Dungeons & Dragons “Curse of Strahd” Tarokka Deck

The Tarokka Deck, distinct from the German Tarock or Tarok, is an addition to the Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) "Curse of Strahd" adventure game. The deck comprises 54 black-and-white cards designed by artist Chuck Lukacs and, inspired by real-world Tarot cards, adds unpredictability that keeps players engaged throughout the game.

Above: a selection of cards from the "Curse of Strahd" Tarokka Deck; the Diviner/two of pentacles (stars), the Wizard/master of pentacles (stars) and the Avenger/one of swords.

Prophet’s Gambit

The Tarokka Deck also includes a bonus card game called Prophet's Gambit, designed for 3 to 5 players. This engaging and somewhat chaotic game challenges players to strategically assemble poker-like hands using a combination of shared, hidden and face-up cards over the course of three rounds.

Players aim to create the strongest hand using shared, hidden, and face-up cards over two rounds. During each round, players either play a card, covering their previous card, or discard a card to activate a High Deck card's ability. After two rounds, the Focus card may be kept or discarded, and players reveal their hands. The player with the best combination of cards, including the Focus card if kept, wins the game.

Above: booklet containing the rules for game Prophet's Gambit, which can be played with the Tarokka Deck.

The deck is comprised of forty Common Cards (similar to Minor Arcana), which is divided into four unique suits: Glyphs, Pentagrams (stars), Coins and Glyphs; and 14 High Deck cards, marked with the crown symbol (equivalent to the Major Arcana). Each High Card represents powerful figures and forces within the game’s world of Barovia. The suits are numbered from one to ten, with the 10th card being the “master of that suit”.

The box also includes a booklet with the rules for Prophet's Gambit, a game that is played using the “Curse of Strahd” Tarokka Deck (see Prophet’s Gambit sidebar).

Above: Madame Eve fortune teller miniature.

A crucial event in the game involving the Tarokka Deck occurs during a fortune-telling meeting with the mystical seer Madam Eva. This reading unveils key narrative details, including the locations of significant items, the adventurers' route, and the ultimate confrontation with the Dracula-like nemesis, Strahd von Zarovich. The wide range of outcomes adds immense replayability to the adventure, ensuring no two games are the same. A Madame Eve fortune teller miniature model is also available for purchase to be used in the game (shown on the left).

Although not strictly required to play the "Curse of Strahd" adventure, the Tarokka Deck elevates the campaign by adding depth, flavour and a sense of mystique.

The Tarokka Deck's inclusion in the "Curse of Strahd" adventure game highlights the growing influence of tarot and tarot-like cards in mainstream pop culture, and also demonstrates their timeless appeal for modern audiences. These mystical cards, rich in symbolism, have evolved beyond their purpose and become a captivating addition to games, movies and other forms of entertainment. See my article Branded Tarot Decks and Modern Mystic Lifestyle for more on this.

Also see my review of the Dungeons and Dragons Tarot, published by Wizards of the Coast.