A good legend is loved by everybody, but possibly even more by gamblers. Not only is the legend of the dead man’s hand one of the most well-known in poker circles, but it is also one of the most well-known poker hands in the contemporary gaming industry.
So how did the story of the deceased man’s hand originate? What does the term “dead man’s hand” signify in modern gaming rs7sports? How is the fabled poker hand played? Come along as we tell our story and teach you everything there is to know about the dead man’s hand in poker. We will cover all of that and more in today’s blog.
Dead Man’s Hand: Wild Bill’s Legend
There have been several well-known poker players over the lengthy history of gambling (and specifically, poker) whose names continue to ring a bell and hold significant value for gamblers worldwide. James Butler Hickok, also known as “Wild Bill” Hickok, is one of those illustrious names; it is thanks to him that we still discuss the dead man’s hand.
In contrast to our tale, which starts and finishes on August 2, 1876, Wild Bill’s story started in Illinois in May 1837. James Butler Hickock was his birth name, and during the course of his colorful life, he held a number of titles, including those of actor, showman, gambler, lawman, scout, soldier, and folk hero. As a lawman, he frequently engaged in shootouts with outlaws and assisted in the conviction of several offenders. He also enjoyed gambling and was a skilled card player.
That terrible August day in Deadwood, mksports, marked the end of all of that. On August 2, 1876, he was not claimed to have typically seated with his back against the wall. As luck would have it, Wild Bill was seated at the poker table that day in Nuttal & Mann’s Saloon No. 10, in the chair that faced away from the entrance.
After losing to Bill the day before, Jack McCall entered the bar and shot him in the back of the head, instantly killing him. They were playing a game of five card stud. According to folklore, Bill carried two pairs in his hands: black eights and black aces. Since then, this specific poker hand has earned the nickname “dead man’s hand.”
We’ll never know if Will betway truly held two aces and two eights in his hands on the day he passed away, but his legacy and the story of his poker hand endure.