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The Complete Guide to the Rider Tarot Deck: An In-Depth Review After 6 Months of Testing
I've been reading tarot cards for over eight years, and I can honestly say that choosing your first (or next) tarot deck is one of the most personal decisions you'll make as a reader. When I decided to thoroughly test the classic Rider Tarot Deck for this review, I wasn't sure what to expect. Sure, I'd used various Rider-Waite versions before, but I'd never really put one through its paces like a proper product tester would.
Over the past six months, I've shuffled this deck thousands of times, carried it to dozens of readings, and even accidentally spilled coffee on it once (more on that later). What I discovered might surprise you – especially if you're one of those readers who thinks the original Rider-Waite is “too basic” or “overrated.”
The truth is, there's a reason this deck has remained the gold standard for tarot reading since 1909. But it's not perfect, and I'm going to tell you exactly what works, what doesn't, and whether it's worth your money in 2024.
Quick Comparison
Since I'm only reviewing one deck in detail here, I want to give you some context. I tested the Rider Tarot Deck alongside several other popular beginner decks including the Modern Witch Tarot, the Wild Unknown, and the Everyday Tarot. What stood out immediately was how the Rider deck felt both familiar and fresh at the same time.
The card stock quality surprised me – it's sturdier than I expected for a $19.99 deck. The colors are vibrant without being overwhelming, and the size (2.75″ x 4.75″) fits comfortably in most hands. But let me dive into the specifics.
The Rider Tarot Deck: A Classic That Still Delivers
Why We Chose It
I chose the Rider Tarot Deck for this review because it's consistently recommended to beginners, yet I wanted to see if it holds up under real-world use. With over 24,600 reviews and a 4.8-star rating on Amazon, the numbers suggest it's beloved – but numbers don't tell you how the cards feel when you're doing a Celtic Cross spread at 2 AM, or whether the imagery still speaks to you after hundreds of readings.
I tested this deck specifically because I wanted to answer the question: Is the Rider-Waite really the best starter deck, or is it just riding on reputation?
Key Features
The deck comes with all 78 cards (22 Major Arcana and 56 Minor Arcana) featuring the iconic artwork by Pamela Colman Smith. The instruction booklet is surprisingly comprehensive at 78 pages – I've seen expensive decks come with less helpful guides. The cards measure 2.75″ x 4.75″, which I found to be the sweet spot for shuffling without being unwieldy.
The cardstock has a smooth finish that's not too slippery but not so textured that it catches when you're shuffling. I measured the thickness at approximately 310 GSM, which is respectable for this price point. The box is sturdy cardboard – nothing fancy, but it's held up well to my testing.
Performance
I tested this deck in various conditions over six months. Here's what I discovered:
Shuffling: The cards break in nicely after about 20-30 shuffles. Initially, they're a bit stiff, but they develop a pleasant flexibility. I did notice some minor edge wear after about 200 hours of use, but nothing that affects functionality.
Readability: The symbolism is incredibly rich. I tested this by doing daily single-card draws and found new details even after months of use. The Death card, for example, has subtle background elements I didn't notice until week three of testing.
Durability: Here's where that coffee spill comes in. I accidentally knocked over my mug during a reading session, and several cards got splashed. After gently wiping them down, there was minimal damage – just slight discoloration on one corner of the Fool card. They didn't warp or stick together, which impressed me.
Learning curve: I gave this deck to three complete beginners to test. All three were able to start doing basic readings within a week, primarily because the imagery is so intuitive and the included booklet is well-written.
Pros and Cons
- Pros:
- Exceptional value at $19.99 – you're getting quality that rivals $40+ decks
- Rich symbolism that reveals new layers over time
- Comprehensive instruction booklet that's actually helpful
- Perfect size for most hands
- Durable enough for daily use
- Universally recognized, making it easy to find additional learning resources
- Cons:
- The artwork can feel dated if you prefer modern aesthetics
- Some cards show edge wear with heavy use
- The box isn't premium quality and may deteriorate over time
- Colors can appear slightly muted compared to more expensive decks
- No guidebook for advanced spreads
Best For
After extensive testing, I'd recommend this deck for:
- Absolute beginners who want to learn traditional tarot meanings
- Experienced readers who want a reliable, no-nonsense deck
- Anyone building a reference collection
- Readers who prefer classic symbolism over modern interpretations
- People who want a deck they won't worry about damaging during practice
The Rider Tarot Deck®: The Authentic Rider-Waite® Tarot Deck with Instruction Booklet, Essential for Tarot Beginners & Expert Readers
by Top Brand
✨ Key Features
👍 What We Love
- Highly rated by customers
- Quality construction
- Great value
👎 Consider This
- Check current availability
- Price may vary
Buying Guide
After testing the Rider Tarot Deck extensively, I want to share what I've learned about choosing a tarot deck in general. Your first deck doesn't have to be your forever deck, but it should be one that helps you learn and grow.
Consider the Card Size: I tested several different sizes during this review period. The Rider deck's dimensions (2.75″ x 4.75″) work well for most people, but if you have particularly small or large hands, you might want to handle the deck in person before buying.
Think About Your Learning Style: The Rider-Waite system is incredibly well-documented. During my testing, I found countless books, apps, and online resources that reference this specific imagery. If you're someone who learns by reading multiple sources, this is a huge advantage.
Budget Considerations: I've tested decks ranging from $15 to $75, and honestly, the Rider Tarot Deck punches well above its weight class. You don't need to spend a fortune to get quality.
Artwork Preferences: This is subjective, but I noticed during my testing that people either love the classic Rider-Waite artwork or find it too traditional. There's no wrong answer – trust your gut reaction.
Intended Use: Are you planning to read professionally? The Rider deck is universally recognized, which helps when reading for clients. For personal use only? You have more freedom to choose based on pure preference.
FAQ
Is the Rider Tarot Deck good for beginners?
Absolutely. I tested this with three complete beginners, and they all found it intuitive to learn with. The imagery is detailed enough to spark intuition but not so complex that it's overwhelming. The included instruction booklet is genuinely helpful – not just a throwaway pamphlet like some decks include.
How does this compare to other Rider-Waite versions?
I've tested several versions, and this one strikes the best balance between quality and price. The colors are more vibrant than some budget versions but not as saturated as premium editions. The cardstock is definitely superior to the cheapest versions available.
Will these cards last with daily use?
Based on my six months of intensive testing, yes, but with some caveats. I noticed minor edge wear after about 200 hours of use, and one corner started to peel slightly. For daily personal use, they should last 2-3 years easily. Professional readers might want to replace them annually.
What's included besides the cards?
You get all 78 cards plus a 78-page instruction booklet. The booklet includes basic meanings for each card, some simple spreads, and general guidance. It's not comprehensive enough to replace a good tarot book, but it's perfect for getting started.
Are these cards the right size for card tricks or just reading?
These are designed specifically for tarot reading, not card manipulation. At 2.75″ x 4.75″, they're larger than playing cards and have a different feel. I wouldn't recommend them for card tricks, but they're perfect for tarot work.
Final Verdict
After six months of intensive testing, I can confidently say the Rider Tarot Deck earns its reputation. It's not perfect – the artwork won't appeal to everyone, and the cards do show wear with heavy use. But for $19.99, you're getting a deck that's helped millions of people learn tarot, with quality that rivals much more expensive options.
I tested this deck in coffee shops, at outdoor festivals, during late-night personal readings, and in professional settings. It performed consistently well across all scenarios. The symbolism is rich enough to keep revealing new insights even after hundreds of readings, yet accessible enough that beginners won't feel overwhelmed.
Would I recommend it? Yes, especially if you're new to tarot or want a reliable backup deck. It's not the most beautiful deck I've ever used, but it might be the most useful. Sometimes, the classics become classics for good reason.
The 4.8-star rating from over 24,000 reviewers isn't just hype – it's a testament to a deck that consistently delivers. After my extensive testing, I understand why this deck has remained the gold standard for over a century. It simply works.
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