Jogando Truco

I come from the border with the forty in hand
To teach you truco, in the verses of this song
When playing mano a mano, that is, just between two
The 'mano' always cuts to deal the cards afterwards

To start the conversation, see if you have for the first
Adding twenty points with two of the same suit
It's 'envido'! Don't make it easy, twenty-nine is a killer
If it's three of the same suit, say a verse and sing 'flor'

- 'I came from Buenos Aires on a steamboat, almost, almost fell in the water to catch a 'Flor'.

It's played a lot between four, the famous double game
It's good that those who play little always have someone to blame
Big sword, ace of clubs, seven of swords and gold
The four that don't tie and don't take offense

The threes and twos next, the 'guembe' and the brave king
For this one never lies, and in truco that's the law
A 'perninha' is tricky, always gets the job done
With 'manilha' raise the stakes, shoot from 'vale-quatro'

Half a dozen partners, twelve points is the turn
No one lends a hand, and the one who calls is the foot of the round
First you learn the rules, then you learn to lie
Beware of the 'calavera' who are out there

Here's the last message from this gaucho singer
If you're unlucky in the game, you're lucky in love
Play your game, gentlemen, those who risk learn the tricks
As in truco, so in life, those who don't bet don't win!