Howard Lederer was born into in a family of 5 in which he loved playing numerous card games when he was young. He discovered himself becoming really competitive in these card games as he was playing his dad. After finishing high school, Howard decided to place higher education on hold for a little bit and moved away to New York to participate in some big-time chess. While participating in chess, he was brought in to a poker game going on in the rear of the room. Howard’s first two years were tough as he played countless hours and do not win a majority of the time. He earned some extra cash by being an runner for the poker enthusiasts. He believed he might better his game by analyzing his life outside of poker. He brought about an effort to get more sleep and focus more on poker.

The real improvement in his game 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 frequently challenge each other. He had access into a few of the foremost minds in chess. With their assistance, he would hone his logical thinking abilities. He used these strategic concepts in the game of No-Limit holdem.

Howard also assisted his sister Annie Duke master poker. She was an excellent student of the game as she would consistently be asking questions about how to make the proper decision. Howard Lederer told Annie Duke to move out to Vegas and play in the WSOP tournaments. She is one of the best women players the poker arena ever. Howard relocated to Vegas in 1993 and competed in money games for the following 10 years. When the WPT grew in popularity, he made the decision to participate in more tournaments.