The Rider–Waite Tarot is a widely popular deck for tarot card reading. Based on the instructions of academic and mystic A.E. Waite, the deck was illustrated by Pamela Colmans Smith. Both were members of the Hemetic Order of the Golden Dawn. This was a secret society for practising occultists who could develop their spirituality and divine magic. You will also find this deck is known as the Waite–Smith, Rider–Waite–Smith, or Rider Tarot.
There are 22 Major Arcana cards representing life events. 40 pip cards Ace to Ten known as the Minor Arcana. And finally 16 court cards representing people, messages and opportunities. 
Most decks are based on the Rider Waite and this an ideal deck for beginners because of the in-depth artwork of symbols, colours, scenes of situations and characters. Each card in the Tarot has its core meanings, however my advice to you is to not use the booklet it comes with and do your own research. This is because Tarot has evolved over the years and there are so many layers, the more you learn the more you uncover and vice versa! The beauty of the Rider Waite is it invites you to use your intuition. 
Please do get in touch if you would like recommendations for information on courses. Your deck will come with a crystal to place on top of your cards when not in use. Cleanse your cards when you receive them with sage and keep them in a velvet or silk pouch.