Poker Fair US

Howard Lederer: Having the Brains Does Pay

Howard Lederer, popularly known as the 'Professor', is one of the most prominent players in the pro poker circuit. Quite known for being focused and subdued at the tables, Lederer is one formidable player who knows when to strike. Using analytical approach in his strategies all proved effective, for he has succeeded in the championships many times over the course of his career.

The Professor is quite famous for his fierce, aggressive streak and he usually enjoys playing in high stakes tournaments. As of 2004, he has won two titles at the World Poker Tour and two bracelets at the World Series of Poker. Lederer's other titles include: 1st place at the Party Poker Million Limit Hold'em in 2003, 1st place at the Bellagio's World Poker Classic No-Limit Hold'em and 3rd place at the Bellagio's Omaha Hi-Lo.

Lederer also enjoys working on other projects associated with poker such as his instructional video on the how-to's of No-Limit Hold'em. He also manages a poker camp named after him and co-hosts a poker tournament show on Fox network.

Howard Lederer belongs to a family of gamesmen and scholars. He is brother to Annie Duke, an equally prominent pro poker player. Richard Lederer, his father, is a linguist and writer who used to teach at St. Paul's School in New Hampshire. His sister Katy is a writer and poet, and she wrote a book about their family entitled 'Poker Face: A Girlhood Among Gamblers'.

When he was young, Lederer's favorite sport was actually chess. He then moved to New York to attend college at Columbia University, but dropped out with the objective of pursuing a professional career in chess. However, he found himself playing on poker tables instead. Lederer has his own share of bad luck as a beginner, but as years past he had evolved into one of the most successful and fierce players of the pro poker circuit.

Known to be mild-mannered and calm, Lederer has had some issues regarding ill-mannered opponents. He is quite annoyed with opponents who curse and spits insults during a game. One instance where he got fed up and spoke out publicly was when Daniel Negreanu made bad comments about his sister, Annie Duke. There was also a time when Lederer refused to shake the hand of the notorious critic, Tony Guoga, after the World Poker Tour Grand Prix De Paris in 2003.

Howard Lederer is known for living a simple lifestyle but sometimes he has the knack for some good old-fashion betting with a twist. He has been a vegetarian for quite a long time but on one occasion he accepted a $10,000 proposition to eat a cheeseburger. The 'Professor' resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with his wife Suzie and son Matti, and their 3 pet dogs.