Readings: A Tarot Game

Readings* combines classic card game mechanics like Gin Rummy’s book-making and Uno’s action blocking with the 78 card deck and atmosphere of a Tarot reading. It’s a game for playful tarot enthusiasts and witchy card gamers alike.

This project is currently in development. Reach out of you’d like to be part of a virtual playtest!

*Rules up-to-date as of July 21, 2022.

Drawing Focus

A game consists of a set number of Readings, which are made up of 5 alternating Rounds: 3 Draw Rounds (standard draw/discard turn) broken up by 2 Focus Rounds. Players with Major Arcana cards in their hand may opt to play one of them as a Focus — A special ability that could do anything from give players a point boost to change the rules of play entirely.

Possibility: Earn a high score with a well-made Major Spread.

5 Major Arcana Cards from the game Readings.

Certainty: Stir up chaos with a well-timed Focus!

Prototype art of the 10 and 5 of Cups and 10 and 7 of Sticks from the Readings Tarot deck by Saer Clark.

Pulling from the Past

The main goal of Readings’ visual style is to strike a balance between the atmosphere of a Waite-Smith Tarot deck and the practicality of playing cards.

In the current iteration of Readings, the Pip cards (Ace-10) take direct inspiration from the imagery of Pamela Coleman Smith’s original art.

Art of the 10 and 5 of Cups and 10 and 7 of Wands from the original Waite-Smith Tarot deck cir. 1900.
Art of the 3 and 8 of Pentacles and 5 and 7 of Swords from the original Waite-Smith Tarot deck cir. 1900.
Prototype art of the 3 and 8 of Coins and 5 and 7 of Swords from the Readings Tarot deck by Saer Clark.

Seeing the Future

Though this solo project has no set timeline, I’m developing toward the goal of publishing both digital and physical copies. The base game will consist of a 78 Tarot card deck, black & white rules booklet, and full-color player references. An expansion deck and luxe edition would be the dream next phase.

This project has been such an energizing, joyful experience! I hope you find it as interesting as I do. Please reach out if you’d like to know more or get involved with the development of Readings!

Reference sheet for Readings: A Tarot Game. Includes outline of Basic and Major Spreads with visual examples and a Mini Rules Refresher.

An early attempt at a Readings player aid.