diff --git a/check.c b/check.c
index d9977fbb2..08478d15c 100644
--- a/check.c
+++ b/check.c
@@ -416,7 +416,7 @@ static void check_passwd()
 #endif /* USE_GETPASS */
 #endif /* HAVE_SKEY */
 	if (!pass || *pass == '\0')
-	    if (counter == 0)
+	    if (counter == TRIES_FOR_PASSWORD)
 		exit(0);
 	    else
 		break;