The phrase “Dead Man’s Hand” refers to a specific poker hand consisting of two pairs: aces and eights, traditionally the black aces and eights, with an unknown fifth card.

The legend originates from event involving Wild Bill Hickok, legendary figure of the American West. Hickok, known as a lawman, gunslinger and gambler, met his untimely demise on August 2, 1876, in the town of Deadwood, Dakota Territory. While sitting in Nuttal & Mann’s Saloon No. 10, engaged in a poker game, Hickok was shot in the back of the head by Jack McCall, a disgruntled drifter.

At the moment of his death, Hickok was allegedly holding a hand of two black aces and two black eights. This hand, linked to his death, became known as the “Dead Man’s Hand.”

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