The Gambler

by Kenny Rogers
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Learn a simple version, phrase by phrase: the melody, then easy chords.

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Lyrics

On a (F)warm I’ve sum mer’s eve nin’ on a (Bb)train in’ bound for (F)no where, I met up with the gam bler.

We were both too tired to sleep,

so if (F)we took turns a star in’ out the (Bb)win dow at the (F)dark ness, ’til a (Bb)bore dom o ver (F)took us

and he be gan to (F)speak.

He said, (F)son, I’ve made a life nin’ out of (Bb)read in’ peo ple’s (F)fac es and know in’ what their cards were by the way they held their eyes.

And if (F)you don’t mind my say in’ I can (Bb)see you’re out of (F)a ces, for a (Bb)bore dom o ver (F)took us

and he be gan to (F)speak.

He said, (Bb)taste of your (F)whis key I’ll (C)give you some ad (F)vice.

So I hand ed him my bot tle and he (Bb)drank down my last (F)swal low.

Then he bummed a cig a rette and asked me for a (C)light.

And the (F)night got death ly qui et, and his (Bb)face lost all ex (F)pres sion said, “If you’re (Bb)gon na play the (F)game, boy, you got ta (C)learn to play it (F)right.

You got to (F)know when to hold ’em,

know when to fold ’em,

know when to (F)walk a way and know when to run.

You nev er (F)count your mon ey when you’re (Bb)sit tin’ at the ta ble.

There’ll be (Bb)time e nough for count in’

when the deal in’s (F)done.

(F)done.

You’ve got to (F)know when to hold ’em,

know when to fold ’em,

know when to (F)walk a way and know when to run.

You nev er (F)count your mon ey when you’re (Bb)sit tin’ at the ta ble.

There’ll be (Bb)time e nough for count in’

when the deal in’s (F)done.

The Gambler — Falling Notes Piano Tutorial

7 people have learned this song

Watch "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers in falling notes style — like Synthesia. Color-coded notes fall onto the keyboard in real time. Practice left hand, right hand, or both. Key of F, 160 BPM.

Tip: Start at 50% speed to get comfortable with the fingering, then work your way up to full tempo.

About “The Gambler”

Can I learn "The Gambler" with falling notes like Synthesia?
Yes — Falling Notes mode shows colored note shapes dropping onto a virtual keyboard, the same visual style as Synthesia or piano-tile games. Each note's column matches the piano key you press. Works for "The Gambler" with hands-separate practice in F at 160 BPM.
What key is "The Gambler" by Kenny Rogers played in?
The Gambler is arranged in the key of F on Super Simple Piano. You can transpose to any other key live in the player.
What's the tempo (BPM) of "The Gambler"?
The arrangement plays at 160 BPM. Use the speed control (10-200%) to practice slower or play faster.
Is "The Gambler" easy to play on piano?
Yes — this is one of our beginner-friendly arrangements with simplified chords and color-coded notes.
Can I download sheet music for "The Gambler"?
Yes — registered users can download PDF sheet music, plus MIDI and MusicXML files for use in other notation software.
Who composed "The Gambler"?
"The Gambler" was originally performed by Kenny Rogers. The Super Simple Piano arrangement is simplified for beginner-to-intermediate players.
What other songs by Kenny Rogers can I play here?
Try "SHE BELIEVES IN ME", "SWEET MUSIC MAN", "THROUGH THE YEARS". All are in our player with color-coded notes; pick the one matching your level.
Can I practice left and right hand separately for "The Gambler"?
Yes! Our Top Down mode lets you isolate the left hand (bass clef), right hand (treble clef), or play both together. This makes it easy to master "The Gambler" one hand at a time before combining them.
What is falling notes style for "The Gambler"?
Falling notes (also known as Synthesia or piano waterfall) shows color-coded rectangles falling from the top of the screen onto a virtual keyboard. Each note's position matches the piano key you need to press. "The Gambler" is in the key of F at 160 BPM.