diff --git a/src/search.cpp b/src/search.cpp
index ef87c828e..151b4c6ee 100644
--- a/src/search.cpp
+++ b/src/search.cpp
@@ -1260,7 +1260,10 @@ moves_loop:  // When in check, search starts here
             (ss + 1)->pv[0] = Move::none();
 
             // Extend move from transposition table if we are about to dive into qsearch.
-            if (move == ttData.move && ttData.depth > 1 && rootDepth > 8)
+            // decisive score handling improves mate finding and retrograde analysis.
+            if (move == ttData.move
+                && ((is_valid(ttData.value) && is_decisive(ttData.value) && ttData.depth > 0)
+                    || (ttData.depth > 1 && rootDepth > 8)))
                 newDepth = std::max(newDepth, 1);
 
             value = -search<PV>(pos, ss + 1, -beta, -alpha, newDepth, false);