diff --git a/src/position.cpp b/src/position.cpp
index f7a89e07f3d..60d619bed4e 100644
--- a/src/position.cpp
+++ b/src/position.cpp
@@ -652,7 +652,7 @@ bool Position::move_gives_check(Move m, const CheckInfo& ci) const {
       return true;
 
   // Discovery check ?
-  if (ci.dcCandidates && (ci.dcCandidates & from))
+  if (unlikely(ci.dcCandidates) && (ci.dcCandidates & from))
   {
       // For pawn and king moves we need to verify also direction
       if (   (pt != PAWN && pt != KING)