stack the cards

few cards shy of a full deck

Mentally deranged; demented; insane.

give someone their cards

To dismiss someone from employment; to fire or make redundant.

hand someone their cards

To dismiss someone from employment; to fire or make redundant.

hold the cards

To be in a strong position, possessing significant advantages over someone else; to be in control of a situation involving multiple parties.

house of cards

A structure or argument built on a shaky foundation.

keep one's cards close to one's chest

To avoid revealing one's thoughts, circumstances, or plans.

play all one's cards

To use all one's resources.

play one's cards right

To act correctly; to make the right moves.