How-to Guides · 5 min · 2026-07-18
Discover ways to classify tarot spreads by level of difficulty, type of problem, and area of life. The practice guide helps you choose the appropriate spread for the question.
Tarot spreads are ways of arranging cards to discover a new perspective on a situation, problem or question in life. When starting out, you might come across many different spreads. To make it easier to choose, we can classify them according to different criteria.
If you're new to tarot, start with simple spreads:
Elementary spread (3 cards or less) These spreads are easy and quick to understand. They are perfect for getting familiar with card reading and building your confidence.
Intermediate spread (3-6 cards) Once you feel comfortable with the basic spreads, try those with a larger number of cards. They provide more detailed information.
Advanced spread (over 6 cards) These complex spreads allow you to explore a situation more deeply, looking at its many aspects and the connections between them. A useful check is to name the visible action on the card before choosing advice.
When you want to understand a problem over time:
When you need to evaluate a current situation from multiple angles:
When you are faced with decisions:
These spreads are flexible and can be applied to many situations:
For questions about:
Remember that there is no single "perfect" spread. Choose a spread that suits:
1. Your experience level — Start with simple spreads 2. The type of question you are asking — Choose a spread designed for that area 3. The time you have — Large spreads require more concentration 4. Your Intuition — If a certain spread "calls" to you, try it
Explore, practice and find the spreads you love the most. Tarot is a tool for discovery, not for absolute prediction.
Reference source: zhihu.com — Classification of tarot spreads
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Reading note: Check these meanings against the cards beside them before settling on one keyword.
Source: Zhihu
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