All those years ago it was a case of 'flip a coin'. I had the choice of two. RWS and Thoth. It was easier then I think. For me I think there are about five catergories to consider. Historic, like the Visconti, Historic like the TdM, fully Illustrated like the RWS, a different perspective like the Thoth, and themed decks that combine all aspects of the previous four. Most of the books written in English contain references to RWS, but a lot of decks come with their own book, and all come with the little booklet called the LWB (some good ,some bad). So today, it appears to me it as a matter of what style appeals. I don't reallly like collage decks, or photorealism, or deeply Christian images, exclusivly feminine or erotic for that matter. If I was starting right now in Tarot I would get a RWS or a clone of that- and I would get a large sized deck out of preference for large cards. Happy hunting!!! ~Rosanne
