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The Future of Private Poker | STAX Poker x Table 1 Podcast

The VIP Experience Pros Don’t Want You to Know About

Author

Art Parmann
February 22, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 5 minutes

You ever wonder what it takes to build a private poker empire? Well, Nick Howard and his crew at STAX Poker are doing just that—curating the best poker experience for recreational players while keeping the sharks at bay.

In our latest Table 1 Podcast episode, we get into:
✔️ What makes a good private game (and why public games are broken)
✔️ The wild characters of high-stakes poker (and their insane stories)
✔️ Can charisma be taught?
✔️ Nick's six-figure heads-up battle with Martin Kabrhel

And, of course, The Strip Club Story—because no high-stakes poker conversation is complete without some Vegas madness.

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Episode 66 - STAX Poker with Nick Howard

What Makes a Great Private Poker Game? Nick Howard Breaks It Down

For years, poker rooms have been a battlefield—pros hunting recreationals, tight games draining the fun. STAX Poker is flipping the script.

Nick Howard joins Art and Justin to talk about why public poker games have gone downhill, how private games are evolving, and why making action players feel welcome is the only way to sustain a long-term ecosystem.

Key Takeaways:

💡 VIP players want action & a welcoming environment—STAX ensures they get it
💡 The key to a great private game? Attention to detail—remembering what players love & hate
💡 The best private games feel like home games, but with none of the sketchy risks
💡 Nick’s epic 4-day battle vs. Martin Kabrhel shows why bankroll management is key

👉 Watch the full episode here:

Watch the full episode here → YouTube or here Spotify

Show Notes & Timestamps

  • What is STAX Poker?

  • The vision behind creating a high-end private poker agency.

  • Breaking down the STAX Poker model.

  • Why recreational players love the format.

  • The partnership between STAX Poker and Table 1.

  • How the collaboration benefits both players and hosts.

  • Why STAX Poker chooses to operate only in casinos.

  • The risks and challenges of private home games.

  • How great storytelling enhances the poker experience.

  • The best storytellers in poker.

  • Memorable characters from high-stakes poker.

  • Why networking is key in the poker world.

  • Wild poker stories featuring celebrities and powerful figures.

  • The unexpected opportunities that arise from private poker games.

  • The challenge of balancing a staking business and creating action-filled games.

  • Why pros and rec players need different environments.

  • The role of charisma in poker and networking.

  • Can you learn to be more likable at the table?

  • One of the wildest Vegas stories you’ll ever hear.

  • How poker nights turn into unforgettable experiences.

  • Breaking down the four-day high-stakes heads-up battle.

  • What it's like to face one of poker’s most polarizing figures for six figures.

📌 Subscribe for more high-stakes poker stories & interviews!

Cheers,

Art and Justin

PS – Check out www.table1.vegas to play with us at Table 1!