diff --git a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/menu/player_menu.cpp b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/menu/player_menu.cpp
index 8c8891840..9d7a0bdbe 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/menu/player_menu.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/game_graphics/player/menu/player_menu.cpp
@@ -76,15 +76,12 @@ QMenu *PlayerMenu::updateCardMenu(const CardState *card)
         return nullptr;
     }
 
-    if (!player->getLogic()->getGame()->getActiveCard()) {
-        return nullptr;
-    }
-
     // If is spectator (as spectators don't need card menus), return
     // only update the menu if the card is actually selected
+    auto *activeCard = player->getLogic()->getGame()->getActiveCard();
     if ((player->getLogic()->getGame()->getPlayerManager()->isSpectator() &&
          !player->getLogic()->getGame()->getPlayerManager()->isJudge()) ||
-        player->getLogic()->getGame()->getActiveCard()->getState() != card) {
+        !activeCard || activeCard->getState() != card) {
         return nullptr;
     }