diff --git a/src/Mono.cs b/src/Mono.cs
index a351a0d..2d43869 100644
--- a/src/Mono.cs
+++ b/src/Mono.cs
@@ -31,6 +31,7 @@ static class Mono
     public static DeltaBool in_box = new(true);
     public static Dictionary<XYZi, XYZi> holes = new();
     public static XYZi food = new(0, -1, 0); // [!] start random to keep new game fresh?
+    public static int eaten = 0;
     public static DeltaBool eaten_latch = new(false);
     public static double eat_timestamp = 0.0;
 
@@ -198,6 +199,7 @@ static class Mono
             {
                 eat_timestamp = Time.Total;
                 grow_buffer += 3;
+                eaten++;
 
                 VFX.Play(snake[0]);
                 SFX.crisp_nom.PlayBox(snake[0]);
diff --git a/src/Program.cs b/src/Program.cs
index 55d3eae..cf7af0f 100644
--- a/src/Program.cs
+++ b/src/Program.cs
@@ -64,7 +64,7 @@ class Program
                         Mono.Step();
                         Arts.Step();
 
-                        if (Mono.grow_buffer > 0)
+                        if (Mono.eaten > 0)
                         {
                             Mono.intro = false;
                         }