What is the ruling on playing cards, and is it true that whoever plays cards for amusement without gambling is like one who plays in his mother's vagina in the courtyard of the Kaaba?

Playing cards is forbidden if it involves gambling or leads to something forbidden, as it falls under the prohibited maysir (gambling). If it does not lead to something forbidden, then it is a breach of murūʾah (chivalry/manliness). The statement mentioned is not correct and should not be relied upon.