<P> The makeup of poker 's dead man 's hand has varied through the years . Currently , it is described as a two - pair poker hand consisting of the black aces and black eights . These and an unknown hole card were reportedly held by Old West folk hero , lawman , and gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok when he was murdered . </P>
what gunman was holding the dead mans hand
Old West folk hero , lawman , and gunfighter Wild Bill Hickok