diff --git a/session.go b/session.go
index 2f743c6..660b7fd 100644
--- a/session.go
+++ b/session.go
@@ -95,6 +95,10 @@ func (s *Session) LoadDeck(id uuid.UUID, data string) SessionResp {
 		log.Printf("%v attempted to load invalid deck: %v", id, data)
 		return SessionRespLoadDeckError
 	}
+	if s.Game == nil {
+		log.Println("attmpted to load deck before game created")
+		return SessionRespError
+	}
 	if id == s.p1 {
 		s.p1Deck = deck
 		s.Game.SentinalDeck = LoadDeck(SentinalID, s.p1Deck)