Rider Waite English Edition Deluxe STD - the standard in restored colours
This is the deck whose name you hear everywhere. Since 1909 the Rider-Waite has formed the foundation for nearly all modern tarot cards. This deluxe edition brings back the original design with restored colours and the card back from the very first print run.
The deck consists of 78 cards, divided across the Major and Minor Arcana. Every card shows a full scene, including the court cards and the numbered cards. That was unusual in 1909. Pamela Colman Smith drew situations in which you recognise your own story. That is why this deck works so broadly.
What makes this edition different
The colours lie closer to the first print run from 1909. That means details that disappeared in later editions are visible again. Backgrounds gain more depth. Colours contrast more sharply.
The cardstock is sturdier than in the regular edition. The cards have a smooth finish that shuffles easily. The back shows the original design: a geometric pattern in blue and white that was often changed in later editions.
The guidebook spans 96 pages and is written by Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig. You will find short descriptions per card, basic spreads, and a clear explanation of the deck structure.
Who this works for
This is a starter deck. The imagery is clear. Every book about tarot refers to this system. That makes it easy to read further, go deeper, draw comparisons.
At the same time this deck is suitable for people who have been reading for years. The symbolism is rich enough to reveal new layers each time. Precisely because of the restored colours, details stand out that you might have missed before.
Notice the backgrounds in the pentacles series. The colours in this edition show that many scenes take place outdoors, which earlier editions made less clear.
About Arthur Edward Waite and Pamela Colman Smith
Arthur Edward Waite was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and wanted to create a tarot deck that was accessible without losing its esoteric depth. He wrote out the symbolism.
Pamela Colman Smith drew the cards over a period of several months. Her background in theatre is visible: each card is a scene with a clear moment, an emotion, an action. That makes the deck readable, even without a guidebook.
Smith received a flat fee for her work at the time and never saw royalties from the millions of decks sold. Only in recent years has her name received greater recognition.
Specifications
- Number of cards: 78 (22 Major Arcana, 56 Minor Arcana)
- Card size: 70 x 120 mm
- Card quality: premium cardstock with smooth finish
- Card back: original design from 1909
- Guidebook: 96 pages, English
- Guidebook authors: Rachel Pollack and Johannes Fiebig
- Card language: English (title and number per card)
- Publisher: U.S. Games Systems, Inc.
- Packaging: sturdy storage box
Questions we often get
What is the difference between this deluxe edition and the standard Rider-Waite?
The cardstock is thicker and shuffles more smoothly. The colours have been adjusted to match the original 1909 print run, making details sharper. The card back shows the original design. The guidebook is more extensive.
Is this deck suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The imagery is clear and direct. Because this is the most widely used tarot system, you will find countless books, courses and online resources that refer to these exact cards. That makes learning easier.
