gregory1956
I've been using my US Games Rider Waite deck since 1981, and I was satisfied with the colours -- not too bright and not too muted (and no US Games copyright on the front of the cards in the lower right-hand corner). The card stock is quite thick and substantial, and the cards have a completely matte in finish; no glossy coating at all, which I like.
Recently, however, I purchased the Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck that comes with the Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Set. At first, I thought that the colours were a bit dark, but after using it for several weeks, it is absolutely my go-to deck. The more muted palette of the cards gives them a more mystical appearance, and the back of the cards features the rose from the Death card along with Smith's monogram (in other words, not the bland blue-and-black tartan design that US Games has been using ever since the company started printing the RWS deck in 1971). The US Games copyright is still there in the lower-right corner, but it's small and relatively unobtrusive.
If you're looking for the definitive version of this iconic tarot deck, the Centennial deck is a must-have.
Recently, however, I purchased the Smith-Waite Centennial Tarot Deck that comes with the Pamela Colman Smith Commemorative Set. At first, I thought that the colours were a bit dark, but after using it for several weeks, it is absolutely my go-to deck. The more muted palette of the cards gives them a more mystical appearance, and the back of the cards features the rose from the Death card along with Smith's monogram (in other words, not the bland blue-and-black tartan design that US Games has been using ever since the company started printing the RWS deck in 1971). The US Games copyright is still there in the lower-right corner, but it's small and relatively unobtrusive.
If you're looking for the definitive version of this iconic tarot deck, the Centennial deck is a must-have.