As you build skill with your Tarot Cards, you will want to do more than whatever spread you initially start with. There are a good number of commonly used spreads. Each spread can be used to for different things, but each will have something that they excel at. Some will be better for getting details on a past reading while others can be used to more meaning from just a single reading. Understand that most reading will work from left to right, as the commonly progress for the mystical to the mundane. The more cards used in any spread, the better it is for the reader to have something specific in mind. Understand though, that is not a hard rule, sometimes it is better to use a more detailed spread to get a deeper understanding of something that seems broad.
Single Card Draw
The quickest possible spread. The idea is to focus on your question as you shuffle and intuitively draw a card when you finish. It is more black and white than most spreads, but sometimes, that it the best way to get an answer.
Two Card Draw
While not very common, it is very useful for advice, or for comparisons. This is commonly called the Yin-Yang Spread because the two cards are meant to be opposed to each other. Place the two cards in whatever orientation gives this impression to you to lay this spread. Again, use an intuitive draw.
Three Card Draw
Perhaps the most well known, and easiest Tarot spread, to get some meaning from each reading. More often than not, it helps to break the deck into three different piles for the drawing portion of it. The three cards represent, from left to right, the Past of the matter, The Present Situation and the Future of it.
Four Card Draw
This draw can be done with a specific formation or it can be done like the three card draw, simply progressing from left to right. To use the formation, intuitively draw a card and lay it in front of you, to represent yourself. Place the next card to the right, this one represents outside influences. It could people, family or a specific person. The third card is laid to the left of the first. It is meant to represent something unseen or unaccounted for. The fourth card, laid above the first, is used to represent a universal factor in the reading, something outside of your realm of influence, but giving its influence to your question.
Five Card Draw
This spread has a specific order and shape to it. The spread is broken into three rows, each having a different number of cards. This reading begins in the second row. The first card gives the overall tone, the second, tells of the past of the issue, while the final card in this row tells of the meaning of the situation. The first row is generally next laid with just one card, properly timed, it will be done before the third card in the second row, telling of the future of the issue. The third row is the last laid in the spread. This card hints to the reason you are seeking help.