diff --git a/src/options.c b/src/options.c
index e9071996a..c1e946ade 100644
--- a/src/options.c
+++ b/src/options.c
@@ -106,7 +106,11 @@ static struct Bool_Opt {
 #endif
     { "clicklook", &iflags.clicklook, FALSE, SET_IN_GAME },
     { "cmdassist", &iflags.cmdassist, TRUE, SET_IN_GAME },
+#if defined(MICRO) || defined(WIN32) || defined(CURSES_GRAPHICS)
     { "color", &iflags.wc_color, TRUE, SET_IN_GAME }, /* on/off: use WC or not */
+#else /* systems that support multiple terminals, many monochrome */
+    { "color", &iflags.wc_color, FALSE, SET_IN_GAME },
+#endif
     { "confirm", &flags.confirm, TRUE, SET_IN_GAME },
     { "dark_room", &flags.dark_room, TRUE, SET_IN_GAME },
     { "eight_bit_tty", &iflags.wc_eight_bit_input, FALSE, SET_IN_GAME }, /*WC*/