Howard Lederer grew up in a family of 5 in which he enjoyed playing different card games when he was young. He discovered himself getting really aggressive in these particular card games while playing his father. After graduating from Sr. High school, Howard decided to place college on hold for a bit and moved to New York City to play some serious chess. While competing in chess, he was introduced to a poker game taking place in the rear of the room. Howard’s first two years were tough as he played many hours and do not win most times. He earned some additional cash by becoming an runner for the poker players. He theorized he could boost his game by balancing his life outside of poker. He brought about an attempt to get more sleep and concentrate even more on the game.

The actual improvement in his game began when he started playing at the Mayfair Club in New York City. The Mayfair was a bridge and backgammon association where the best gamblers would often challenge one another. He had access into several of the foremost minds in chess. With their assistance, Howard would sharpen his strategic thinking abilities. Howard used these strategic ideas in the game of NL Texas Holdem.

He also assisted his sibling Annie Duke master the game of poker. Annie Duke was an excellent student of poker as she would consistently be asking questions about how to make the correct decision. Howard Lederer told Annie Duke to head out to Sin City and play in the World Series of Poker tournaments. She is one of the greatest female players the poker world has ever seen. He moved to Sin City in 1993 and participated in money games for the following 10 years. When the World Poker Tournament grew in popularity, he decided to participate in more tournaments.