How to Use Tarot Cards in Balatro

If you’ve played Balatro, you already know it’s not an ordinary card game. Combining strategy, luck, and mystical symbolism, Balatro brings the world of poker and tarot together in a unique and addictive way. One of the most exciting features of the game is the ability to use tarot cards — powerful items that can transform your deck and influence the outcome of your runs. But how exactly do you use tarot cards in Balatro? Here’s a complete guide for beginners and experienced players alike.

What Are Tarot Cards in Balatro?

In Balatro, tarot cards are special consumable items that can modify your playing cards or add new effects to your deck. Just like in real tarot, each card represents a different energy or outcome — but here, that symbolism becomes gameplay mechanics.

There are 22 tarot cards in the game, inspired by the Major Arcana from the traditional 78-card tarot deck. Each one has a distinct effect that can strengthen your hand, improve your strategy, or change the balance of the deck.

Using tarot cards wisely is key to building synergy between your jokers, hand types, and scoring potential.

How to Obtain Tarot Cards

You can earn tarot cards in several ways during a run:

Purchasing them in shops between rounds.
Receiving them as rewards for completing blinds or challenges.
Obtaining them through boosters or vouchers that increase drop rates.
Discovering them via jokers with abilities that create tarot cards randomly.

Because tarot cards are single-use, it’s essential to decide when to play them for maximum benefit.

How to Use Tarot Cards

Using tarot cards in Balatro is simple — but timing is everything.

Open your inventory (the section where consumables are stored).
Select the tarot card you want to play.
Choose the target (often a specific playing card in your deck).
Confirm your choice to activate the effect.

Once used, the tarot card disappears, and its power is immediately applied. Some effects are subtle and strategic, while others can completely change the direction of your run.

Examples of Tarot Card Effects

Each tarot card in Balatro carries its own unique influence, echoing the spirit of the real Major Arcana. Here are a few examples of what they can do:

The Magician: Upgrades a random playing card into a higher tier, improving its value.
The High Priestess: Creates a Planet card that enhances specific poker hands.
The Lovers: Converts a random card into a Wild card, increasing flexibility.
Death: Transforms multiple cards at once — risky, but often powerful.
The Sun: Enhances several cards by boosting their level.

Learning the effects of each tarot card will help you plan stronger combinations and adapt to different strategies as your run progresses.

When to Use Tarot Cards

While it’s tempting to play tarot cards as soon as you get them, experienced players know that timing is crucial.

Use them before a tough blind or boss fight to strengthen your deck.
Save them for moments when you can maximize upgrades (for example, after you’ve secured good jokers).
Combine them strategically with Planet cards or Joker bonuses for higher multipliers.

A single well-timed tarot card can turn a weak deck into a winning one.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Tarot Cards

Plan your build early. Decide whether you want to focus on power, combos, or flexibility.
Don’t hoard too long. Tarot cards are meant to be used — an unused card brings no advantage.
Experiment with synergy. Some tarot cards work best when paired with specific jokers or planets.
Adapt to your run. Every game is different, so stay flexible and trust your instincts.

Mastering tarot cards in Balatro is about balancing patience and boldness — knowing when to hold back and when to take a calculated risk.

Understanding how to use tarot cards in Balatro is essential for unlocking the full potential of the game. These mystical cards add depth and variety, rewarding creative strategies and bold choices. Whether you use The Lovers to create wild cards or The Sun to boost your entire deck, each tarot offers a new layer of magic and mastery.

And if you’re inspired to explore the real tarot behind the symbols in Balatro, tarot reader Andrew invites you to experience a personal reading. Discover the meanings, archetypes, and hidden wisdom that have inspired both mystics and game designers for centuries.

✨ Tarot Reader Andrew