The History of Dead Man’s Hand and How to Play It

What is the Deadman’s Hand? How did it get that unique name? The hand is generally regarded as two Aces and two Eights – AA88 – a nice two pair. But there is much more to this hand.

There is a deep history behind it that traces the game’s roots to the Old West. Poker has a deep background and the story of Deadman’s Hand remains makes it a unique beyond the cards on the table.

Those two Aces and Eights derive from a game involving famed lawman “Wild Bill” Hickok. He was shot dead at a poker table more than a century ago holding that hand. Since then the hand has been branded “Dead Man’s Hand”. The lawman remains a legend of American Old West and gambling lore.

His demise remains a poker story told at tables around the world among players.