diff --git a/evennia/commands/default/help.py b/evennia/commands/default/help.py
index 5b7a0c5e0a..c5a2b7f25e 100644
--- a/evennia/commands/default/help.py
+++ b/evennia/commands/default/help.py
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ class CmdHelp(Command):
             if self.session.protocol_key in ("websocket", "ajax/comet"):
                 try:
                     options = self.caller.player.db._saved_webclient_options
-                    if options["helppopup"]:
+                    if options and options["helppopup"]:
                         usemore = False
                 except KeyError:
                     pass