Choose a Rider-Waite style deck by four things: the artwork version, the card stock, the finish and the borders. For most buyers, the best fit is 1909-based artwork on thick laminated card with a printed guidebook.
Two decks to look at while you read: Borderless Vintage Tarot, Light Edition, which carries Pamela Colman Smith's original 1909 illustrations to the card edge, and Moon Magic, a lunar reinterpretation of Smith's system that simplifies some of the classic pictures; it is not a reproduction of the 1909 cards.
Matte reading decks
Original 1909 art, or a lunar take?
Borderless Vintage Tarot Cards — Light Edition, 1909 Classic Art
Two matte decks with a printed guidebook: Pamela Colman Smith's original 1909 illustrations, and a lunar reinterpretation of her system.
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Moon Magic Tarot Cards
Two matte decks with a printed guidebook: Pamela Colman Smith's original 1909 illustrations, and a lunar reinterpretation of her system.
See these decksThe main versions of the 1909 deck
Pamela Colman Smith painted the artwork for the deck that Rider & Company published in London in December 1909, to a scheme designed by Arthur Edward Waite. Later editions are reproductions or reinterpretations of that work. This is why two decks that both carry the name can look quite different on the table. For the full background, read what the Rider-Waite tarot is.
Six kinds of version are on the market today.
- 1909-based colour reproductions. They stay close to the first print, usually with warm, muted colours. They suit readers and collectors who want the original look.
- Smith-Waite re-colourings. The name credits the artist, and editions that use it can differ in palette. Check the listing for the exact colours.
- The 1970s US re-colour. This is the version many people picture, with bright, saturated colours. U.S. Games Systems has published it in the United States since 1971.
- 1990s re-drawn "Universal" style versions. The images are re-drawn and re-coloured, so some details differ from Smith's linework.
- Borderless editions. The artwork fills the whole card, with no white frame around the image.
- Foil and holographic editions. They keep the same drawings but add a finish that changes colour as the card moves in the light.
For a comparison of the 1909 style with newer art styles, see Rider-Waite vs modern decks.
Smith-Waite vs Rider-Waite: is there a difference?
The names mostly point to the same drawings, so the difference is largely one of naming and, for some editions, of colour palette. "Rider-Waite" names the publisher and the designer. "Smith-Waite" and "Rider-Waite-Smith" add the artist who painted the cards, which is why the artist's name was added to the label later. You can read more about her in the story of Pamela Colman Smith.
Publishers also use these labels for particular editions, so the label alone does not tell you the palette, the card stock or the size. Read the product description and look at the photos rather than trusting the name.
What to check before you buy
Most of the difference between a good purchase and a disappointing one sits in a few physical details. Use this table as a checklist.
| What to check | Why it matters | What to look for |
|---|---|---|
| Card stock (gsm) | Thicker card resists bending and wears well, but it is stiffer to shuffle; medium-weight card shuffles more easily. | A stated figure. Our Borderless Light Edition, Moonlight and Holographic Crystal Foil list 350 gsm. |
| Finish | It decides glare, grip and wear. | Matte lamination for low glare; glossy or foil for a bright look. Laminated cards resist scratches and wipe clean. |
| Size | It affects shuffling and how the pictures read. | Our decks measure about 7 by 12 cm (roughly 2.75 by 4.7 inches). Always check the exact size in the listing. |
| Border or borderless | It changes how large the image looks. | White borders for a classic frame; borderless for full artwork to the edge. |
| Edges | Gilded edges are a feature of some editions. | Check the description. Do not assume a deck has them. |
| Guidebook | It is your reference while you learn. | A printed guidebook that covers all 78 cards, in a language you read. |
| Box and bag | They protect the cards and make the deck easy to store or give. | A sturdy box; a cloth or velvet bag is a useful extra. |
If you want a longer guide to spotting good construction, see how to tell if a tarot deck is good quality.
Common mistakes when choosing a deck
A few errors come up again and again, and each is easy to avoid.
- Judging by one photo. Foil, matte and glossy finishes look different in every light. Look at several photos, ideally one taken in plain daylight and one under a lamp.
- Trusting the name alone. The same label can cover very different editions, so compare card stock, finish and borders instead.
- Skipping the guidebook. A beginner learns faster with a printed reference at hand. Check that it covers all 78 cards, not only the Major Arcana.
- Ignoring size. Cards of about 7 by 12 cm (roughly 2.75 by 4.7 inches) suit many readers, but hand size and spread size vary, so compare the size in the listing before you commit.
- Paying for features you will not use. A foil edition is a pleasure to own, yet a plain matte deck is just as good for learning. Decide what you value first.
If you like a finish that catches the light, Moonlight, based on Smith's system, adds gold rainbow foil to a black 350 gsm card. Holographic Crystal Foil uses the original 1909 illustrations and shifts through the rainbow as you tilt each card.
Foil editions
Want a finish that catches the light?
Moonlight Tarot Cards Gold Rainbow Foil
Both are 350 gsm cards with anti-scratch lamination and foil that shifts colour in the light, plus a printed guidebook.
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Holographic Crystal Foil Tarot Cards — 1909 Classic Art
Both are 350 gsm cards with anti-scratch lamination and foil that shifts colour in the light, plus a printed guidebook.
See these foil decksWhich style suits you
For learning. Pick a matte finish with a clear, printed guidebook. Our Borderless Light Edition is matte, and its description notes no glare under reading lamps, which helps when you study the small details in each scene.
For daily reading. Choose laminated card that can take frequent shuffling. Anti-scratch lamination resists scratches, and you can wipe the cards clean. Moon Magic has a matte anti-scratch finish and a protective box for storage.
For collecting. Compare editions side by side: a 1909-based colour reproduction, a borderless version and a foil version of the same imagery tell different stories about the deck. Compare the same imagery in several finishes to see which one you prefer.
For gifting. A foil edition looks striking when the box is opened, and a printed guidebook means the recipient can start at once. If the person you are buying for is unsure which tradition they prefer, the comparison of Rider-Waite, Marseille and Thoth explains the differences. We do not make Thoth decks.
Frequently asked questions
Which Rider-Waite style deck is best for a beginner?
Choose a deck with the 1909 scenes on every card, a finish that does not glare and a printed guidebook that covers all 78 cards. The Light Edition and Holographic Crystal Foil, both with original 1909 illustrations, fit that description. Every deck we sell has a printed guidebook, and every buyer also gets a free beginner course.
Is Smith-Waite the same as Rider-Waite?
They refer to the same tradition of imagery. Smith-Waite credits the artist in the name, and some publishers use it for editions with a re-worked palette. Always check the listing for the exact version.
Are borderless decks harder to read?
No. The scenes are the same; the white frame is removed so the artwork reaches the card edge. Some readers like the larger look of the image, while others prefer a border because it gives the eye a place to rest. Try both styles before you settle on one.
Does a foil or holographic finish change the card meanings?
No. The meanings come from the images, symbols, number and suit, not from the finish. Foil changes how the card looks in the light, so check the photos if you want to see fine details clearly.
Do I need a deck with gilded edges?
No. Gilded edges are a feature of some editions and are a matter of taste. Check the product description for the edge finish rather than assuming it.
When you are ready to compare finishes, sizes and artwork in detail, browse all our tarot decks and choose the one that fits how you will read.
Rider-Waite is a registered trademark of U.S. Games Systems, Inc.; Dark Forest Tarot is not affiliated with U.S. Games Systems.
