Types of Tarot Decks: Rider–Waite, Thoth, Marseille
Hundreds of tarot decks exist today, but almost all descend from three traditions: the Tarot of Marseille, the Rider–Waite–Smith, and the Thoth. Each frames the same 78-card structure with different art and symbolism.
Rider–Waite–Smith
Published in 1909 by A. E. Waite with art by Pamela Colman Smith, this is the deck most beginners recognize. Its breakthrough was fully illustrated Minor Arcana — every card a scene you can interpret at a glance. Most modern learning materials reference it.
Tarot of Marseille
The Marseille pattern crystallized in 18th-century France and is the historical ancestor of modern divinatory decks. Its Minor Arcana show stylized pip arrangements rather than illustrated scenes, so reading it leans more on number and suit symbolism.
Thoth Tarot
Designed by Aleister Crowley and painted by Lady Frieda Harris (published posthumously in 1969), the Thoth deck layers astrology, kabbalah, and alchemy into every card. Its court cards are renamed Princess, Prince, Queen, and Knight, and the imagery is richly symbolic.
Choosing a deck
If you are starting out, pick the Rider–Waite–Smith: the learning resources are vast. If you love history, try a Marseille reproduction. If you want layered esoteric symbolism, the Thoth rewards study. There is no wrong choice — the best deck is the one you enjoy spending time with.
Frequently asked
Do all tarot decks have 78 cards?
Most divinatory decks do. Some game-playing variants differ, and a few art decks print only the 22 Major Arcana.
Are oracle cards the same as tarot?
No. Oracle decks have their own free-form structure and symbolism, while tarot follows the fixed 78-card Major/Minor Arcana system.
Can I use any deck for readings?
Yes. The meanings attach to the system, so any 78-card tarot deck works — though learning is easier with a deck whose imagery you connect with.