Howard Lederer grew up in a family of 5 where he liked playing different card games at a young age. He found himself becoming very competitive in these particular card games as he was competing against his dad. After graduating from Sr. High school, Howard made a decision to place college on hold for a little while and moved to New York City to participate in some serious chess. While participating in chess, he was brought in to a poker game taking place in the back of the room. Howard’s first 2 years were rough as he played extensive hours and lost a majority of the time. He earned some additional cash by being an runner for the poker players. He judged he might better his game by analyzing his life outside of poker. He made an attempt to get more sleep and focus more on the game.
The actual improvement in his abilities began when he began gambling at the Mayfair Club in New York City. The Mayfair was a bridge and backgammon association where the the most favorable gamblers would often play against each other. He was able to access a number of the greatest minds in chess. With their help, Howard would sharpen his strategic thinking techniques. He applied these strategic concepts to the game of No-Limit Texas Holdem.
He also helped his sibling Annie Duke master the game of poker. She was a great student of the game as she constantly asked questions about how to make the proper decision. Howard Lederer told Annie Duke to head out to Las Vegas and play in the World Series of Poker competition. Annie Duke is one of the best women players the poker arena ever. Howard Lederer moved to Sin City in Nineteen Ninety Three and competed in cash games for the following decade. When the WPT grew in popularity, he made the decision to play more tournaments.