diff --git a/core/game_object.lua b/core/game_object.lua
index a1ff9555..64891cfc 100644
--- a/core/game_object.lua
+++ b/core/game_object.lua
@@ -539,7 +539,7 @@ Set `prefix_config.key = false` on your object instead.]]):format(obj.key), obj.
                 end
             else
                 G.P_STAKES[self.key] = self
-                table.insert(G.P_CENTER_POOLS.Stake, self)
+                SMODS.insert_pool(G.P_CENTER_POOLS.Stake, self)
             end
             self.injected = true
             -- should only need to do this once per injection routine
@@ -2345,7 +2345,7 @@ Set `prefix_config.key = false` on your object instead.]]):format(obj.key), obj.
             local res = {}
             if self.loc_vars and type(self.loc_vars) == 'function' then
                 -- card is a dead arg here
-                res = self:loc_vars(info_queue)
+                res = self:loc_vars(info_queue) or {}
                 target.vars = res.vars or target.vars
                 target.key = res.key or target.key
             end
diff --git a/core/overrides.lua b/core/overrides.lua
index bf1d52e6..1a868f92 100644
--- a/core/overrides.lua
+++ b/core/overrides.lua
@@ -1914,7 +1914,7 @@ function get_deck_win_stake(_deck_key)
 		local deck_count = 0
 		for _, deck in pairs(G.PROFILES[G.SETTINGS.profile].deck_usage) do
 			local deck_won_with = false
-			for key, _ in pairs(deck.wins_by_key) do
+			for key, _ in pairs(deck.wins_by_key or {}) do
 				deck_won_with = true
 				if (G.P_STAKES[key] and G.P_STAKES[key].stake_level or 0) > (_stake and G.P_STAKES[_stake].stake_level or 0) then
 					_stake = key