diff --git a/src/search.cpp b/src/search.cpp
index 5988c23fd..f8debd545 100644
--- a/src/search.cpp
+++ b/src/search.cpp
@@ -1274,7 +1274,7 @@ moves_loop:  // When in check, search starts here
 
         // For first picked move (ttMove) reduce reduction
         else if (move == ttData.move)
-            r -= 2016 + 150 * cutNode;
+            r = std::max(-10, r - 2016 + 150 * cutNode);
 
         if (capture)
             ss->statScore = 809 * int(PieceValue[pos.captured_piece()]) / 128