diff --git a/src/playercards/CardsWithHelper.ttslua b/src/playercards/CardsWithHelper.ttslua
index 5b1ea3c0..9b0f8e0f 100644
--- a/src/playercards/CardsWithHelper.ttslua
+++ b/src/playercards/CardsWithHelper.ttslua
@@ -18,6 +18,16 @@ local GlobalApi = require("core/GlobalApi")
 -- if the respective option is enabled in onLoad(), enable the helper
 function syncDisplayWithOptionPanel()
   self.addTag("CardWithHelper")
+
+  -- check if this card is in a hand zone (because we're loading a saved game)
+  for _, zone in ipairs(self.getZones()) do
+    if zone.type == "Hand" then
+      setHelperState(false)
+      return
+    end
+  end
+
+  -- get state of the option panel
   local options = GlobalApi.getOptionPanelState()
   if options.enableCardHelpers then
     setHelperState(true)