Lou Krieger’s two-volume Hold’em Excellence series covers the fundamentals of limit Hold’em ring games — from absolute beginner basics through intermediate concepts. The first volume is a solid foundation. The second is a disappointing collection of recycled essays. Together, they tell the story of a knowledgeable player who wrote one good book and one unnecessary sequel.
Volume 1 earns its place on the shelf. Volume 2 doesn’t. If you’re going to buy one Krieger book, get the original. If you’re deciding between this series and Lee Jones’ Winning Low Limit Hold’em for limit strategy, Jones is the better choice.
Volume 1: Hold’em Excellence (80/100)
What it covers
The book is structured in two halves. The first covers game rules, betting patterns, and fundamentals that beginners need. The second moves into intermediate concepts: positional play (one of the most important skills in poker), hand reading, and the psychology of the game.
Krieger also includes starting hand charts for beginners and a section on playing A-K — two of the most practically useful chapters in the book.
Writing style
Krieger’s writing is accessible and easy to follow. He doesn’t overwhelm with math or theory. The tone is that of an experienced player explaining concepts to a friend — clear, patient, and practical. The included quiz section provides a welcome interactive element.
The limitation
The book is entirely focused on limit Hold’em ring games, which were the standard format when it was published in 1999. Today, no-limit dominates. The strategic principles transfer, but the specific advice on bet sizing and draw math is limit-specific.
The starting hand chart for beginners and the section on playing A-K are where this book earns its score. Beginners can pick up solid fundamentals, while advanced players will be entertained by Krieger’s thoughtful analysis of common trouble spots.
Volume 2: More Hold’em Excellence (60/100)
The sequel reviews some basic strategy, then devolves into a loosely bound collection of essays and reprinted columns. A developing player could pick it up and get generally solid advice, but most of the material either repeats the first book or doesn’t go deep enough to justify a second volume.
There’s no disputing that Krieger is a fundamentally sound limit player who shares proper strategy. But the second book reads like it was assembled from leftover material rather than written with a clear purpose. Most intermediate players will gloss over the bulk of it.
Our advice: buy Volume 1, skip Volume 2. The original covers everything you need from Krieger. The sequel doesn’t add enough to justify the time or money. If you want more limit strategy after Volume 1, move to Lee Jones or Sklansky instead.
About Lou Krieger
From Brooklyn to the felt
Lou Krieger was introduced to poker at age seven, watching his father play in home games in Brooklyn. He became a regular in high school and college games, but only got serious after his first trip to Las Vegas — where he discovered Texas Hold’em (the standard game at the time was Seven Card Stud). He was instantly hooked and worked his way into becoming one of the most respected limit Hold’em players and writers.
Writing career
Krieger became a regular columnist for Card Player magazine in the early 1990s. His first book, Hold’em Excellence: From Beginner to Winner, came out in 1995 (with a second edition in 1999). More Hold’em Excellence followed in 2000. His most famous work is probably Poker for Dummies, co-authored with Richard Harroch. He wrote several other poker titles over his career.
Legacy
Lou Krieger passed away in December 2012 after a battle with cancer. He left behind a catalog of quality poker books and a generation of players who learned their fundamentals from his clear, patient writing. His work may be limit-focused and increasingly dated, but the foundational thinking — discipline, position, hand selection — remains timeless.
Hold’em Excellence Volume 1 (80/100) is a solid beginner’s guide to limit Hold’em with good fundamentals and accessible writing. More Hold’em Excellence Volume 2 (60/100) is a disappointing collection of essays that doesn’t justify its existence. Buy the first, skip the second, and remember Lou Krieger as the patient teacher who introduced thousands of players to the game.