Making a strategic card based power system ? Without it being a game.

I like cards, I like deckbuilding, and I have a card based power system in one of my universe. Problem ? I want in-universe but also for the reader to feel and think all the ramification it can have. But right now, each card does something, while cool, that could be just a simple ability without the whole card theme.

Any Idea to how make a card theme power system close to, cards in general but also deckbuilding ( its possible in universe to deckbuild ). Pro and con to have, maybe cost, or unique ways to interact ? Also like in title, I don't want it to be a straight up game. The characters can use it in every day life, at any point, not in specific match or area.