Deck systems guide
Two major tarot lineages—scene-based Rider–Waite–Smith (RWS) and classical Tarot de Marseille (TdM)—shape how you learn, shuffle, and read. Here is a clear side-by-side so you can choose with intention.
| Aspect | Rider–Waite–Smith | Tarot de Marseille |
|---|---|---|
| Visual system | Fully illustrated scenes on every card, including the pip Minors. | Classical Majors and courts; pip Minors use suit symbols in structured layouts. |
| Learning feel | Intuitive for many beginners—scenes suggest a story at a glance. | Rewards study of structure, number, and suit; deep traditional lineage. |
| Our deck | The New Voice Tarot — fashion-inspired, queer-friendly, 120-page guidebook. | New Choice Tarot de Marseille (3rd ed.) — gilded, flower language, 80-page booklet. |
| Guidebook focus | Card-by-card meanings, spreads, and a contemporary reading intro. | TdM meanings plus the unique flower symbolism on each Minor. |
| Edition notes | Studio-fulfilled 78-card set with inclusive, scene-based art. | 500 numbered copies, magenta gilding, holographic box, signed certificate. |
Most modern decks you see online descend from the Rider–Waite–Smith tradition: each Minor Arcana card carries a full scene, not just suit symbols. That makes RWS-style decks approachable if you read by image, narrative, or body language on the card.
The New Voice Tarot keeps that scene-based language while updating fashion, place, and queer representation—so the stories on the table feel current without abandoning the system many readers already know.
Tarot de Marseille is an older European visual system. Majors and court cards carry distinctive figures; the pip Minors ask you to work with number, suit, and pattern. Readers who love structure, history, and layered symbolism often prefer TdM once they settle into it.
New Choice Tarot de Marseille preserves classical TdM structure with hand-painted watercolour, magenta gilding, and flower motifs explained in the guidebook—so tradition and contemporary art share the same deck.
Start with RWS-style if you want illustrated stories on every card and a familiar learning curve from apps, books, or social media. Start with TdM if you are drawn to classical European tarot, pip reading, and a deck that rewards slow study.
Neither system is “more correct.” Pick the lineage that matches how you want to practice—or begin with a guidebook-first set from our beginner decks collection. If inclusive representation is your priority across either system, see queer & LGBTQ+ tarot.
Both decks are by Rosario Salerno and ship from our studio. Compare them on the product pages, or browse the full deck collection.
Want the creator context? Read our story.