Dan Harrington is known as one of the sharpest minds to ever sit at a table. Nicknamed “Action Dan” ironically for his tight and disciplined play, Harrington earned legendary status through methodical strategy, unwavering patience, and his uncanny ability to read situations with surgical precision. A former chess master, backgammon expert, and bankruptcy lawyer, Harrington brought a unique intellect and seriousness to the game that stood out in every era he played.
Best known for his back-to-back final table appearances at the WSOP Main Events in 2003 and 2004—two of the most competitive fields in history—Harrington didn’t just survive the poker boom, he thrived in it. He also left an indelible mark as the author of one of the most influential strategy series ever published, shaping how generations of players approach tournament play.
Personal Life
Dan Harrington was born on December 6, 1945, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Before poker became his domain, Harrington showcased his intellect and strategic acumen in other arenas—most notably in chess and backgammon. He was a U.S. Junior Chess Champion and also an elite-level backgammon player, competing in high-stakes games long before he ever shuffled a deck professionally.
He studied at Suffolk University and later became a successful bankruptcy lawyer. His analytical background and calm demeanor translated seamlessly to poker, where he would gain respect not only for his results but for his integrity and no-nonsense approach to the game.
Known for being extremely private and focused, Harrington avoids the spotlight and lives a quiet life away from the poker tables, balancing his time between business ventures and a selective poker schedule.
Beginning in Poker
Dan Harrington’s journey into poker began in the 1970s when he played regularly at the famed Mayfair Club in New York City—a legendary breeding ground for poker talent. There, he battled minds like Howard Lederer, Erik Seidel, and Steve Zolotow, all of whom would go on to become household names in the poker world. The Mayfair Club was known not for flashy plays, but for deep strategy and intellect, which fit Harrington’s analytical nature perfectly.
Though his first WSOP cash came in 1986, Harrington maintained a low profile through the late ’80s and early ’90s. He was more interested in consistency than fame, only choosing to enter select tournaments when he felt the edge was significant. His serious approach and ability to focus for long stretches helped him evolve as a strong, disciplined competitor in both cash games and tournaments.
The turning point came in 1995 when he made headlines by winning the WSOP Main Event, immediately cementing his place in poker history.
Greatest Achievements in Poker
Dan Harrington’s poker career is defined by quality over quantity. Despite not being a regular on the tournament circuit, he has achieved remarkable success—especially in the World Series of Poker.
🏆 World Series of Poker (WSOP)
- WSOP Bracelets: 2
- Total WSOP Cashes: 13
- Total WSOP Earnings: Over $3,500,000
Notable WSOP Results:
| Year | Event | Result | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | $10,000 WSOP Main Event | 🥇 1st place | $1,000,000 |
| 2003 | $10,000 WSOP Main Event | 🥉 3rd place | $650,000 |
| 2004 | $10,000 WSOP Main Event | 🏅 4th place | $1,500,000 |
| 1995 | $2,500 No-Limit Hold’em (Bracelet #2) | 🥇 1st place | $249,000 |
Harrington’s back-to-back deep runs in the 2003 and 2004 WSOP Main Events—finishing 3rd and 4th respectively in record-breaking fields—are widely regarded as one of the most impressive feats in modern tournament history. These performances occurred during the early boom years, against increasingly aggressive and unpredictable opponents.
🏅 World Poker Tour (WPT)
Though not as active on the WPT as some of his peers, Harrington has a solid resume there as well:
- WPT Final Tables: 2
- WPT Earnings: Over $1,600,000
Notable WPT Results:
| Year | Tournament | Result | Prize |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Doyle Brunson Five Diamond World Poker Classic | 🥈 2nd place | $1,635,365 |
💼 Business and Books
Outside the felt, Harrington is also known for his contributions as an author and entrepreneur. His success extends beyond cashes, making him one of the most respected minds in the history of the game.
Strategies in Poker and Playing Style
Dan Harrington’s style is the textbook definition of tight-aggressive play. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Harrington didn’t rely on flashy bluffs or high-variance strategies. Instead, he approached the game with discipline, patience, and a deep understanding of probabilities and game theory.
He earned the nickname “Action Dan” ironically—because he rarely chased marginal spots. Harrington built his stacks slowly and carefully, often folding hands others might play, and then applying maximum pressure when the odds were firmly in his favor. His ability to stay calm under pressure and avoid emotional decisions made him incredibly tough to read and to beat.
A key component of his game was positional awareness. Harrington was ahead of his time in recognizing how much position should dictate betting behavior, hand selection, and risk tolerance. He also emphasized the importance of stack sizes and was one of the earliest pros to discuss how different chip stacks should influence tournament decisions.
His conservative image gave him the opportunity to execute well-timed bluffs, especially in deep-stack tournament situations, where his reputation made opponents fold strong hands.
Poker Books
Dan Harrington is arguably just as influential for what he wrote as for how he played. His series of books, co-authored with Bill Robertie, have become foundational texts for tournament poker strategy.
📚 Harrington on Hold’em Series
- Volume I: Strategic Play (2004)
Focuses on core concepts like position, hand selection, betting patterns, and player types. Considered essential reading for anyone entering tournament poker. - Volume II: The Endgame (2005)
Covers middle and late tournament stages, including concepts like M-ratio and ICM (Independent Chip Model), which were groundbreaking at the time. - Volume III: The Workbook (2006)
Offers practical problems and scenarios for players to test and apply the concepts from the first two volumes.
📘 Harrington on Cash Games
A two-volume series (2008–2009) that transitions Harrington’s insights to the cash game format, focusing on deep stack strategy, hand reading, and bet sizing.
📘 Harrington on Online Cash Games (2010)
Tailored for the digital era, with emphasis on multi-tabling, HUD usage, and online-specific patterns.
🧠 Legacy as an Author
These books demystified tournament strategy at a time when few resources existed. They were praised for being structured, readable, and deeply informative without overwhelming beginners. Many modern professionals still credit Harrington’s books as the first serious material they studied when learning tournament theory.
Notable TV Shows Appearances
Dan Harrington, while not known for a flamboyant media persona, made a lasting impression through his calm demeanor and cerebral presence on some of the most iconic televised poker productions.
🃏 World Series of Poker (ESPN)
Harrington’s deep runs in the 2003 and 2004 WSOP Main Events—both heavily covered by ESPN—introduced him to a global audience. His contrast to louder table personalities like Mike Matusow and Phil Hellmuth made him stand out as a quiet assassin. The broadcasts highlighted his disciplined decision-making and legendary patience.
🃏 Poker After Dark
Although he appeared sparingly, his time on Poker After Dark showed him in a more relaxed cash game environment. His image as a thoughtful, unshakable pro was reinforced in episodes where he played against Phil Ivey, Tom Dwan, and other modern greats.
🃏 High Stakes Poker
While Harrington was not a regular fixture, his few appearances were marked by his analytical style and ability to hold his own against aggressive pros in high-stakes games, offering a glimpse of the “old-school” guard holding firm in the new era.
Most Iconic Hands and TV Moments
Dan Harrington may not be known for wild bluffs or explosive outbursts, but several of his televised hands became iconic due to his stoic discipline and elite decision-making under pressure. These moments showcased why he earned the nickname “Action Dan”—ironically, for a player known to wait for the perfect spot.
Harrington vs. Moneymaker (WSOP 2004) – The Semifinal Clash
In one of the most-watched WSOP Main Events ever, Harrington faced Chris Moneymaker at the final table bubble. The hand where Moneymaker flopped top pair and Harrington attempted to move him off the hand is often replayed in documentaries. It symbolized the transition from old-school precision to the bold, online-influenced aggression of a new era.
FAQ about Dan Harrington
What is Dan Harrington’s net worth?
Dan Harrington’s estimated net worth is around $6 million, largely from poker tournament winnings, his successful business ventures, and the enduring sales of his poker strategy books.
Why is Dan Harrington called “Action Dan”?
Ironically, the nickname “Action Dan” was given due to his tight and methodical playing style. It started as a joke in contrast to his conservative approach, but it stuck and became iconic.
How many WSOP bracelets has Dan Harrington won?
Harrington won two WSOP bracelets:
- 1995 WSOP Main Event Champion
- 1995 $2,500 No Limit Hold’em
In addition, he made back-to-back final tables in 2003 (3rd place) and 2004 (4th place), during fields of over 800 and 2,500 players respectively—widely regarded as one of the most impressive Main Event performances ever.
Are his books still relevant?
Absolutely. His “Harrington on Hold’em” series is considered foundational poker literature. While some strategies have evolved, the core principles—especially on tournament structure, hand ranges, and pressure points—remain applicable today.
What did Harrington do outside poker?
He’s a successful venture capitalist and co-founder of Anchor Loans, a real estate investment firm. Known for his analytical mindset, Harrington applied his strategic thinking beyond poker, thriving in the business world.
Does Dan Harrington still play poker?
He’s semi-retired from professional play. While no longer active on the high-stakes circuit, he occasionally appears at select events and remains a respected figure in the community.
