diff --git a/Themes/default/BGAnimations/ScreenGameplay go/default.lua b/Themes/default/BGAnimations/ScreenGameplay go/default.lua
index fd86e61752..e9b1a6b5e8 100644
--- a/Themes/default/BGAnimations/ScreenGameplay go/default.lua	
+++ b/Themes/default/BGAnimations/ScreenGameplay go/default.lua	
@@ -1,3 +1,8 @@
+if IsNetSMOnline() then
+	-- don't show "Ready" online; it will obscure the immediately-starting steps.
+	return Def.ActorFrame{}
+end
+
 return LoadActor("go") .. {
 	InitCommand=cmd(Center;draworder,105);
 	StartTransitioningCommand=cmd(zoom,1.3;diffusealpha,0;bounceend,0.25;zoom,1;diffusealpha,1;linear,0.15;glow,BoostColor(Color("Blue"),1.75);decelerate,0.3;glow,1,1,1,0;sleep,1-0.45;linear,0.25;diffusealpha,0;);
diff --git a/Themes/default/BGAnimations/ScreenGameplay ready/default.lua b/Themes/default/BGAnimations/ScreenGameplay ready/default.lua
index 319f417f2d..73c513579a 100644
--- a/Themes/default/BGAnimations/ScreenGameplay ready/default.lua	
+++ b/Themes/default/BGAnimations/ScreenGameplay ready/default.lua	
@@ -1,3 +1,8 @@
+if IsNetSMOnline() then
+	-- don't show "Ready" online; it will obscure the immediately-starting steps.
+	return Def.ActorFrame{}
+end
+
 return LoadActor("ready") .. {
 	InitCommand=cmd(Center;draworder,105);
 	StartTransitioningCommand=cmd(zoom,1.3;diffusealpha,0;bounceend,0.25;zoom,1;diffusealpha,1;linear,0.15;glow,BoostColor(Color("Orange"),1.75);decelerate,0.3;glow,1,1,1,0;sleep,1-0.45;linear,0.25;diffusealpha,0;);