diff --git a/cli/commands/play.go b/cli/commands/play.go
index ea7f1d3..b89aadc 100644
--- a/cli/commands/play.go
+++ b/cli/commands/play.go
@@ -392,7 +392,7 @@ func convertRulesSnake(snake rules.Snake, snakeState SnakeState) client.Snake {
 }
 
 func convertRulesSnakes(snakes []rules.Snake, snakeStates map[string]SnakeState) []client.Snake {
-	var a []client.Snake
+	a := make([]client.Snake, 0)
 	for _, snake := range snakes {
 		if snake.EliminatedCause == rules.NotEliminated {
 			a = append(a, convertRulesSnake(snake, snakeStates[snake.ID]))