If you’ve spent any time at all learning or playing poker, then you’ll probably already know that there are tons of terms and twists to this game that help to make it one of the deepest casino classics on the floor. In fact, even seasoned poker players might find there are still some terms and strategies that leave them a little puzzled!
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You’d be forgiven for wondering what the slightly bizarrely named ‘Dead Man’s Hand’ is all about. It’s a nickname given to a hand once used by a very unlucky player indeed – but don’t worry, there’s no real curse attached to it…!
In this guide, I’ll take you through what you need to know about the Dead Man’s Hand in poker, why it’s so important, and how you could play it if you manage to draw it at the table.
The Story Behind the Dead Man’s Hand
Legend states that the Dead Man’s Hand originated with infamous outlaw Wild Bill Hickok, who gave the hand its name simply because he was shot during the game!
In 1876, it’s believed that Hickok had a poker hand that contained two aces – one of clubs, the other of spades. He had two eights, too – again, one of clubs, and the other of spades.
The game was unfolding at the Nuttal and Mann’s Saloon. At least, that’s what legend still tells us after all these years. It took place shortly after Hickok had relocated to Deadwood, in Dakota’s Black Hills. Hickok was, in fact, struggling with his eyesight and had reportedly ‘retired’ of a fashion out here so he could make money at the card tables.
It’s thought that Hickok was playing a simple game of five-card stud or similar at the time, because there’s a fifth card from the legendary play that’s gone unrecorded over the centuries. Hickok’s fatal last game has been depicted many, many times, and there’s never been a precise consensus on what he had left in that hand. Curious!
The hand, of course, earned its name because after Hickok was lucky enough to land the pull, he was shot in the head by one John or Jack McCall, another gambler who had lost to Wild Bill in a previous round. That, put simply, is why this specific combination of cards is associated with the Dead Man’s label!
Hickok died at the age of 39. The absolutely tragic part of this tale wasn’t the fact he had a pretty strong hand for this type of poker, but that he wasn’t sitting in his usual position.
Historians tell us that Hickok actually preferred sitting with a full view of the room – with his back to the wall. It’s a strategy that makes sense – after all, it means he could keep his hands completely private.
Only – on the day he was killed, his back was out in the open – and McCall, who was allegedly drunk and disorderly (and armed, no less), took advantage. Having lost to Hickok in a previous game, he took his drunken revenge and cemented the name of a poker hand for centuries to come.
But how much of this is actually true? Was that really the hand that Hickok was playing? Of course, many of the details will now be lost in time, and historians only have written records to look back on. History is written either by the victors or some truly creative people! Regardless, it’s fascinating to think about, all the more so considering the name of the hand has stuck for around 150 years.
If you’ve ever heard of the term ‘aces and eights’, it specifically refers to this fatal hand! But what could drawing Hickok’s last pull mean for your own game – and is it worth playing?
What Exactly is the Dead Man’s Hand?
The Dead Man’s Hand is a specific hand of cards that includes an ace and eight of clubs, and an ace and eight of spades. There’s no specific fifth card in this hand – and, as the legend has changed over the years, so has the presumed final card to finish off the set.
It’s sometimes the nine of diamonds, or the Jack of diamonds – regardless, provided there are two ace-eights in the hand, it’s regarded as the Dead Man’s pull.
But where on Earth does this combination originate, and why is it treated with such reverence and infamy? And, how do you expect to play it at the table?
Is the Dead Man’s Hand a Good Hand?
That all depends on the type of poker game you’re playing, and crucially, how you play the hand. For example, if you’re playing a game of Texas Hold’em, it could be a reasonable hand to have in the showdown, but at the same time, it’s something of a marginal claim.
If you manage to get an ace-eight combo like this and it’s getting late in the game, it could be an asset. It all depends, really, on what other players are doing. With little in the way of challenge in front of you, it could be a good choice to go all-in on. You simply have to check if there are any raises in front.
That said, an ace-eight could see you drop out of the game simply because the eights could make you weak at the table.
Therefore, if you want to make the most of the Dead Man’s Hand, you need to brush up on your reading and bluffing skills – it’s certainly not a combo you can rely on outright to take you all the way to the showdown.
How should you play the Dead Man’s Hand?
Knowing when to effectively play the Dead Man’s Hand will depend entirely on timing and what else is happening in the game. Early on, it’s more risky to keep putting faith in it. That said, even if you make this hand after the flop, there’s still risks involved – you could be easily outplayed.
Some players will therefore recommend you let the Dead Man’s Hand drift away early in the game, but if you happen across it towards the end of a traditional Hold’em game, you might have more chance of converting on the win. It could also be worth playing through if you’re at a short-handed table or are deep into a tournament.
On the other side, a Dead Man’s Hand could encourage players to bluff. It’s particularly strong against some pair combinations, meaning that while it’s not the strongest combo in the game by a long stretch, if you’re smart about it, you can make it travel far.
Should you hold out for a Dead Man’s Hand?
Probably not. As mentioned, this play can be a middling hand, meaning there are much stronger pulls out there – it might be worth holding out for the river if you’re confident you can make something better.
That said, if you are getting into poker and are focusing on firming up your face and your bluff game, this is a set of cards that might just help you along the way.
Naturally, there are also some superstitious players out there who simply don’t like this hand because of the historical connotations that come attached. I promise you that it’s highly unlikely you’ll meet the same fate as Wild Bill Hickok if you draw ace-eights, but if you’d prefer to fold anyway, you won’t be doing yourself out of the game too harshly.
My advice, if you’re a poker novice, would be to focus on reading other people. It’s worth learning the basic hands of poker and to know what to look for, but also to keep an eye on when others raise and check. Riding a Dead Man’s Hand all the way to the showdown is very risky – you never know what other people are holding.
In summary
The Dead Man’s Hand is one of many poker legends that has endured massively over the decades. It’s bled into pop culture to the point that even non-poker players have heard of it.
However, in the modern game, it’s a risky play. There are far stronger hands out there for you to make, and while it can be a good bluffing tool, you’ll need a specific set of circumstances to unfold if you’re serious about helping you win the pot.
If you’re keen to start exploring different poker hands and strategies, watching a few live games or trying the game at our online casino is a great place to kick off your journey. Be sure to check out our wide range of poker games and rooms in our catalogue and keep your eyes peeled for ace-eights!
