diff --git a/src/search.cpp b/src/search.cpp
index 695cd7c1..6b12e3fe 100644
--- a/src/search.cpp
+++ b/src/search.cpp
@@ -506,7 +506,7 @@ void Thread::search() {
 
               if (   rootMoves.size() == 1
                   || Time.elapsed() > Time.optimum() * unstablePvFactor * improvingFactor / 628
-                  || (mainThread->easyMovePlayed = doEasyMove))
+                  || (mainThread->easyMovePlayed = doEasyMove, doEasyMove))
               {
                   // If we are allowed to ponder do not stop the search now but
                   // keep pondering until the GUI sends "ponderhit" or "stop".