essential when you're starting out. It should explain each card's upright meaning, and ideally offer reversed meanings or a keyword summary. Decks that come with a thick, detailed booklet give you more support than those with just a few lines per card.
Your beginner deck decision rules
- Check the system: Look for a deck that explicitly uses the Rider-Waite-Smith system. If the system isn't listed, check the imagery: if the Major Arcana cards look like the classic RWS scenes, it's likely compatible. If a deck doesn't mention its system, search for card images before buying.
- Assess the art: Choose artwork that feels clear and inviting to you. Avoid decks with dark, busy, or abstract imagery that makes it hard to interpret the card's meaning at a glance. Spend time browsing card images online to see if the style resonates with you.
- Check the guidebook: Flip through the guidebook if possible. Look for a full explanation of each card, not just a single keyword. A guidebook with reversed meanings is a bonus. If the guidebook is thin or vague, plan to buy a separate beginner tarot book.
- Consider the theme: Pick a theme that you already love, such as anime, animals, or literature. A familiar theme makes it easier to remember card meanings and keeps you motivated to practice. Your deck should feel like a friend, not a textbook.
- Set a budget: Beginner decks range from about $15 to $25. There's no need to spend more on your first deck; save that for when you know your preferences. A mid-priced deck with a good guidebook is the sweet spot for most beginners.
Beginner-friendly tarot decks at Tanuki Games
- Tarot Deck - World of Bunnies Tarot: This beginner- and children-friendly deck includes 78 adorable hand-drawn cards and follows the Rider-Waite-Smith system. The RWS system means you can use standard learning resources, and the approachable art makes it easy to connect with the cards.
Tarot Deck - World of Bunnies Tarot - Tarot Deck - Bohms Tarot: This deck features a whimsical style with soft pastel tones and playful guides called the Bohms, blending fairy-tale charm with dreamy imagery. If you're drawn to a lighter, more whimsical aesthetic, this deck's gentle imagery can make learning feel more inviting.
Tarot Deck - Bohms Tarot - Tarot Deck - Anime Tarot Deck and Guidebook: This deck combines classic tarot symbolism with modern anime archetypes across 78 cards and includes a guidebook. Familiar anime characters can help you remember card meanings, and the included guidebook gives you support as you learn.
Which deck is right for you?
Best for
- The World of Bunnies Tarot is best for beginners who want a gentle, approachable deck with classic RWS symbolism and a soft, hand-drawn style.
- The Anime Tarot Deck is best for anime fans who want familiar archetypes to help them remember card meanings and enjoy a modern, creative approach.
Not for
- If you prefer a more traditional or serious tarot aesthetic, the whimsical Bohms Tarot may feel too playful for your taste.
- If you want a deck with deep, dark, or complex symbolism, these beginner-friendly decks might feel too simple.
