diff --git a/games/backgammon/common_source/save.c b/games/backgammon/common_source/save.c
index b25e19494dc..61cdd8ec7ac 100644
--- a/games/backgammon/common_source/save.c
+++ b/games/backgammon/common_source/save.c
@@ -87,6 +87,7 @@ register int	n;
 			writec (*fs++);
 		}
 		*fs = '\0';
+		setreuid(geteuid(), getuid());
 		if ((fdesc = open(fname,2)) == -1 && errno == 2)  {
 			if ((fdesc = creat (fname,0700)) != -1)
 			break;
@@ -129,6 +130,7 @@ register int	n;
 	write (fdesc,&gvalue,sizeof gvalue);
 	write (fdesc,&raflag,sizeof raflag);
 	close (fdesc);
+	setreuid(geteuid(), getuid());
 	if (tflag)
 		curmove (18,0);
 	writel (saved);