diff --git a/src/playermat/Playmat.ttslua b/src/playermat/Playmat.ttslua
index c55b65b6..dfb95735 100644
--- a/src/playermat/Playmat.ttslua
+++ b/src/playermat/Playmat.ttslua
@@ -378,9 +378,8 @@ function doUpkeep(_, clickedByColor, isRightClick)
       local cardsToDiscard = {}
 
       for i = 1, #handCards do
-        local metadata = JSON.decode(handCards[i].getGMNotes()) or {}
-        if metadata.weakness == true or metadata.hidden == true then
-        else
+        local metadata = JSON.decode(handCards[i].getGMNotes())
+        if metadata ~= nil and (not metadata.weakness and not metadata.hidden) then
           table.insert(cardsToDiscard, handCards[i])
         end
       end