From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/2014/04/140424_todays_phrase_play_your_cards.shtml
The jack, queen and king are often the best cards to have in a card game
Today's Phrase
If you play your cards right, it means you do the right thing and become successful. People often use this phrase to offer advice and encouragement, saying that 'if you play your cards right', something good could happen.
Examples:
If you play your cards right, he might ask you to marry him!
John, if you play your cards right, you could become the new manager.
Take note
To lay (or put) your cards on the table is to be very open and honest about your thoughts, feelings or intentions.
Example:
I think it's time to lay your cards on the table. Tell me honestly why you don't like my new boyfriend.
Interesting fact
According to the Guinness World Records, Antonio Esfandiari from the USA won the highest ever money prize in a poker tournament. He won an amazing $18.3 million in Las Vegas in 2012.