diff --git a/main.go b/main.go
index cd3f2ac..e216f28 100644
--- a/main.go
+++ b/main.go
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ func joinPrivateGame(c *gin.Context) {
 		req.PlayerID != nil &&
 		req.LobbyID != nil { //is reconnect
 		lobby := u.FindExistingPrivateLobbyByID(utils.Passphrase(*req.Passphrase))
-		_, found := lobby.GetPlayerByUUID(*req.PlayerID)
+		_, found := lobby.GetPlayerByUUID(connectingPlayer.Uuid)
 		if found {
 			c.IndentedJSON(
 				http.StatusOK,
@@ -121,8 +121,6 @@ func joinPrivateGame(c *gin.Context) {
 		}
 	}
 
-	player = chess.NewPlayer(uuid.New())
-
 	mut.Lock()
 	defer mut.Unlock()
 	lobby := u.FindExistingPrivateLobbyByID(utils.Passphrase(*req.Passphrase))