Interview of David Williams
Jon Eaton
May 27th, 2005
Full Name: David Anthony Williams
Date Of Birth: June 9, 2025
Birthplace: Arlington, TX
Now Resides: Las Vegas, NV
Family: Single, Mother - Shirley Williams, Sister - Tina Williams
Favorite Poker Game: Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo
Started Playing Poker: 1997 at the age of 17
Major Accomplishments: 2004 World Series Main Event 2nd Place ($3.5 million), 2004 Borgata Poker Open Main Event 2nd Place, $1,500 Limit Hold ‘Em Five Diamond World Poker Classic 1st Place, numerous other in-the-money finishes since 2003
Q: What got you interested in poker from the beginning?
A: I have always had a love for games that test your mind. I love to think and got a lot of practice playing various board games, logic puzzles, and video games as young as five years old. I was at a Magic: The Gathering tournament (another game that tests your brain) and some friends were playing Texas Hold 'Em. I asked what was going on, jumped in, and have been playing every day since that day.
Q: You were runner up twice before winning a major title. How relieving was it to finally break through and win?
A: Well, my title wasn’t as major as the runner ups, but it still felt great, even though it wasn't televised or heavily covered. It felt great to finally be the last man standing, and to not have anything to second guess and wonder about. To know that you were the last one and defeated everyone, not just 99% of the field is such an amazing feeling, even if it’s a much smaller event.
Q: When you’re presented with a tough table like you’ve been at a few times on TV, how does change your game plan compared to when you feel you’re the strongest player at the table?
A: I try to play the same, but when there are very tough players, they are also very tricky and you have to adjust and be prepared for them to make very unpredictable plays. You can't be as ultra-aggressive because they are going to be doing the same thing. You basically have to adjust to everything at each table and treat them all different.
Q: What do you feel is your greatest strength at the table?
A: My greatest strength is my ability to make big gutsy moves at any moment, in any situation with any hand. I can change speeds at will and if I feel the table is being passive or someone is weak, I can turn it on and pounce!
Q: I remember when you were all-in with some ace-rag versus Dan Harrington’s button bluff on the next-to-last day of the WSOP last year. Did you start losing hope when you got so short stacked in the late goings of the tournament?
A: Yes definitely, I had A-9 and he ended up having 8-9. The funny thing about that hand is I entered the day in great shape, top ten. The day just went terrible and my chips were dissipating fast. I was losing hope and thought it was all going to be over. I believe with 28 left I was in 27th. I went to Marcel Luske, told him my fears and he gave me a pep talk. Part of it was some advice on the type of hand I would have to get my small stack in with and his example hand was A-9. The first hand back from the break I look down and see A-9! Harrington raises and normally I would have folded, but I thought of Marcel telling me about specifically A-9! I just said a prayer and moved in. He was committed to calling and when I saw his hand I couldn’t believe how dominated I had him. From there, I went with my gut and instincts and ran my chips back up.
Q: If you could never play No-Limit Hold ‘Em again, what would be your game of choice?
A: Seven Card Stud Hi-Lo. I just love the game and have a great time playing it and I have had good results. I am not sure why, because I obviously don't know the game on an advanced level, but it’s such a good time.
Q: If you hadn’t won the $3.5 million and become a professional poker player, what would you see yourself doing for a living?
A: I am not sure. I changed my major in college many times, from Electrical Engineering to Computer Science to Business to finally Economics. I could never decide on a field, so I really have on clue what I would be doing. Something very successful I am sure.
