Howard Lederer grew up in a family of five where he loved gambling on various card games at a young age. He found himself becoming really aggressive in these particular card games while competing against his father. After graduating from secondary school, Howard made a decision to put higher education on hold for a bit and moved to New York City to compete in some big-time chess. While competing in chess, he was brought in to a poker game taking place in the rear of the room. Howard’s initial two years were difficult as he would play many hours and don’t win a majority of the time. He made some additional cash by being an runner for the poker enthusiasts. He believed he possibly could better his game by adjusting his life outside of poker. He made an attempt to acquire more sleep and focus attention more on poker.
The definite advancement in his game happened when he began playing at the Mayfair Club in New York. The Mayfair was a bridge and backgammon club where the best gamblers would often play against each other. Howard was able to access a number of the best players in chess. With their assistance, he would hone his strategic thinking techniques. He used these strategic concepts in the game of No-Limit holdem.
Howard Lederer also helped his sibling Annie Duke learn the game of poker. Annie Duke was an excellent student of the game as she constantly asked questions about the right way to make the proper choice. Howard told Annie to move out to Las Vegas and compete in the WSOP tournaments. She is one of the greatest female players the poker arena today. Howard moved to Sin City in 1993 and participated in money games for the subsequent decade. When the World Poker Tournament gained popularity, Howard decided to participate in more tournaments.