I have been on a search for the perfect RWS based deck, and this so far is the best quality I have seen in the last few months (based on at least 10+ different decks, and trust me I compared card-by-card). The cards have a matte/linen finish (huge plus for me), not too thick, which I like so can easily riffle shuffle and handle (do not like thick cards/decks that I cannot properly hold with one hand) - but also not flimsy, they hold their shape well - you can tell the quality is there. For those preferring glossy, thick/nonbendable cards - this may not be it. Also, the artwork on the images is excellent - details true to original IMO, colors are where they should be, no color bleeding, crisp, can even see the white of eye details on certain cards with people (I have not seen another deck so far that has that). The colors, have been nicely enhanced (as compared e.g., with the Centennial deck, which was too muted and toned down for me). While the colors are clear, crisp and saturated they are not super bright and on some cards somewhat of a darker/muted tone - so those who do not like"all the bright yellows and blues"may like this deck. The blues on some cards are leaning towards teal, etc. see pictures for comparison with a cheaper deck (cards on the left are from this deck). While I like these cards a lot, as I was comparing decks I realized I prefer the bolder/brighter colors - I do like the bright yellows and blues (even in some lower quality decks). So, if this seller were to reprint a new edition with brighter colors and keeping the same quality - those would be my preferred cards for sure. Also, I wish they offered this with different back designs - while the neutral beige meditative design is pleasing, there are others that I find more inspiring (eg the Universal back golden stars on a navy blue background, but not the images on the cards - I guess you cannot have it all).These would be a great gift, beginner and non beginner alike.The booklet is nice for a LWB, none of the guides that come with the deck, in the box are meant to be a full blown tarot book - they're meant as a reminder/guide/key word summary. This one is excellent quality even with colored card images. For those looking to learn - find a deck that you like, and a book, or a combo pack - book and deck. This review is for the cards themselves.

I have collected tarot cards for years, and I enjoy the artwork and history of different decks. I primarily do readings for myself and family members, so I am interested only in how they appeal to me, not in how well they will work for a wide variety of strangers who will be shuffling the deck. These cards are among the most beautiful I have ever seen. The golden highlights almost transform the standard deck, and they make me want to read the cards. I'm glad I found them. They are a bit slippery, but not so much as to make it impossible to shuffle. I like that they are waterproof, as given current health concerns I might want to disinfect them someday, although of course I hope I never will have to do so. ?They come in an attractive and well-constructed box that lets you pull the deck out with a ribbon. ?The first few cards are not tarot cards, so you need to be sure to keep them separate from the regular deck, lest they accidentally get mixed in. There is a brief guide to the cards that includes instructions for the Celtic Cross spread. It is enough to get a new reader started. My only quibble -- and it is a quibble -- is that the bottom of the box is decorated with the same design that appears on the back of the cards. I suppose some day I will stop thinking I left a card in the box by mistake and trying to dig it out, but apparently it will take a while.

I'm not even sure how to begin this review. ?To say that these cards are beautiful, stunning, gorgeous, wouldn't be enough. ?Spectacular, breathtaking, awe-inspiring, still wouldn't be enough.These cards are works of art. ?The gold foil gives them such a movement of energy, moving the cards in any light produces a tiger's eye effect, it's just incredible. ?The fact that they're made of PVC, the cards seem to be lighter than my traditional Ryder Waite and they'll withstand multiple readings.What makes me mad, however, is the lack of spell-checking. ?Inside this gorgeous box is a quote that was completely trashed because of no quality control. ?As it reads inside the box, including the spelling errors....'Let's enjoy the journey of exptoring more psssibilities in the tarot world'.For something so beautiful, you would think the company would take the time to check their spelling and it's a real disappointment. ?I'm still giving the deck a five star review because the cards themselves are stunning, but when you can't take the time to spell check, that's just lazy. ?So before you print anymore boxes, spell check, please.

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

This is one of the best decks I've had.First I gotta say that the design is beautiful, the back of the cards and the golden texture are gorgeous.Usually metalic cards interfere a little bit with the reading cause the images are not easy to read that way, but this doesnt happen much with this deck. I recommend reading them under a cool light tho, for more clarity.The size is perfect, not to small not too big. They shuffle like a dream! So satisfying! But they can be a little slippery depending on how you're shuffling.It came with a little manual with basic card meanings.They also came in a little box that was also beautiful, but unfortunately it came broken. It's a shame cause it looked like worth keeping.*These cards will last forever.*The images are beautiful and make for a fascinating lay out.*The quality of the cards as far as durability can't be beat.*They have an unusual feel to them because of the plastic butit becomes second nature after a few days.*Excellent set, good purchase.

The cards of this deck are very sturdy, with a nice linen finish that is well sealed with a plastic coating. The images are nice and vibrant, which makes it easier to help learn the practice. I bought another deck, people send the pictures weren't as good, they were right. There is a small booklet enclosed which gives ?a summary meaning for each card , ?and in the back there are a few samples friends ?that are explained. ?Well not comprehensive, ?along with my own intuition I did find this a great jumping-off point to get involved immediately. ?For some strange reason, I seem to have a special relationship with this deck, so I highly recommend it for purchase and hope that you find the same. Be open, I guess.. ?Unless you already have or plan to make a bag to keep the deck within, I suggest going ahead and purchasing one at the same time because you end up wanting one. Along perhaps with some clarifying crystals and some selenite wands in case you don't already have those as well.

This deck of tarot cards is interesting. First deck I've had made of pvc. I agree with others that the material makes the cards slippery to shuffle and otherwise use, but it doesn't come as a surprise. I got the gold rimless, and they are beautiful. I only have two reservations. First, the cards have a chemical odor, the pvc again, I'm sure. Don't know whether time will dissipate the smell, but something to consider when buying. Also, anyone who knows tarot collectors--all collectors, really--understands that presentation (box, books or pamphets, and all included materials) should be perfect, professional. The cards came with a perfunctory paper booklet, and the cardboard box was mashed on one outer corner. The damage could have happened in shipping, of course, but it was also poorly made, difficult to open and close. Not worthy of cards that cost over 40 bucks. Anyway, given those caveats, I do like the cards themselves.

So I ordered a deck and had it replaced because the first check that came in you could tell was a return when I open the box the lining on the inside was ripped like somebody opened it too far and then it ripped open and you could see like the cardboard it was very strange youa'll see when you open it if it doesna't if the crease doesna't crack your fine but this one the entire crease was just split open. And then there were no cards. No cards just a box in a ziplock plastic bag. So I put in a return and I got a replacement back which was perfect. This is a knock off off the original hundred dollar+ ?deck. I didna't know that when I bought it but I love it nonetheless. The cards are made out of plastic so you dona't ever have to worry about them bending or getting ruined, this is a deck that will last a lot longer than any of your other decks hands-down.

I bought this deck because I wanted a traditional Tarot deck since Tarot books usually talk about the classic deck. ?I am pleased with the art work and card stock. ?I don't actually use the deck much for readings because I find the symbolism more opaque than icn some more modern decks. ?Since I am fairly new to Tarot and still learning, I find it useful to study the same card from several decks: this traditional deck and two modern decks. ?Light Seers Tarot and Angel Wisdom Tarot. I find the symbolism much easier to grasp in the more modern decks, but I do find that by comparing the same card from all three decks and reading the booklets from all three as well as the Tarot books I am learning from that I get a deeper understanding of the card regardless of the deck it is from. In that sense, I find the Original Tarot Deck useful and valuable for me.

First the cons: ?The color scheme is icky... ?I was disappointed at first, but the deck grew on me since I got it last month. ?It all depends on how sensitive you are to color. ?The blues are too green, the purples are too pink, the pinks are too red, the grays are often too dark, there are entirely too many bright orange objects - etc. ?On some cards, the level of contrast is off. ?It's like the entire printing staff was drunk on the job and they forgot to do a color match.Now the pros: ?It's still recognizable as the original deck, and I've found that it's just as good for readings. ?It makes for an excellent extra deck.EDIT: At first I loved the card stock - it's linen-like in texture, and the backs are nice, but it didn't hold up too well over the last few months. ?It's still a decent deck, and the cards are thick, but they get warped easily.