diff --git a/src/dokick.c b/src/dokick.c
index c9ff2e54f..8934b6c94 100644
--- a/src/dokick.c
+++ b/src/dokick.c
@@ -206,8 +206,8 @@ kick_monster(struct monst *mon, coordxy x, coordxy y)
             } else if (tmp > kickdieroll) {
                 You("kick %s.", mon_nam(mon));
                 sum = damageum(mon, uattk, specialdmg);
-                (void) passive(mon, uarmf, (boolean) (sum > 0),
-                               (sum != 2), AT_KICK, FALSE);
+                (void) passive(mon, uarmf, (sum != MM_MISS),
+                               !(sum & MM_DEF_DIED), AT_KICK, FALSE);
                 if ((sum & MM_DEF_DIED))
                     break; /* Defender died */
             } else {