Here are some language nerds discussing the subject.
https://english.stackexchange.com/questions/147902/is-the-alleged-original-meaning-of-the-phrase-blood-is-thicker-than-water-real
In the first chapter she claims that: "people think I only play cards to meet guys," and "it's annoying." After reading the next three chapters I can conclude she did, in fact, use card games to lure an unsuspecting boy into her clutches.