Tune the queries should always be the first option. Deadlocks are primarily a performance related issue.
Another option is to look at using one of the snapshot isolation levels, read_committed_snapshot for example. This adds additional load to the tempdb, but radically reduces locking without getting into all the issues around NOLOCK.
Listen to Kevin. Don't use NOLOCK as a solution. It's a dangerous possibility for your business data.
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- Theodore Roosevelt
Author of:
SQL Server Execution Plans
SQL Server Query Performance Tuning