Which tarot deck should you buy to learn on your own? Choose a 78-card divinatory deck with the meaning written on the card, a guidebook in French and a course that takes you step by step. Without a teacher, that saves you from opening a book at every draw.
What you need to learn without a teacher
In France, "jeu de tarot" first means a deck of playing cards. This page is about the divinatory tarot: 78 cards you draw to reflect on a question. Learning alone, four things matter more than the name of the deck: a meaning you can read right away, a guidebook in French, a clear progression and a rhythm you can keep. For the general answer to which deck suits a beginner, see our guide to tarot decks for beginners.
For a self-taught learner of French tarot, our French-language learning deck (ships to the EU, UK, Switzerland and Iceland only) prints the meaning on every card, comes with the full course in French (4 books) and an electronic PDF guidebook in French, sent by personal link after purchase.
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.
Which type of deck suits a self-taught learner?
There are four families of tarot, plus two decks that are not tarot. The table starts from your need.
| Your need | Deck type | What it implies |
|---|---|---|
| Read the meaning without leaving the card | Printed meanings (ours) | Less room for the picture alone |
| Describe what you see, then look the meaning up | 1909-system (the 1909 Pamela Colman Smith system), no text | The 56 minor arcana show a scene, but a book stays open beside you |
| A detailed reference book | Deck with a separate book | Two objects to juggle |
| Learn the French tradition with a course or teacher | Classic Marseille | Numbered cards (ace to ten) have no scene, court cards do: longer learning |
| A simple message, no system | Oracle | Not a tarot: little transfers |
| Try classic cartomancy | 32-card deck | Playing cards, a different reading system |
Our deck is not the right choice for everyone. A Marseille deck suits readers drawn to the French tradition who accept a longer start and have a course or teacher within reach.
A first week
Ten to fifteen minutes a day is enough. Our page learn tarot on your own gives the full day-by-day plan. Tarot is a tool for reflection, not a prediction.
Frequently asked questions
Which tarot deck should I choose to learn alone?
It depends on how you learn. Without a teacher, a 78-card illustrated deck with the meaning on the card and a French guidebook is the easiest to pick up. If you love numbers and French tradition, a Marseille deck is possible, with a longer start.
Do I need a separate book as well as the deck?
Not at first. A short guidebook in French covers the first draws. A longer book helps later, when you want to go deeper into a symbol.
Can I learn the Tarot de Marseille on my own?
Yes, with more patience. The numbered cards (ace to ten) show symbols, not scenes, while the court cards are illustrated, so a Marseille course or a good guide helps a lot.
How many cards should I learn first?
Start with the 22 major arcana, then one suit at a time. With the meaning printed on the card you can draw and read from day one.
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 £16.99 — enter code COURSE50 at checkout. The code works until 8 November 2026.
