Howard Lederer grew up in a family of five in which he enjoyed gambling on various card games at a young age. He found himself getting really aggressive in these particular card games while playing his father. After finishing secondary school, Howard made a decision to put higher education on hold for a little while and relocated to New York to play some big-time chess. While competing in chess, he was introduced to a poker game going on in the back of the room. Howard’s initial 2 years were rough as he would play many hours and don’t win most times. He earned some extra cash by being an assistant for the poker enthusiasts. He judged he could boost his game by adjusting his life outside of poker. He brought about an effort to get more sleep and focus more on poker.
The real advancement in his abilities began when he started wagering at the Mayfair Club in New York. The Mayfair was a bridge and backgammon association where the the most favorable players would often challenge each other. Howard was able to access some of the greatest players in chess. With their assistance, Howard Lederer would hone his strategic thinking techniques. He used these strategy ideas in the game of NL texas hold’em.
Howard Lederer also assisted his sibling Annie Duke learn poker. Annie Duke was a great student of the game as she would consistently be asking questions about the right way to make the proper decision. Howard Lederer told Annie to move out to Sin City and play in the WSOP competition. Annie is one of the greatest female players the poker arena today. Howard Lederer moved to Vegas in 1993 and competed in money games for the subsequent decade. When the WPT grew in popularity, Howard made the decision to compete in more tournaments.