What is the best type of tarot deck for a beginner who reads French? A full 78-card tarot whose meanings you can understand without effort: a deck with meanings printed on the cards if you want to read without reopening a book, or a deck of the 1909 system (the 1909 Pamela Colman Smith system) paired with a book or course in French. Here are six types, compared with their limits.
How do you choose a first tarot deck?
In France, "jeu de tarot" first means a deck of playing cards. This page is about the divinatory tarot. Tarot is a tool for reflection, not a prediction. Four criteria matter more than price or gilding: a widespread system, readable minor arcana, meanings in your own language, and a complete 78-card deck. They are detailed in how to choose tarot cards.
If you are learning in French, our French-language learning deck (ships to the EU, UK, Switzerland and Iceland only) prints the meaning on every card, and comes with the full course in French (4 books), received after purchase by a personal link. Its details are in the fact sheet of our guide to tarot decks for beginners.
Why French-language learning tarot deck, 1909 art
Anti-scratch lamination. A screen can't show you how a card feels in your hand; this is the part to judge before you buy.
78 cards with an electronic (PDF) guidebook for each card, upright and reversed. Learn the cards on this deck and the meanings carry over to our other decks drawn on the 1909 system.
See French-language learning tarot deck, 1909 art →
Buying for someone who reads tarot? A deck with an electronic (PDF) guidebook suits a beginner and a collector. Sets with a velvet bag, reading cloth or wooden box are on the product page.
The cards to learn on
The French learning deck ships only to the EU, UK, Switzerland and Iceland. Everywhere else, learn on the same 1909 Pamela Colman Smith images: our borderless Vintage Light deck ships from our US warehouse.
78 cards with an electronic (PDF) guidebook for every card, upright and reversed. White 350 gsm card, matte, borderless.
20,000+ positive Etsy reviews, 4.9 ★ on average.
The six types of beginner decks
Each type is shown with its advantage and its limit. We sell the first type, so read the limits we give for each.
- Deck with meanings printed on the cards (1909 illustrations). Pro: you read the image, then confirm with the text. Con: it is tempting to read the text before the image, and some readers prefer a plain deck.
- 1909-system deck without text. Pro: most books and courses use this system, and the 56 minor arcana are illustrated with a scene. Con: the meaning is to be found elsewhere, often in English.
- Deck with a separate book. Pro: a book explains context and spreads. Con: back-and-forth between card and page; check the language and the system.
- Classic Marseille deck. Pro: the French tradition, many French books. Con: the numbered cards (ace to ten) have no scene while the court cards do, so there is a longer learning curve. It suits readers drawn to the French tradition who accept that.
- Oracle deck. Pro: simple messages. Con: not a tarot, the author fixes the number of cards, few transferable resources.
- 32-card deck. Pro: you may already own one. Con: playing cards, a different system.
Which type of tarot for which goal?
The table starts from what you want to do, then shows the deck type that answers it and what to check before buying.
| Your goal | Deck type | Why | To check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Learn alone, in French, without reopening a book | Printed meanings | The meaning is on the card | That the text is in French |
| Follow a course or book you already have | 1909-system deck, no text | Same system as your material | That the material follows this system |
| Understand context and spreads | Deck with a separate book | A book develops each symbol further | Language of the book, system of the deck |
| Discover the French tradition | Classic Marseille | Old tradition, many French books | Longer learning: numbered cards without scenes |
| One simple message a day | Oracle | No system to learn | Not a tarot: little transfers |
| Try cartomancy with a deck you own | 32-card deck | No purchase | Another system, no tarot arcana |
Who is our deck not for?
If you want a Marseille deck, ours follows the 1909 system instead. If you like cards with no text, printed meanings will get in the way. And it ships only to the European Union (excluding overseas territories), the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Iceland. You can learn with any complete deck.
For next steps, see our plan to learn tarot on your own and why meanings on the cards help.
Frequently asked questions
Which criterion comes first when choosing a beginner tarot?
The meaning, in your language: on the card, in a booklet or in a course. Then a widespread system and a complete 78-card deck.
Does an oracle deck work for one card a day?
Yes, for one simple message a day. To learn a method you will find in books and courses, choose a 78-card tarot.
How can I check a tarot deck is complete before buying?
Look for 78 cards on the product page: 22 major arcana and 56 minor arcana in four suits.
Do printed meanings slow reading down in the long run?
It depends on you. You read the image, confirm with the text, and eventually stop needing it. Some experienced readers prefer a plain deck.
Where to go next
Not ready to buy? Take the free Your First Reading (first four parts of the course). Ready to read on your own? The full course is $29.99 — enter code COURSE50 at checkout. The code works until 8 November 2026.
