diff --git a/homemade.py b/homemade.py
index 01221be80..107689227 100644
--- a/homemade.py
+++ b/homemade.py
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
 
 import logging
 import random
+import time
 from enum import Enum
 from typing import Union, Any, override, cast
 
@@ -70,6 +71,10 @@ def search(self, board: chess.Board, time_limit: chess.engine.Limit, ponder: boo
         :return: The move to play.
         """
 
+        # Pause for a little so that any chat messages are processed before the start of the game.
+        if board.halfmove_clock == 0:
+            time.sleep(0.5)
+
         time_left, increment = (time_limit.white_clock, time_limit.white_inc) if board.turn == chess.WHITE else (
             time_limit.black_clock, time_limit.black_inc)
         if time_left is None or time_left > 10 or (increment is not None and increment >= 1):