diff --git a/rogue4/save.c b/rogue4/save.c
index 38ed64f..ee95184 100644
--- a/rogue4/save.c
+++ b/rogue4/save.c
@@ -160,7 +160,10 @@ register FILE *savef;
     /*
      * close any open score file
      */
-    close(fd);
+    if (fd >= 0) {
+        close(fd);
+        fd = -1;
+    }
     move(LINES-1, 0);
     refresh();
     fstat(md_fileno(savef), &sbuf);