Howard Lederer lived in a family of 5 where he enjoyed betting on different card games at a young age. He found himself getting very aggressive in these particular card games as he was competing against his father. After graduating from high school, Howard made a decision to put college on hold for a little bit and relocated to New York to participate in some big-time chess. While competing in chess, he was introduced to a poker game taking place in the rear of the room. Howard’s first 2 years were difficult as he would play many hours and lost most times. He earned some extra cash by being an runner for the poker enthusiasts. He theorized he could improve his game by adjusting his life away from poker. He brought about an attempt to acquire more sleep and focus attention more on the game.
The actual improvement in his skills happened when he began betting at the Mayfair Club in New York. The Mayfair was a bridge and backgammon club where the best gamblers would often challenge one another. Howard was able to access some of the greatest players in chess. With their assistance, Howard Lederer would hone his logical thinking skills. Howard used these strategy concepts in the game of NL Texas Holdem.
Howard also assisted his sibling Annie Duke learn the game of poker. Annie was a superb student of the game as she would always be asking questions about the right way to make the correct choice. Howard Lederer told Annie to move out to Las Vegas and play in the WSOP tournaments. Annie is one of the best female players the poker world today. Howard headed to Vegas in 1993 and competed in cash games for the following decade. When the World Poker Tournament gained popularity, Howard made the decision to participate in more tournaments.