Born in Minneapolis in 1953,  Howie lived in Minnesota for his first twenty-six years, then on to Chicago until 2001, spending some time in Florida and California before moving to Omaha where he now resides with his wife Cyndi.

Despite the efforts of his late father (a Life Master himself) to restrain Howie's pursuit of bridge while at the University of Chicago and University of Minnesota, earning a Business Degree, he confesses his 'real major' was bridge (not unlike most top players).  His first partner was Dick Melson, often teaming up with Dave Lehman and Steve Garner.  Coincidentally -- all four ended up trading options on the floor of the Chicago Board of Options Exchange.  Howie preceded the other three to Chicago -- designing computer systems for some clearing firms associated with the CBOE before trading on the Exchange from 1984 until his retirement in 2000.  

Over the years, he has partnered Ralph Katz, Milton Rosenberg, Peter Nagy and since 1997 plays with Steve Garner.  Howie has captured many NABC firsts and seconds and in world championships has finished 2nd in the 2007 Bermuda Bowl, 3rd in the 2000 Olympiad and 3rd in the 1998 Rosenblum. 

Howie has held key administrative positions -- previously chairing the ACBL Conventions and Competition Committee and presently chairing the ACBL Ethical Oversight Committee. He is Vice President of the USBF and Vice Chairman of the ITTC.  One of his favorite bridge experiences was at a Chicago NABC a few years ago, enjoying a glass of wine after the evening session with several others, noticing the nine players at the table represented nine different countries.  He adds:  "Thought that was very cool and reflected what the spirit and camaraderie of bridge should ideally represent!" 

Howie is savoring his retirement -- playing lots of golf and table tennis and indulges in very little bridge other than the NABCs, Trials, and occasional international opportunities.

Larry has played sparingly since the 1970's; he has placed 1st/2nd in 7 national championships, and represented the U.S. in the Rhodes 1996 Olympiad.

Larry is a neurologist/headache specialist, with 200 articles and 3 books written. He plays alot more hockey than bridge; his team took 3rd in the "over 50 hockey nationals."