carry a rope in (one's) pocket

To have very good luck when playing cards. The phrase alludes to a piece of a hangman's rope, which is supposed to be a good luck charm when playing cards. Did Alan win yet another game of poker? Man, he must carry a rope in his pocket—how else can you explain that luck? I need to carry a rope in my pocket when I play cards with you guys, or else I'm gonna go broke! Go ahead, take all your chips. You carried a rope in your pocket today, for sure.