diff --git a/src/server/MasterLobbyService.ts b/src/server/MasterLobbyService.ts
index dee30ad04..9285b8a91 100644
--- a/src/server/MasterLobbyService.ts
+++ b/src/server/MasterLobbyService.ts
@@ -135,12 +135,13 @@ export class MasterLobbyService {
 
     for (const type of Object.keys(lobbiesByType) as PublicGameType[]) {
       const lobbies = lobbiesByType[type];
-      if (lobbies.length >= 2) {
-        continue;
-      }
+
+      // Always ensure the next lobby has a timer, even if we already have 2+
+      // lobbies. This prevents a race where two lobbies are created before
+      // either receives a startsAt (IPC round-trip delay), leaving both stuck
+      // without a countdown.
       const nextLobby = lobbies[0];
       if (nextLobby && nextLobby.startsAt === undefined) {
-        // The previous game has started, so we need to set the timer on the next game.
         this.sendMessageToWorker({
           type: "updateLobby",
           gameID: nextLobby.gameID,
@@ -148,6 +149,10 @@ export class MasterLobbyService {
         });
       }
 
+      if (lobbies.length >= 2) {
+        continue;
+      }
+
       this.sendMessageToWorker({
         type: "createGame",
         gameID: generateID(),