Howard Lederer is one of the best poker players in the world. He is a very successful high-stakes cash game player, as well as a top tournament player (although he limits his tournament play to the premier events). Howard, who just turned 39, is bright, articulate, and highly respected not only for his playing skills, but also for how he conducts himself at the table.
He and his sister, Annie Duke, are the toughest brother/sister combo in poker. Annie, also a top professional player, is quite unique in the poker world, as she is married and a mother of four! They grew up in New Hampshire, and their father is a professional speaker and writer (on the English language). This explains their superb oratory and communication skills.
Howard started playing poker as a kid, but got his real poker training when he moved to New York at 18 years of age. He moved there originally to become a chess pro. There was a poker game in the back room of the chess club, and he ventured back there regularly, "paying his dues."
Since his early days in New York, Howard has come a long way as a professional poker player. (He also has done quite well betting sports.) He plays regularly in the highest games at Bellagio in Las Vegas. In tournament play, he has captured two World Series of Poker bracelets in the past three years ($5,000 Omaha eight-or-better in 2000, and $5,000 deuce-to-seven draw in 2001), and recently finished second in the $5,000 no-limit hold'em championship event at the Hall of Fame Poker Classic at Binion's Horseshoe.
I had a chance to sit down and talk to Howard during the recent Costa Rica Classic. Here is part of that conversation:
Mike Sexton: What did your parents say when you opted to become a professional gambler?
Howard Lederer: Needless to say, my dad was concerned, and rightfully so. I went broke daily when I first started playing poker in New York. I couldn't wait to play poker every night. I ran errands all day to make enough money to buy in to the game, and was broke at the end of the night – every night.
MS: What were your biggest lessons from those days and what advice would you give newcomers to poker based on your experiences?
HL: I finally realized that I didn't have to play 70 hours straight. I read books, learned to manage myself better, and then started winning. Books, however, can get you only so far. To get better, you need to play a lot. As for advice, pay attention to what's going on at the table. I believe you can learn from everybody; even the losers can teach you things.
MS: What do you think is the biggest mistake amateurs make?
HL: They play too many hands in the beginning and fold too many hands at the end. I also would suggest they not worry so much about their hand and focus on reading their opponent(s).
MS: Whom do you admire most as a player, in both tournaments and cash games?
HL: Erik Seidel in tournaments and Chip Reese in cash games.
MS: You play mostly cash games, but have decided to follow and play the World Poker Tour events. What do you see for the future of tournaments and the WPT?
HL: I believe tournaments will grow and that the WPT could enhance poker tremendously. I am hopeful that they will get a little more organized. By that I mean, coordinate the schedule and conform on structures. The WPT events are special and should be treated as such, and always should provide a good amount of playing time.
MS: More playing time will allow the cream to rise to the top. Is this better than having amateurs do well in WPT events?
HL: Longer formats will enable more top pros to reach the final table on a more consistent basis. Creating 'stars' is critical to the success of any sport or game, and that includes the WPT. This will also result in better play and better analysis for the viewing audience.
MS: Speaking of the WPT, what are your feelings about exposing your holecards for the world to see?
HL: I think it's critical to the success of the WPT. I agree with what you said during a WPT broadcast: "Seeing the holecards will create three 'E's' for the audience – excitement, entertainment, and education." Personally, I'm not concerned about players seeing my holecards.
MS: Let's change gears for a moment. A few years ago in the $10,000 world championship event at Binion's, you, Annie, and I were at the same table, and she busted you. (Annie raised, Howard moved all in, and Annie called with two aces. She sent him to the rail, and both seemed devastated.) What are your feelings about relatives playing at the same table in tournaments?
HL: I'd like to see it prevented, but it's not necessarily something I'm comfortable with. I believe all seating should be random.
MS: Thanks for sharing your thoughts with Card Player readers, Howard. You are a credit to the poker industry. And best of luck on the World Poker Tour.
HL: Thank you.
On occasion, I have been asked about my criteria for a player to be considered great. My definition of a great player is one you would take a piece of (invest in) whenever he sits down to play, whether it's a cash game (any game/any limit) or a tournament. To me, Howard fits into that category as well as anyone in poker.
Howard Lederer is one of poker's best players. Look for him on the World Poker Tour.
Take care.
Mike Sexton is the host for the online poker site PartyPoker.com – whose flagship tournament, the PartyPoker.com Million, is an event on the World Poker Tour.