[Idiom] leave someone in the lurch

[birdeen's call]

I know what it means but I can't guess where it comes from... In the lurch? Why?

 

[emsr2d2]

I know what it means but I can't guess where it comes from... In the lurch? Why?

I found this:

"Meaning
Left in a difficult position without help.
Origin
Originated with the French game of lourche or lurch, played in the 16th century. Players suffered a lurch if they were left in a hopeless position from which they couldn't win the game. The card game of cribbage, or crib, also has a 'lurch' position which players may be left in if they don't progress half way round the peg board before the winner finishes."

Found at: Left in the lurch definition by Babylon's free dictionary

 

[birdeen's call]

Thank you!