diff --git a/tests/test_cards.py b/tests/test_cards.py
index 8621d1ebd..acbf7fcfe 100644
--- a/tests/test_cards.py
+++ b/tests/test_cards.py
@@ -74,6 +74,7 @@ def test_genrem():
     # if the template is changed to remove cards, they'll be removed
     t['qfmt'] = "{{Back}}"
     mm.save(m, templates=True)
+    d.remCards(d.emptyCids())
     assert len(f.cards()) == 1
     # if we add to the note, a card should be automatically generated
     f.load()