diff --git a/src/search.cpp b/src/search.cpp
index d9b41cb3..18e4aa56 100644
--- a/src/search.cpp
+++ b/src/search.cpp
@@ -518,7 +518,6 @@ namespace {
     // Check if we have an upcoming move that draws by repetition, or
     // if the opponent had an alternative move earlier to this position.
     if (   !rootNode
-        && pos.rule50_count() >= 3
         && alpha < VALUE_DRAW
         && pos.has_game_cycle(ss->ply))
     {
@@ -1398,7 +1397,6 @@ moves_loop: // When in check, search starts here
     // Check if we have an upcoming move that draws by repetition, or
     // if the opponent had an alternative move earlier to this position.
     if (   depth < 0
-        && pos.rule50_count() >= 3
         && alpha < VALUE_DRAW
         && pos.has_game_cycle(ss->ply))
     {