Play your cards right
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Strategic Decisions
Focus on the strategic thinking aspect, implying calculated choices like in a card game. 
He played his cards right by investing early in the business.
Pro Tip 2/3Metaphorical Use
Understand it's a metaphor from card games, used to describe having good judgment. 
She played her cards right with her career moves.
Pro Tip 3/3Opportunistic
It often implies being opportunistic, seizing the moment when chances arise. 
If you play your cards right, you can catch the eye of the recruiters.