Howard Lederer was born into in a family of five where he enjoyed taking part in numerous card games when he was young. He discovered himself becoming really aggressive in these particular card games as he was playing his father. After finishing secondary school, Howard made a decision to put college on hold for a little bit and moved away to New York City to compete in some big-time chess. While playing 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 lose most times. He earned some extra money by becoming an assistant for the poker players. He theorized he might improve his game by adjusting his life outside of poker. He brought about an attempt to acquire more rest and concentrate more on the game.

The real improvement in his skills began when he started playing at the Mayfair Club in New York City. The Mayfair was a bridge and backgammon club where the best gamblers would regularly challenge one another. He had access into several of the best minds in chess. With their assistance, he would tweak his strategic thinking skills. Howard used these strategic concepts in the game of NL Texas Holdem.

He also assisted his sister Annie Duke master poker. She was an excellent student of the game as she constantly asked questions about how to make the proper choice. Howard Lederer told Annie to move out to Las Vegas and compete in the World Series of Poker tournaments. She is one of the best women players the poker world ever. Howard Lederer relocated to Las Vegas in 1993 and competed in cash games for the successive decade. When the WPT gained popularity, Howard made the decision to participate in more tournaments.