The Worst RWS Deck I’ve Seen.

[@authorannebraun1693]

I paid $10 CDN for mine because I was curious about how inexpensive it was. As a Tarot newbie, I plan to use this as a training deck where I can write key words on the cards and not worry about ruining a perfectly good deck.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Great idea!

[@danielledrinnon7543]

I only paid $10 for mine also at a book store. They are $20 on Amazon.

[@StellaWaldvogel]

It's almost disposable. I guess something like that does have its uses. I'll pass, though.

[@suzigemini]

Oh Simon~this was such a save for many of us I am sure. :) I loved the sound effects. Good idea about journaling. I once got a deck that I did not know was a counterfeit when I bought it and I shuffle the cards and when I mail a letter to someone I include the card I draw for them with a little note. :) I still have many of the cards to send out. lol :) Much love.🥰 Thank you.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Good idea!

[@scarlettrheon]

Your videos always make me feel like everything is going to be ok. Even when I feel like I am at my lowest. Thanks for taking the time to make your videos

[@the_hermits_cave]

🙏🏼❤️

[@becharmeddivination6917]

The music added for suspense was awesome! I wouldn’t go out of my way to get this deck. Maybe if I didn’t ever have a deck and didn’t know anything about stock, color, texture etc….I probably would love it! I don’t think I could even journal with it because I’d be unhappy looking at it - if that makes sense?

[@the_hermits_cave]

It does

[@emmaythegray]

[insert horror movie music for card back reveal] 😅😅😅 wow you really took one for the team with this one, Simon.

[@the_hermits_cave]

It is my pleasure 😉

[@ElaineMurphy66]

Oohh I am.looking forward to this, the title has grabbed my attention. Love that box Simon. The decks fit perfectly.

[@the_hermits_cave]

I couldn’t believe it when I saw it in the shop. Just what I was looking for. Hope you are well, lovely 😊

[@ElaineMurphy66]

@@the_hermits_cave That sure is a great find. I love the idea of you keeping it on your coffee table too. I am good thanks Simon, I hope you are too. I will be happier when it is Spring and Summer though. It is very strange weather at the moment. We have had strong wind, heavy rain and thunderstorms but it is unseasonably warm.

[@catevans2125]

The horror music and crickets chirping literally made me laugh out loud! 😂 Thanks for the warning Simon!

[@the_hermits_cave]

😝 You’re welcome!

[@nairbvel]

I've bought decks of playing cards for a buck at the local dollar store that were sturdier than that deck... and they didn't come with multiple blocks of cardboard to fill empty space in a badly-designed box. I've also got guidebooks a fraction of the dimensions of that one that have (by the look of things onscreen) much more descriptive text. This "latest offering to High Street shops" looks like a fast cash grab of the worst kind. I have no problem picturing the execs of the publishing company being led through the town accompanied by a loud bell and shouts of, "Shame! Shame!" THANK YOU for putting this out on KZbin!

[@nairbvel]

[FOLLOW-UP TO MY OWN COMMENT: I just looked at Amazon (yeah, I know, I know) and there's a very nice selection of decks (RWS & other) for about the same price, most of which have reviews making them sound like they're much higher quality. Kinda makes this deck even more disappointing.]

[@the_hermits_cave]

Right!

[@JupiterLynn]

This was absolutely hilarious 🤣🤣 the sounds effects were perfect lol. Thank you for making this to show us! Journaling does seem like the perfect way to use these.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Agree 💯

[@janisgaines5330]

Looks like a really basic beginner deck. I like that the book has color photos.

What fun to watch 😂 The suspense was amazing! I'm going to get a "1909 Art Restoration Deck" this saturday, and I really can't wait to have it in my hands.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Enjoy!

[@JaceingtonSteele]

I just got this deck today from a local shop. I actually love the deck. And I've riffle shuffled it multiple times and again, no complaints. Its sitting on my altar, preparing for some reads.🤣😂 But still appreciate your P.O.V., Simon. 🙏🏽😊

[@SunshineDawn7]

Wow ! I can't believe that is the replacement deck. I hope they will still carry the original. What a sad deck they made. Thanks so much for clueing us in. Much love and many Blessings ! 💙💙🙏🙏

[@marikesmit]

Loved the sound effects! Thank you for warning us not to buy this deck.

[@truthinshadowdeed925]

I'm sorry Simon for the epic fail, but at least you did a great deed by making us aware. It is sad they put the quality into the box and failed on the cards. It feels kind of deceiving to me when this happens. Your wooden box is stunning.

[@sharimeline3077]

I wonder if you have the Antique Anatomy mass market edition. That has the thinnest cardstock in my collection. I have to be so careful with it, it's not fun. Also I love your new box, it reminds of the "stash" boxes everyone had in the 70's.

[@shaniakeddy3136]

Just in case you don't already know, the Antique Anatomy has been rereleased with a much more sturdy cardstock

[@tarottarantulas]

I know what you're talking about. I also got one of the first mass market printings and it's the worst cardstock in my entire collection. I've heard it's better now but I'm not sure I want to pay for it again. Like, here's my money again as a reward for the first awful print run. 🙄

[@iamniambishele]

DEFINITELY. I returned mine with NO SHAME. 🚶🏽‍♀️🚶🏽‍♀️

[@ElaineMurphy66]

Omg.... yep journalling only. I could not cope with that. I will burn that box image into my brain to know to avoid it like the plague! Thanks for that Simon 👍🏻

[@lbr88x30]

oh you can also make bookmarks! 😁

[@ElaineMurphy66]

@@lbr88x30 absolutely- good idea 👍

[@the_hermits_cave]

I am sure somebody as resourceful and creative as your good self, Elaine, could make something wonderful from this. ❤️

[@ElaineMurphy66]

@@the_hermits_cave I was thinking that you could make tarot tiles from them 👍😄

[@ElaineMurphy66]

Or... you could place them into a large frame and create a tarot collage.

[@HazelJaneTarot]

🤣 ugh dreadful indeed. Thanks for the warning!

[@the_hermits_cave]

You’re welcome, lovely 😊

[@nancy-acronesintuition4614]

Can’t wait to watch this one Simon!!

[@the_hermits_cave]

Ha!

[@sherrischeckel2522]

I have a laminator and many times when I have received the odd card in different packages or samples I laminate them. I have an edge cutter that rounds the corners and I use them for bookmarks. I even made a deck that I did not particularly care for into a training deck with card meanings. Just a thought.

[@khan7459]

That's a very beautiful wooden box! It must feel really special and precious to open it, to then be presented with "The 3 Decks" .

[@the_hermits_cave]

I love it 😍

[@aZnchuux3]

I would've loved to see you try to riffle shuffle and bridge them 😆

[@the_hermits_cave]

🤣

[@heidididwhat]

I am so glad you did a review because I would’ve seen the box and slapped my money down. LOL Side note, I love love love that wooden box.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@justinmichaeltarot]

I’ve seen this and it’s 10 dollars in my local shop and I’ve been curious about it. I’m watching your walkthrough now.. judging by the title I’m taking it you didn’t like it 😂

[@the_hermits_cave]

Shockingly bad 😞

[@justinmichaeltarot]

@@the_hermits_cave I’m glad I saved 10 bucks and the valuable real-estate on my shelves

[@jenniferballswitchhouse37]

😳😳😳 Oh my……🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Much love my dear friend!!

[@the_hermits_cave]

❤️❤️

[@JensBalancedTarot]

Haha…I had a feeling I would enjoy this video. The sound editing was fun! 🤣 Although bummer the deck is not good. Good idea to use it for journaling!

[@the_hermits_cave]

Only thing it’s good for! 😞

[@ElementalCartomancy]

Haha what were they thinking making the cards that thin! I'd do my seven riffle shuffles and end up with tarot confetti!

[@the_hermits_cave]

Right! It’s just completely pointless IMO 🙄

[@RootsAndWaves]

Eeee gads!! No thanks! I appreciate the video so I know to avoid this one. That deck isn’t even able to be shuffled without damaging the cards! Thank you, Simon. 🫂 ❤

[@the_hermits_cave]

There really aren’t. Complete waste of money, and it upsets me that so many people will buy this

[@RootsAndWaves]

@@the_hermits_cave 👍👍

[@Craftistemv]

I once saw a rendition of a RWS based tarot deck in which the point of view of the imagery was shown. The moon card was card with a hand dipping in the water I believe, the tower card in the pov of the people falling down... Do you have any idea about which deck I am talking about?

[@the_hermits_cave]

Nothing immediately springs to mind I’m afraid

[@Craftistemv]

@@the_hermits_cave that's too bad for me but thank you for you reply. Keep up the lovely work!

[@Amalkavs]

absolutely love this deck, the backs are super pretty! changes are always good!

[@MicheleAnnTarot]

What a disappointment 😢 Glad you’ve warned us about the card stock. Love the N.E.R.D. Initialism… 😂

[@the_hermits_cave]

😝

[@DerekJohnThomas]

You slayed me with that music! 🤣🤣🤣

[@the_hermits_cave]

🤣

[@autumnfallsred]

Highly Recommend the Modern Way Tarot Deck!

[@geminidream4347]

Thank you for the review. I've got decks that are like this. To me it's just copy paper run through a printer! And yes, I go to the States for Christmas and straight into Barnes & Noble to look for decks that don't come to Canada or take years to get here. I can also let other shoppers of this as well as I have been asked many times when someone that does not know Tarot what would be a good gift. As I hate to see people taken advantage of buying a deck you know is going to get that look when they open it and find the card stock is wretched.

[@Tiff.T]

😂Loved the added sound effects. Yeah…think this one is a hard pass for me. lol

[@lellyloo]

So funny Simon 😂I literally dare not look when you put the suspense music on for the backs 😬, they wasn’t so bad, what was bad apart from card stock was the huge borders, that would put me right off. Love the beautiful box ❤ Now Ice nine have a few more decks will pop in next time I,m in the city 😁

[@the_hermits_cave]

That have a fab cabinet of decks now

[@lellyloo]

@@the_hermits_cave ooohh a cabinet full!! I defo will be having an impulse buy, my willpower is a whacking great zero! I’m a fellow NERD too 🤣

[@timnewell8161]

Hiya. Is the Roses & Lillies deck out of print?

[@the_hermits_cave]

I’m not sure, I haven’t seen it in shops for a while.

[@misss.o.j.]

You could buy ANOTHER one and glue them together to make the cards stiffer? JK your journaling idea is way better💛💛💛

[@the_hermits_cave]

🤣

[@Sewingtrue100]

You should phone where bought it, and contact the supplier and complain. I hate these shops that sell crap.

[@Javi.Rosmarinus]

Jajaja✨🤣 the same happened to me with my 1st deck, The Mythic tarot in Spanish✨😭 I really love it but it was so thin like paper I can’t shuffle it if I want to keep it✨😄 I just look at it, no touching almost. The book is great although, that’s how I learnt tarot✨😍💜🔮

[@leighedwards5464]

That is shocking, Simon!

[@deniseyoung8157]

Thankyou for the review Simon. My thoughts🤯feel sad that this deck may get brought as an intro to Tarot.Have a 🌈week🖤

[@the_hermits_cave]

My concerns too! 😞

[@StuartDorrance]

Great video Simon. Thanks for warning us about the deck. Would love to know where you got the box from..

[@the_hermits_cave]

A shop called Ice Nine 😍

[@malloryr4883]

Quality is poor for sure, but 14 year old me with little money and no car, in an extremely religious household where I had to hide everything would have been ecstatic to find these! I always think about my teenage self when I see decks in the world (they now sell them at craft stores like Joann here in the US!!). Poor quality or no, I'm just glad they're out there for people who don't have community/grown up money yet. 💕

[@the_hermits_cave]

That’s a very fair point 🙏🏼

[@VintageMoon-]

Haha the reveal of the backs was hilarious I LOL. Yay🎉I’m a Tarot Nerd (but I knew that) but this one 😢 too bad maybe use in journaling glue them in since they are paper😂…I’m actually very attached to my original pack RWS tarot 🤷🏼‍♀️ That wooden box is beautiful and the brown on the inside…perfect!!!

[@the_hermits_cave]

Thank you, I love it 😍

[@avalancha13]

What is the name of the Marseilles deck you showed in this video?

[@the_hermits_cave]

Jacques Vieville

[@avalancha13]

@@the_hermits_cave Thank you!!!

[@susanwandsauthor]

Thank you! This review was helpful and hilarious!

[@the_hermits_cave]

😝

[@justinmichaeltarot]

The sound effects 😂🎉

[@the_hermits_cave]

🤣

[@gillianfieldwick1937]

What a pity. One to avoid. Thanks for your time.

[@albinnibla]

Sad days when imported knock off decks offer a higher quality product than even this! Yikes!!💜

[@the_hermits_cave]

Truth!

[@walkingmypath329]

The sound effects, lol.

[@pinup60]

what is the deck at 0:17? Anyone knows?

[@the_hermits_cave]

Keymaster Tarot 😊

[@pinup60]

@@the_hermits_cave thank you!!!

[@butterflymagicwithhottea9291]

Oh? The title of this video has my attention. That's not something you would say lightly. Coming to watch.

[@butterflymagicwithhottea9291]

Wow, that does NOT qualify as a deck. The paper quality would never stand up to even the most gentle of shuffling.... and I am gentle with Tarot/ Oracle decks. Good grief! Things like paper quality should really be indicated on the box... like ingredients on food. You have a generous attitude about using them for journaling. I would be marching back to the store to return this item.

[@InquisitiveTarot]

LOL! Best video ever! I love the sound effects and I feel your pain! Those cards are awful! Thank you for doing this video, I will definitely pass up this deck! 💖💖💖

[@the_hermits_cave]

🤣

[@ScholarBot]

...Did you try shuffling them? 👀

[@the_hermits_cave]

Yes, they just bend

[@mat6468]

$50 IN NEW ZEALAND. What a bargain.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Noooo!

[@LylaRox]

Great review! I really enjoy your videos. I am definitely a tarot NERD and just saw this deck. I was just thinking of buying it, but I'm glad I saw your review. I will pass on it. It looks like it's printed on paper.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Wise move 😉

[@sandramolina5068]

It needs to be called The Toilet Paper Tarot !

[@the_hermits_cave]

YES!

[@rachelmaher8406]

I have 3 rider Waite tarot decks. I go back to them often. I recently seen the wieser tarot at barns and noble and I was good and set it back on the shelf. I said to myself I have 3 already. 😂

[@SpiritofAvalon]

Beautiful wooden box 🥰 but omg awful deck, it’s not even cardstock but paper stock 😮 I am glad it’s not one I was thinking of getting. When I saw the title I thought maybe it was another terrible one from The Works 😂 good idea to use for journaling 😍❤️

[@the_hermits_cave]

It’s even worse than The Works! 😳

[@SpiritofAvalon]

@@the_hermits_cave and that’s saying something! 😝xx

[@Rachel-sv9pq]

I've been using The Tarot Spellbook by Sam Magdaleno and some of the spells ask you to write on the cards. Obviously I haven't wanted to do that so I've just made photocopies of the cards I'm using and written on the paper. The only thing I could see this deck being good for is using it in that capacity. It might be cheaper than spending the money on printer ink and paper.

[@ferrisulf]

Wow. I got an independent oracle deck on etsy for a discounted price because a batch of them had been printed on the wrong cardstock. They are thin and they are bendable but nothing like THAT! Even at that price I would be quite disappointed. It's sad that has been put out for sale in stores. (The music and sound effects were hilarious!)

[@the_hermits_cave]

It beggars belief

[@MinaDeCaro]

Ooh my, how thin that cardstock is😨 Your new box and the TdM deck are gorgeous though😍

[@the_hermits_cave]

Thank you 🙏🏼

[@tarot_esoterica_with_erin]

Thank you for saving us all from buying this deck. I remain a fellow N-E-R-D ... just without this deck 😄.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Same!

[@tarot_esoterica_with_erin]

@@the_hermits_cave 😊

[@rifflinthemind.5793]

I love working with the RWS but it is by far the most reproduced deck and so I have to be sure I need it before I will buy one! I was disappointed with the mass market Thoth kit that WH Smith sells, tiny, book was not that good, just cheap and uninspiring. 'Ancient celtic' in a victorian deck guide is a huge red flag for me. I just got a copy of Courtney Davis' Celtic Tarot and it turns out the companion book by Helena Paterson is full of fanciful but inaccurate versions of Celtic mythology.

[@aspasiarising4732]

Disappointing, and as you say, for people who walk in and try tarot for the first time with this deck, not a true representation of the quality found in so many other decks for not much more money.

[@Masculineintuitionreadings]

This was rough to look at hahaha that’s too thin

[@the_hermits_cave]

Think indeed. The limpest deck I’ve ever seen!

[@amandamonaghan1190]

What a waste of money and print thanks Simon x

[@the_hermits_cave]

Agree 💯

[@carmmen1384]

Thanks for sharing. Wow the sound effect 😂

[@madwitch9977]

I bought the Biddy Tarot from Homesense! I was delighted to find they had a few tarot and iracles. I am slightly tempted on the Rose and Lily tarit you mentioned ...I've come to appreciate the original artwork more now but wait ! No Thoth in the coffee box????? 😱😱😱 nooooooo 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 but seriously love your choices xxx

[@amiraxperimentalx]

Wish had seen this before buying it, the cardstock is like drawing paper. It's really awful.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Agreed 💯

[@pauljonesesquire]

I bought this deck direct online in late summer and gave it away. It might be a good intro for someone or like you say ok for reference but I agree prob the worst reproduction I've come across.

[@elspeth6807]

The box is nicer than the deck!

[@the_hermits_cave]

Truth!

[@veevintage2619]

OMG THIIIIS exact deck!!!! I bought this deck cheap and I was excited to open it, but there was a VERY negative (or at least just odd) Spirit attached to them, same exact deck, same box, NO JOKE!!! It's a long story but for multiple and somewhat creepy reasons I am currently seeking to re-home this deck. Deceivingly nice pop-top box, and NASTY card stock, not to mention my particular deck came with something rather unpleasant attached to them. I am VERY happy to know someone else feels it's not that good, albeit for different reasons. I am a big believer in Synchronicity, and after reviewing a more recent video of yours this came up on my YT feed FOR A REASON!! Thanks for this!

[@the_hermits_cave]

Oh wow that is synchronistic!

[@erichelms261]

I have over 20 decks, and NONE of them are Riders. Guess I'm not a "true" nerd.

[@the_hermits_cave]

😝

[@eduardobrandaoalves2307]

Not even worth to scream at it (and usually I do scream at stupid decks).

[@thewanderingstar7656]

Omg seriously simon it’s worst but the box and guidebook is better then deck😂 thank god I haven’t got I agree with you totally

[@the_hermits_cave]

🙏🏼❤️

[@raspberryblood]

I think my Centennial knock off from China is way better than that deck.

[@the_hermits_cave]

I wouldn’t doubt it at all!

[@Witchofthewoodland]

Shocking 😮

[@the_hermits_cave]

Absolutely!

[@martiangentian]

Oooph! 😂😂😂

[@TarotandWitchery]

Oh my! That is not card stock! Garbage.

[@the_hermits_cave]

Right!?!

[@ambersblushmoon384]

OMG! 🤣🤣🤣

[@afountainpenawakening]

crickets 🤣😂😅.... how bloody awful are they????

[@the_hermits_cave]

VERY!

[@Rainy679]

Lol 🤣