diff --git a/OpenRA.Mods.Common/ServerTraits/LobbyCommands.cs b/OpenRA.Mods.Common/ServerTraits/LobbyCommands.cs
index 52b5b0f1cf..cd664c591e 100644
--- a/OpenRA.Mods.Common/ServerTraits/LobbyCommands.cs
+++ b/OpenRA.Mods.Common/ServerTraits/LobbyCommands.cs
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@ namespace OpenRA.Mods.Common.Server
 					return true;
 				}
 
-				if (server.LobbyInfo.Slots.All(sl => server.LobbyInfo.ClientInSlot(sl.Key) == null))
+				if (server.LobbyInfo.Slots.All(sl => server.LobbyInfo.ClientInSlot(sl.Key)?.State is null or Session.ClientState.Invalid))
 				{
 					server.SendFluentMessageTo(conn, NoStartWithoutPlayers);
 					return true;