diff --git a/cromulant/game.py b/cromulant/game.py
index 4f86afa..3626862 100644
--- a/cromulant/game.py
+++ b/cromulant/game.py
@@ -165,13 +165,14 @@ class Game:
             return
 
         num = random.randint(0, 12)
-        status = ""
-        method = "normal"
 
         if num == 0:
             Ants.merge()
             return
 
+        status = ""
+        method = "normal"
+
         if num == 1:
             ant.triumph += 1
             method = "triumph"