Image by Yuri from Pixabay
The Dead Man’s Hand has solidified itself as one of the most iconic 2 pairs that can be played in a game of poker. The double aces and double 8’s is a poker combination that got many reiterations, with some even pointing to a full house. While it’s debatable when poker actually started, many will agree that the game has evolved much over the time it was played.
Through the years since its inception, the game went under many other names which included poque, poch and pochen. Cowboys and steeds were quite prevalent in the 1850s with the game being a standard in most saloons. It’s widely accepted that the term Dead Man’s Hand originated from an individual known as James Butler (Wild Bill) Hickok. Born in 1837, James lived an adventurous lifestyle with honors for his time as a soldier on the frontier.
Besides being garnered as a national hero, he took on the role of a cattle rustler, a gunslinger, lawman, showman, actor and gambler. During the times of cowboys, having excellent gun skills was an invaluable trait. It wasn't uncommon for shootouts to occur, some of which Hickok was famously involved in. After referring to himself as Wild Bill for 10 years, most people knew him under that name.
The Boy Behind the Dead Man’s Hand Legend
Living in a family of 7 kids, James was raised on a farm in Illinois. At a young age, he worked the field and tried his hand at a bit shooting in his spare time. With only a little practice, James started displaying the kind of pistol skills you would usually see from an adult marksman. It was important to know how to defend yourself, especially while living in a neighborhood teeming with vigilantes and bandits.
Being in a lawless region also made it possible for their home to be doubled as a stop on the Underground Railroad. This un-official network of routes was responsible for liberating many of the slaves being held captive at the time. William Hickok, the father of James Hickok, went to great lengths to abolish enslavement. This struggle led to his untimely death in 1852, when James was only 15 years old.
William Hickok’s Sharpshooting skills and a legendary encounter with a bear
Anyone who took on the role as a coachman became a clear target for robberies. Thankfully as James grew older, so did his experience with surviving some of the toughest jobs. Common thugs stood no chance against his skills, it's even believed that he could handle a bear by himself. It turns out that this claim comes from James himself, pointing to an incident where the road he was traveling got blocked by a cinnamon bear and its cubs.
He got off his horse, approached the bear and attempted a killshot by aiming for the head. According to James, the bullets bounced off the beast's head since they didn't have enough penetrating power. The creature rushed at him which resulted in a broken shoulder, arm and rib cage. He was in immense pain but managed to shoot at the paw in desperation. Seeing the bear weakened, he pulled out his knife and killed the beast by slitting its throat.
Hero of War: from James Butler to William Haycock
James was as chivalrous as his father was during the time he gave imprisoned slaves a new lease on life. He left his home at 18 years old and moved to Leavenworth, situated in the Kansas area. There he became part of the Jayhawkers, an anti-slavery unit with Jim Lane as the leading general.
With Jim being a politician as well, they fought and advocated human rights during the period known as Bleeding Kansas. In 1958, he became one of the first four lawmen posted in the township of Monticello. The following year, he joined a well known freight company called Russell, Majors and Waddell. The Civil War eventually broke out and James took the position as a carter for the Union Army.
During the American Civil War, James adapted the name William Haycock (William from his father's name). He got promoted to Wagon Master by the end of 1961, however, an unknown reason led to his dismissal from the Union Army the following year. It was at this time that he joined up with Jim Lane's brigade
William Hickok Post-War Life: In Search of Prosperity
James was well traveled and worked in many places across the country. At the end of the Civil War, he became a scout at Fort Harker for General George A. Custer during the American Indian Wars. In 1867, he migrated to Hays City as a deputy marshal. The news
followed much of what he did and where he went, as well as the fact that James had a penchant for catching Union Army deserters.
After many exploits which included being a city marshal, James met a romantic interest by the name of Agnes Thatcher Lake in 1871. Agnes was the owner of a circus which meant she had to move around quite a bit. Despite this, James stayed in contact with her. In the five years they knew each other, James proposed and they got married. It wasn't long after that James caught wind of gold rich lands in South Dakota. He left in search of a great fortune while leaving Agnes behind in wait.
A Big Gamble: William Hickok poker habits, and the events leading to his death
The town of Deadwood was a resting area for many that seeked riches, since the news of gold deposits had spread like wildfire. Just like many others, James arrived in Deadwood which was still within the Dakota territory and Indian lands. James would frequent Nuttal & Mann's Saloon where he played many games of poker. He carried a Smith & Wesson No. 2 Army handgun facing butt-forward. This allowed him to draw his weapons with a twist, also known as the cavalry draw.
As he played poker, an intoxicated man by the name of Jack McCall took the next available seat at the table. McCall was fuming since he had a bad streak and lost quite a bit of money. At this point, James offered McCall cash for some breakfast and suggested that he should stop playing until he had recovered from the losses. The next day, James was once again in Nuttal & Mann's Saloon. With all the battles he has faced throughout his life, James was always wary of enemies that might attack him from a blind spot.
This is part of why he always preferred to be seated with his back against the wall and the entrance in view. This day however, James had his back facing the entrance since there was no preferable seats open. McCall entered and walked right up behind James, he pointed his Colt Model 1873 Single Action Army revolver and shot him at point-blank. James died and his hand while either playing a game of five card draw or stud had the now famous two pairs.
Reflects on Hickok's life, legacy, and his association with the Dead Man's Hand in poker.
The life James Butler (Wild Bill) Hickok lived was quite an eventive one. As a lawman, soldier and overall patriot, much of what he did came from the perspective of justice. He will be remembered for his legendary tales, marksman skills and the final game he played that will forever be a part of poker history. The Dead Man's Hand uses 2 pairs of clubs and spades, a grim yet iconic end for a winning suit.
