Dubbed “The Professor” for his analytical approach, Howard Lederer is a poker genius with incredible achievements in the gaming industry. From the tables of the Mayfair Club to the high-stakes scene of the World Series of Poker, the former Chess champion’s name spread like wildfire.
Howard Lederer’s influence extended beyond winning. Howard Lederer founded Tiltware, the home of Full Tilt Poker, and served five years on the Poker Players Alliance board. He has also contributed to many poker books and frequently appeared as a commentator.
Today, Slots Paradise Casino reveals more about Howard Lederer, from his career history to earnings.
Howard Lederer’s Competitive Excellence: Analytical Thinking
Howard Lederer is a native of Concord, New Hampshire. He was born into a competitively games-loving family on October 30, 1964. Chess was the most fascinating game to Lederer, which his father taught him how to play at seven. After trying hard to beat his father in the game, he gave up on Chess only to pick it back up at sixteen and begin taking it more seriously. He finally defeated his father twice after thirty failed attempts.
His love for poker began at age eighteen after graduating high school. He set forth for New York to play more Chess but fell in love with an enticing game that is present in one of the clubs he played in. Lederer immediately picked up the poker and began playing. He played and lost countless times and was so short of bankroll that he began sleeping in the club to do menial work for other players for some change.
Howard Lederer continued living the twilight lifestyle until he discovered the Mayfair Club. There, he met Erik Seidel, Steve Zolotow, Dan Harrington, and others who would change his approach to poker forever. They would play poker and discuss strategies for several hours, and as such, Lederer’s gameplay took off. He began learning several strategies and terminologies, including “What is tilt in poker?“
Having learned enough game strategy, Howard Lederer attempted to enter the WSOP in 1986. However, he couldn’t make it due to his limited bankroll. The tournament required $10,000 to enter, while Lederer had only a $3,000 budget. He made his first live tournament appearance in 1987 at the 18th WSOP.
In his second tournament event, the $10,000 No Limit Hold ’em World Championship, Lederer finished fifth to cash out $56,250 at the final table. He also cashed out in the 1988 WSOP events.
When Howard became a master, he taught poker to his sister Annie Duke, who won a WSOP bracelet in 2004. She quickly became the top female earner in the WSOP and remains among the top five female earners.