Howard Lederer lived in a family of 5 where he loved betting on numerous card games when he was young. He found himself becoming very aggressive in these particular card games while competing against his father. After graduating from high school, Howard made a decision to put college on hold for a little while and headed to New York to play some big-time chess. While competing in chess, he was introduced to a poker game taking place in the back of the room. Howard’s 1st two years were rough as he played many hours and don’t win a majority of the time. He made some additional money by being an runner for the poker players. He believed he possibly could boost his game by adjusting his life outside of poker. He made an effort to get more sleep and focus even more on poker.
The actual improvement in his game began when he began wagering at the Mayfair Club in New York City. The Mayfair was a bridge and backgammon club where the greatest players would often play against each other. Howard was able to access a number of the best minds in chess. With their assistance, he would sharpen his strategic thinking techniques. Howard used these strategic ideas in the game of No-Limit Texas Holdem.
He also helped his sibling Annie Duke master poker. Annie was a great student of poker as she would consistently be asking questions about how to make the correct choice. Howard Lederer told Annie Duke to move out to Vegas and play in the World Series of Poker competition. Annie Duke is one of the strongest female players the poker world ever. Howard headed to Vegas in Nineteen Ninety Three and competed in money games for the following decade. When the World Poker Tournament gained popularity, he made the decision to participate in more tournaments.