I believe this tarot listing has a few iterations regarding quality and appearance. It sounds like the first versions were made poorly, but the later options have since improved. At any rate, the deck I received is of good, sturdy quality.I think this is a fantastic version of the Smith-Waite deck. Solid card stock a' 350 GSM, which is quite substantial. Also a nice linen finish, like Bicycle playing cards. The original images have also been vectorized for greater clarity, which means they are less pixelated. And the card backs are a nicely subdued maroon mandala design on a tan background, rather than the a'plaida' (tarotee) blue and black backs of the standard RWS, which many people dislike. Additionally, there is no copyright on the card borders, which I personally consider an improvement, as well.This deck would be an excellent first deck for a beginnera's tarot studies. It would also appeal to the professional reader, as an all-purpose a'workhorse decka' that will conceivably last for years and years. ~ Tauni