Which Tarot Deck to Buy to Learn on Your Own (French Guide)

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 printed booklet 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 printed booklet 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 prints the meaning on every card, includes a printed booklet in French in the box and comes with the full course in French (4 books), received after purchase by a personal link.

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.

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 booklet 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 booklet 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.