lucky at cards, unlucky in love

Etymology
Current phrasing from 1867. Idea present from 18th century. Earlier expressions include "Well, Miss, you’ll have a sad Husband, you have such good Luck at Cards" (Swift, Polite Conversation, 1738) and "lucky in play, unlucky in love" (1846). A similar French saying "Malheureux en amour, heureux au jeu" is attested from 1850.

Proverb

 * 1) Someone who enjoys good fortune in games will experience romantic frustration.

Translations

 * French: heureux au jeu, malheureux en amour