2009 WSOP: 21 Questions with Team Bodog Pro David Williams

by Bodog Poker | Jun 5 2009

David Williams might be best known for finishing second to Greg Raymer in the 2004 World Series of Poker Main Event (and picking up a nice $3.5 million payday in the process), but since then the Team Bodog pro has been building on his reputation as an elite poker player with big finishes in WPT and other major events. We asked Williams 21 questions as he gears up for a run at this year's World Series of Poker... 

1. What's the biggest bluff you ever pulled off?

The only significant one I pulled was against JC Tran during my 2004 WSOP Main Event run. I raised the button to steal the blinds with 72o and he called from the SB. The flop was something like Q93. He checked, I bet, he raised almost the minimum, I re-raised, he 4 bet almost the minimum again. It just felt fishy so I closed out the betting with a big 5 bet all in. I don't know what was going through my head, but I had a read and went through with it. Luckily it was correct. Whew!

2. If you could sit down and play a game of poker with any five people in the world (living or deceased), who would you pick?

The five richest but dumbest people you could find. If not for profit, I would have to include 1. Barack Obama 2. Jay-Z (although I have done this already) 3. Stu Unger and the other two seats I can't think of who would be the perfect fit. This is a tough question.

3. If you could sit down and play a game of STRIP POKER with any five people in the world, who would you pick?

I don't really have an answer to this question. I don't have any celebrity crushes or anything like that. I would say five very beautiful women with five very different looks. Like a "variety pack."

4. If they made a movie about your life, who would you want to play the lead role?

I would love to do it myself, but if I had to pick someone already established I think really only Will Smith would work. He is the only top actor that has any sort of resemblance to me and is great at what he does.

5. What is the most brutal starting hand in Texas Limit Hold'em, for an amateur? Is there one that usually sucks them in to make a stupid call?

I think it would have to be Ace Queen. I see more mistakes made with that hand; it's not easy to play. You could also say JJ, but AQ has a slight edge in being harder.

6. You have been referred to as the "icon of the internet poker generation" or the "future of poker." What, if anything, does that mean to you?

Well as far as the icon of internet poker generation, I actually started as a live player and am nowhere near as accomplished as an internet player as so many of the other young players out there. It was nice being referred to as "the Future of Poker". I hope that means I will have longevity in this game and be around a long time.

7. What does a young, hip poker pro like David Williams do for fun - outside of the casino?

Although not very hip, my favorite thing is to play Magic: The Gathering. I grew up playing it and still do. In fact I'm responding to this from the beach in Hawaii, which I came to for a Magic tournament. I also go out A LOT. Probably too much, but I'm just having so much fun in Las Vegas.

8. Looking back on your career thus far, what is your biggest accomplishment or achievement?

It would still have to be my second-place finish at the 2004 WSOP ME. It was the finish that jump-started it all and provided the biggest payday. Nothing has come close yet.

9. Your birthday is on June 9. How are you going to celebrate?

I'm having a big private party for all my close friends the day I return from Hawaii, June 8 at XS at the Encore. Then Lavo is throwing me the "Official David Williams Birthday Party" Tuesday June 9.

10. Are you happy? Is this lifestyle - the poker lifestyle - a fulfilling one?

I am happy but this is definitely not a fulfilling lifestyle. I am searching for something else to compliment it that will hopefully give me more satisfaction.

11. What do you like about Seven Card Stud?

Seven Stud feels more like a math/logic puzzle while NLH feels like art. I love both but prefer seven stud. It really is all about logic and deduction and good players are often able to figure out their opponent's exact hole cards.

12. What is it about the WSOP that continues to draw thousands of players?

I think the fact that anyone can win and fulfill their dream is what keeps people coming. I hear people tell me all the time they want to be a professional poker player and the WSOP is where you can pursue that dream. It is also a lot of fun and anyone that likes to play poker can get their fix in for sure, there are tons of different variations of games, and limits for everyone. I always view it like a "poker summer camp".

13. Do you follow sports at all? Do you have any favorite teams?

I follow all sports except hockey. I love the Lakers and think they are going to win it all this year. My football team is my home team, the Dallas Cowboys.

14. If you weren't playing poker for a living, what would you be doing?

I get asked this question and I have no clue. I think I would probably be running a company of some sorts although I really enjoyed school and might have still been in it pursuing a third or fourth degree by now.

15. What top five traits and/or skills would you say are an absolute MUST for a poker player?

I think the most important trait is patience. You have to be able to wait for good situations and not try and rush or force things. You also have to be patient in respect to what game you play and not try and move up too quickly. You also have to be disciplined. It goes along the same line as patient, but knowing your limitations and sticking to them is a big deal. Confidence is also very important, you have to trust yourself and your instincts and play aggressively. There is a saying, "scared money don't make money". There is no place for being timid at a poker table, unless you are trapping someone. You need to be able to read people and make a decision of how you should react to what they are thinking. It's something that can't be taught, you just hone that skill over time.

16. You've been with Bodog for a few years now. What do you like about Bodog? What do you like about their online poker room?

I like that Bodog embodies the lifestyle that I live. They are a very hip brand, which fits my style. They also have surrounded me with my friends and every one of the Team Bodog Pros are close with one another. I love how soft the fields are in the Bodog tournaments. They have great overlays also, which is just free money for the players. My favorite thing about their poker room is the customer service. If you have a problem, there is a number you can call and speak to a human right away. They really treat you great.

17. How's it been - hanging with Team Bodog at the WSOP?

I haven't been at the WSOP very much this year so I haven't had a chance to hang with the guys, and Evy much. Justin has already had a big score and I see Jean Robert and Evy are already grinding hard. I can't wait to get back from Hawaii and join my team in the quest for another bracelet and represent Bodog at the WSOP.

18. Blondes or brunettes?

I've always said Blondes, but lately I've dated some brunettes so perhaps I'm changing. I think I just appreciate a woman of beauty, with no specific "type".

19. Boxers or briefs?

Boxer-briefs. Boxers get scrunched up in your jeans, and briefs are too tight. It's the perfect combination of snugness and looseness at the same time.

20. In-N-Out Burger or Burger King?

I'm actually not a big fan of In-N-Out, I mean I like it, but just don't get fanatical over it. I love that flame broiled taste of a Whopper so I am gonna have to go with Burger King. Although I don't eat fast food much.

21. What do you think of the WSOP? What changes would you suggest making?

Well I am part of the Player Advisory Council so the changes I would suggest, I have suggested. I think the WSOP is going great and has gotten better every year since 2004. They are constantly improving things and listening to the players for more input. I think this year will be the best WSOP yet.

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