diff --git a/src/search.cpp b/src/search.cpp
index 1bce9daa..9d0b5627 100644
--- a/src/search.cpp
+++ b/src/search.cpp
@@ -1185,7 +1185,7 @@ moves_loop:  // When in check, search starts here
         r -= ss->statScore / 10898;
 
         // Step 17. Late moves reduction / extension (LMR, ~117 Elo)
-        if (depth >= 2 && moveCount > 1 + rootNode)
+        if (depth >= 2 && moveCount > 1 + (rootNode && depth < 10))
         {
             // In general we want to cap the LMR depth search at newDepth, but when
             // reduction is negative, we allow this move a limited search extension