Two pairs of black aces and black eights is known as the Dead man’s hand in poker because of a very interesting story that dates back to 1920. Curious to find out the story behind this phrase? Well, keep reading. Not only will we share inside info on the poker hand. But will share is if playing this hand can be worthwhile.
Why Do They Call It The Dead Mans Hand?
“Wild Bill” was a well-known soldier, sheriff, outlaw, and gunfighter. According to most accounts, Wild Bill became one of the American West’s symbols. “Wild Bill” liked to gamble, and he was especially fond of a game of poker. The game, unfortunately for him, was to be his undoing.
He died at a Deadwood tavern while playing against Jack McCall. Hickok’s statements apparently offended McCall, who shot him in the back of the head at point-blank range. Hickok had spent years ducking gunshots, but he couldn’t evade this one.
When he was shot, Hickok was in the middle of a hand, supposedly holding two pairs of black aces and black eights. The last card is a mystery. However, the connection between the hand and “Wild Bill” was not made until the 1920s. The slang term “dead man’s hand” is now used in casinos worldwide and is eternally linked to “Wild Bill.”
About the Poker Hand
Unfortunately, unlike fiction, the hand isn’t as useful as many think. To begin with, while a two-pair isn’t a bad poker hand, it isn’t as valuable as a royal flush, straight, or full house. While being dealt a Dead Man’s Hand is always exciting, it has no bearing on your chances of winning or losing. While the Dead Man’s Hand has a lot of psychological and historical significance, it isn’t a particularly valuable hand.
Dead Man’s Hand Final thought
The term “dead man’s hand” has become popular among poker players and is commonly used in Western society. A large number of movies, as well as a few song titles, feature the hand. Aces & Eights is the name of one of the most popular video poker versions, and the hand has also made its way into other areas of casinos. Specific hands with aces or eights are given a higher reward in this game. While we don’t recommend focusing on this hand to receive a payout, there’s no harm in understanding everything there is to know about it.
