Understanding Dan Harrington

"Action" Dan Harrington is known for his lack of action at the tables. Considered one of the tightest and most solid major poker players in the world, Harrington is as steady and as unflappable as they come. A true "old school" player, Dan is the antithesis to the flashy, boisterous, and obnoxious players that are suddenly overtaking the television coverage. Instead Dan focuses his energy and money on the game at the table, not on hogging the limelight and endorsement deals.

Harrington's track to big-time poker is an unusual one. Dan worked his way through school, earning a degree in law and establishing himself as a successful bankruptcy lawyer. Dan is also rumored to have made many lucrative investment deals in real estate, as well. It was not until he'd become a success in his chosen profession that he tried his hand at serious poker. In '87, Harrington burst onto the scene with a final table appearance at his very first WSOP. He's continued to rack up impressive wins in cash games and tournaments over the past twenty years or so. He won a cool million by winning the WSOP main event in 1995. He then made improbable runs in '03 (3rd place, $650,000) and '04 (4th place, $1.5 million) to establish himself as one of the most formidable No Limit Hold 'Em players on the planet.

Harrington's book, Harrington on Hold 'Em, is considered one of the best poker texts for serious, experienced players. His writings mimic his playing style, advocating for very methodical and tight play. Although this style is not as sexy or enticing as that of the more wild internet-playing lot that's burst onto the scene, it is mathematically and theoretically sound. Dan uses his supreme intelligence and amazing patience to practice what he writes, providing for great results.

Harrington's tight poker play may be an extension of his personality. Those who know him well remark that he is a very frugal person. While some of the biggest names in poker frequent the trendiest and most expensive restaurants and clubs, Dan is known is seek out the cheap buffets! While some poker pros opt to rent the mot expensive suites in the most elegant hotels in town, Harrington will find inexpensive rooms or stay with friends for free.

Dan Harrington: Play Profile & Prediction

PLAY PROFILE: It's well known that Dan is a tight, conservative player. He knows that everyone else knows this fact, so he uses keen timing to toss out important bluffs. His patience is unmatched, and his emotional control is the best in the business. With poker consistently becoming a battle of bold bluffs and slow plays by the new crop of players, Dan's style may be as successful as ever. He often finds a way to trap his more aggressive opposition, swelling his chip stacks at opportune times. His weakness is the same as his strength, his tight play and patience. He can sometimes allow himself to become blinded down if the cards don't come his way. He is especially vulnerable in tournaments which have a quicker blind structure that promotes looser play. Dan is well versed in many poker variants, but most of his headline success has come in No Limit Hold 'Em tournaments.

PREDICTIONS: Dan is still focused on making money away from the table. He has a successful loan business backed by his tournament income. His books on poker continue to climb in sales. He still watches the real estate market and is always open to new moneymaking ideas. Harrington is out to make the profits at the table, as well. Thus, he'll continue to stick with the proven formula that wins - patience. His accurate reads and great focus will continue to make him a major player on the poker scene. His ability to navigate through the huge fields in the 2003 and 2004 WSOP prove that he will continue to be one of the best. I look for Dan to make some more final tables at the non-main events at the WSOP, as well as other major tournaments. His unassuming style will not lead to great exposure via endorsements. Instead, he'll continue to make his steady siege on the poker world.

More Poker Player Profiles

♣ Andy Bloch ♣ Annie Duke ♣ Antonio Esfandiari ♣ Chris Ferguson ♣ Dan Harrington ♣ Daniel Negreanu ♣ Doyle Brunson ♣ Greg Raymer ♣ Gus Hansen ♣ Howard Lederer ♣ James Woods

♣ Jennifer Harman ♣ Johnny Chan ♣ Mark Seif ♣ Mike Matusow ♣ Phil Gordon ♣ Phil Hellmuth ♣ Phil Ivey ♣ Phil Laak ♣ Poker Hotties ♣ Sam Farha ♣ TJ Cloutier

♣ Back to the index page about poker players.