Howard Lederer lived in a family of 5 where he loved betting on numerous card games when he was young. He discovered himself becoming really competitive in these card games as he was playing his father. After graduating from Sr. High school, Howard made a decision to put higher education on hold for a bit and relocated to New York to play some serious chess. While competing in chess, he was brought in to a poker game taking place in the back of the room. Howard’s initial two years were tough as he would play many hours and lose most times. He made some extra money by becoming an assistant for the poker players. He theorized he might improve his game by balancing his life away from poker. He made an effort to get more rest and focus attention more on poker.

The real improvement in his skills began when he began playing at the Mayfair Club in New York. The Mayfair was a bridge and backgammon association where the greatest gamblers would regularly challenge one another. Howard had access into several of the foremost minds in chess. With their assistance, he would hone his logical thinking techniques. He used these strategic concepts in the game of No-Limit hold’em.

Howard Lederer also assisted his sister Annie Duke master the game of poker. Annie was a superb student of the game as she constantly asked questions about the right way to make the proper decision. He told Annie Duke to move out to Las Vegas and play in the WSOP competition. Annie Duke is one of the best female players the poker world has ever seen. Howard Lederer relocated to Vegas in Nineteen Ninety Three and competed in money games for the next 10 years. When the WPT grew in popularity, Howard decided to play more tournaments.