diff --git a/pylib/anki/decks.py b/pylib/anki/decks.py
index 18796f713..0ae47b9c9 100644
--- a/pylib/anki/decks.py
+++ b/pylib/anki/decks.py
@@ -340,6 +340,9 @@ class DeckManager:
         if "conf" in deck:
             dcid = int(deck["conf"])  # may be a string
             conf = self.get_config(dcid)
+            if not conf:
+                # fall back on default
+                conf = self.get_config(1)
             conf["dyn"] = False
             return conf
         # dynamic decks have embedded conf