Focus on Annie Duke

Annie Duke may not have won her first World Series of Poker Bracelet until 2004 but she is still one of the most feared poker players around the ring games at The Bellagio in Las Vegas. Annie's long-overdue WSOP bracelet came with a win at the "forgotten game" of Omaha Hi-Lo.

While player from the "younger generation" of poker run wild after a big win at the tables, Annie heads home to be "mom" to her four children. She was born in New Hampshire and raised into a family of card players. If you don't believe that, watch her brother, Howard Lederer, in action who taught her how to play the game.

However, Annie Duke is no small-potatoes girl and has won her share of difficult tables, including eliminating Howard along the way on several occasions. They are both players that have the ability to win the big bucks and do it with a smile.

Annie is extremely intelligent and graduated from Columbia University where she double majored in Psychology and English. When you sit across from her at the poker table you know she is there to play the game and she begins "summing" you up from the time you join the table. If you can't play like a Champion, then don't bother.

Winning over three million dollars in tournament play, Annie became a consultant to both UltimateBet.com and Hollywood actor Ben Affleck, who wanted to sharpen his skills and become a force at the poker table.

You may see her at the Bellagio, you'll see her on TV and you may even play against her in an online poker game, but don't expect an easy win. Unless you are a champion-in-the-making, you will not beat her. However, it would be fun to say you sat at the same table as "The Duke".