Smith-Waite Tarot Deck Borderless - Rider-Waite-Smith without white borders
Most tarot cards have a white border. This edition does not. What remains is the full drawing by Pamela Colman Smith, uninterrupted, edge to edge.
The deck follows the Rider-Waite-Smith system from 1909. All 78 cards are present, plus four extra illustration cards by Smith. The colours are more subdued than in many reprints, closer to the original tones.
What you see on the cards
The drawing style is recognisable: simple lines, clear symbols, figures that stand out immediately. Without the white border the cards feel larger, even though the format is standard.
The colours are soft and lightly faded, like old printed illustrations. No bright tones, no harsh contrasts. That makes them quieter to look at, especially when you lay multiple cards side by side.
The four extra cards show other work by Smith: fairy-tale scenes, no tarot symbolism. They are meant as a collector's item and give a glimpse into her broader work as an illustrator.
How this deck is used
The Rider-Waite-Smith system forms the basis of most tarot books and courses. Almost every guidebook refers to these images. That makes this a logical choice if you are just starting out.
Because the borders are absent, landscapes and backgrounds flow visually into each other when you lay cards next to each other. That works well in larger spreads such as the Celtic Cross.
The cards have a matte finish and shuffle smoothly. The cardstock is sturdy enough for daily use.
Lay the cards closely together during a spread. The absence of white borders makes the images appear to form a continuous story.
About Pamela Colman Smith
Pamela Colman Smith, also known as 'Pixie', drew all 78 cards on commission from Arthur Edward Waite. That happened between 1909 and 1910.
Her strength lay in translating symbols into clear, narrative images. She was the first to fully illustrate the minor arcana as well, something that was unusual at the time. That made the deck accessible to a wide audience.
Smith received little recognition during her lifetime. Only decades later did it become clear how great her influence on the tarot world had been.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 84 (78 tarot cards + 4 extra illustration cards)
- Format: 70 x 121 mm
- Finish: borderless, matte
- Cardstock: sturdy, suitable for daily use
- Colours: vintage, subdued tones
- Guidebook: concise booklet in English
- ISBN: 9781572818835
- System: Rider-Waite-Smith
Questions we often get
What is the difference between this deck and the standard Rider-Waite?
The illustrations are identical, but this one has no white borders. That makes the images larger and creates a different visual experience during readings.
Can the extra cards be used in a spread?
No, they are art cards without tarot symbolism. They are meant as a collector's item or inspiration material, not as part of a spread.
