The Gambler

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Original key Eb
The first few lines are picking then he goes into the strumming.
[Verse 1]
G C G
On a warm summer's evenin' on a train bound for nowhere,
C G D
I met up with the gambler; we were both too tired to sleep.
G C G
So we took turns a starin' out the window at the darkness
C G D G
'til boredom overtook us, and he began to speak.
[Verse 2]
G C G
He said, "Son, I've made a life out of readin' people's faces,
C G D
and knowin' what their cards were by the way they held their eyes.
G C G
And if you don't mind my sayin', I can see you're out of aces.
C G D G
For a taste of your whiskey I'll give you some advice."
[Verse 3]
G C G
So I handed him my bottle and he drank down my last swallow.
C G D
Then he bummed a cigarette and asked me for a light.
G C G
And the night got deathly quiet, and his face lost all expression.
C G D G
Said, "If you're gonna play the game, boy, ya gotta learn to play it right.
[Chorus]
G C G
You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em,
C G D
know when to walk away and know when to run.
G C G
You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table.
C G D G
There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done.
[Verse 4] (transpose +1 here if you want to play it correctly)
G C G
Ev'ry gambler knows that the secret to survivin'
C G D
is knowin' what to throw away and knowing what to keep.
G C G
'Cause ev'ry hand's a winner and ev'ry hand's a loser,
C G D G
and the best that you can hope for is to die in your sleep."
[Verse 5]
G C G
And when he'd finished speakin', he turned back towards the window,
C G D
crushed out his cigarette and faded off to sleep.
G C G
And somewhere in the darkness the gambler, he broke even.
C G D G
But in his final words I found an ace that I could keep.
[Chorus]
G C G
You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em,
C G D
know when to walk away and know when to run.
G C G
You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table.
C G D G
There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done.
G C G
You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em,
C G D
know when to walk away and know when to run.
G C G
You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table.
C G D G
There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done.
G C G
You got to know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em,
C G D
know when to walk away and know when to run.
G C G
You never count your money when you're sittin' at the table.
C G D G
There'll be time enough for countin' when the dealin's done.

The Gambler chords and lyrics

Free chords for The Gambler by Kenny Rogers. Scroll the interactive sheet above or read the chord names inline below.

Original key Eb
The first few lines are picking then he goes into the strumming.
[Verse 1]
[Verse 2]
[Verse 3]
[Chorus]
[Verse 4] (transpose +1 here if you want to play it correctly)
[Verse 5]
[Chorus]

The Gambler Chords by Kenny Rogers

Learn how to play The Gambler by Kenny Rogers with free guitar chords, lyrics, and interactive chord diagrams. Search for “The Gambler chords”, “The Gambler guitar chords”, or “Kenny Rogers The Gambler chords” and you will find this page — transpose to any key, tap chords for diagrams, and use auto-scroll while you play. Perfect for beginners looking for easy The Gambler chords and for experienced players who want accurate The Gambler lyrics and chords in one place. Common chords in this song include Eb, G, C, D.

Frequently asked questions about The Gambler

How do I play "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers on guitar?

Open the free chords for "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers on Free Chord Book. Tap any chord to see its diagram, use transpose to change the key, and turn on auto-scroll to play hands-free.

Are the chords for "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers free?

Yes. The chords for "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers are 100% free on Free Chord Book — no sign-up required.

Can I transpose "The Gambler" to a different key?

Yes. Use the transpose buttons on the song page to shift "The Gambler" up or down by half-steps so it matches your vocal range or capo position.

Can I see chord diagrams for "The Gambler"?

Yes. Tap any chord in "The Gambler" to instantly see an interactive guitar chord diagram with alternate fingerings.

Is "The Gambler" easy to play on guitar?

Many players learn "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers with our free chords. Use transpose and chord diagrams to simplify tricky shapes, and browse related songs by Kenny Rogers below.

What key is "The Gambler" in?

The chords for "The Gambler" show the original chord names (including Eb, G, C, D). Use transpose to move the song into any key that fits your voice or capo.