diff --git a/pylib/anki/cards.py b/pylib/anki/cards.py
index 8a822a7f19b..dafc29145f5 100644
--- a/pylib/anki/cards.py
+++ b/pylib/anki/cards.py
@@ -172,10 +172,11 @@ def note_type(self) -> NotetypeDict:
 
     def template(self) -> TemplateDict:
         notetype = self.note_type()
+        templates = notetype["tmpls"]
         if notetype["type"] == MODEL_STD:
-            return self.note_type()["tmpls"][self.ord]
+            return templates[self.ord]
         else:
-            return self.note_type()["tmpls"][0]
+            return templates[0]
 
     def start_timer(self) -> None:
         self.timer_started = time.time()