09.04
Focus on Annie Duke
Annie Duke may not have captured her 1st World Series of Poker Bracelet until 2004 but she is still one of the most feared poker players around the ring matches at The Bellagio in Sin City. Annie’s long-awaited WSOP bracelet came with a win at the "forgotten game" of Omaha Hi-Lo.
While players from the "young crowd" of poker run amok following a big success at the tables, Annie heads home to be "mom" to her 4 kids. She was born in New Hampshire and was raised into a family of card players. If you don’t believe that, have a look at her sibling, Howard Lederer, when he plays, Howard taught Annie how to compete in poker.
However, Annie Duke is not a small fry kind of girl and has captured her share of hard games, which includes eliminating Howard along the way on several occasions.
Earning well over $3 million in tournament action, Annie became a advisor to both UltimateBet and Hollywood actor Ben Affleck, who wished to hone his skills and become a big player in poker.
You may observe her at the Bellagio, you’ll catch her on television and you might even compete with her in a web-based poker game, but do not count on a simple win. Unless you’re a up and coming master, you won’t beat her. However, it is likely to be fun to say you sat at the same table as "The Duke".