diff --git a/classes/deck/deck_holder.gd b/classes/deck/deck_holder.gd
index 132d3eb..797b092 100644
--- a/classes/deck/deck_holder.gd
+++ b/classes/deck/deck_holder.gd
@@ -92,9 +92,16 @@ static func get_group_instance(group_id: String, instance_id: String) -> Deck:
 
 
 static func close_group_instance(group_id: String, instance_id: String) -> void:
+	# this is kinda dumb, but to close groups that may be dangling
+	# when all instances are closed, we have to get that list
+	# *before* we close the instance
+	var dangling_groups := get_deck(group_id).get_referenced_groups()
+	
 	var group_instances: Dictionary = decks.get(group_id, {}) as Dictionary
 	group_instances.erase(instance_id)
 	if group_instances.is_empty():
+		for group in dangling_groups:
+			close_all_group_instances(group)
 		decks.erase(group_id)