diff --git a/backend/bang/cards.py b/backend/bang/cards.py
index cac31ed..9e79994 100644
--- a/backend/bang/cards.py
+++ b/backend/bang/cards.py
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ class Prigione(Card):
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
         if (player.game.check_event(ce.IlGiudice)):
                 return False
-        if against != None and not isinstance(player.game.get_player_named(against).role, r.Sheriff):
+        if against is not None and not isinstance(player.game.get_player_named(against).role, r.Sheriff):
             self.can_be_used_now = False
             G.sio.emit('chat_message', room=player.game.name,
                           data=f'_play_card_against|{player.name}|{self.name}|{against}')
@@ -218,9 +218,9 @@ class Bang(Card):
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
         if player.game.check_event(ceh.Sermone) and not self.number == 42: # 42 gold rush
             return False
-        if ((player.has_played_bang and not self.number == 42) and (not any((isinstance(c, Volcanic) for c in player.equipment)) or player.game.check_event(ce.Lazo)) and against != None): # 42 gold rush:
+        if ((player.has_played_bang and not self.number == 42) and (not any((isinstance(c, Volcanic) for c in player.equipment)) or player.game.check_event(ce.Lazo)) and against is not None): # 42 gold rush:
             return False
-        elif against != None:
+        elif against is not None:
             import bang.characters as chars
             super().play_card(player, against=against)
             if not self.number == 42: # 42 gold rush
@@ -285,7 +285,7 @@ class CatBalou(Card):
         self.can_target_self = True
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
-        if against != None and (len(player.game.get_player_named(against).hand) + len(player.game.get_player_named(against).equipment)) > 0 and (player.name != against or len(player.equipment) > 0):
+        if against is not None and (len(player.game.get_player_named(against).hand) + len(player.game.get_player_named(against).equipment)) > 0 and (player.name != against or len(player.equipment) > 0):
             if self.name == 'Cat Balou':
                 super().play_card(player, against=against)
             from bang.players import PendingAction
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ class Duello(Card):
         # self.desc_eng = "Play this card against any player. In turn, starting with your opponent, you can discard a Bang! Card, the first player who does not do so loses 1 life."
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
-        if against != None:
+        if against is not None:
             super().play_card(player, against=against)
             player.game.duel(player, against)
             return True
@@ -378,7 +378,7 @@ class Mancato(Card):
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
         import bang.characters as chars
-        if against != None and player.character.check(player.game, chars.CalamityJanet):
+        if against is not None and player.character.check(player.game, chars.CalamityJanet):
             if player.has_played_bang and (not any((isinstance(c, Volcanic) for c in player.equipment)) or player.game.check_event(ce.Lazo)):
                 return False
             if player.game.check_event(ceh.Sermone):
@@ -402,7 +402,7 @@ class Panico(Card):
         # self.desc_eng = "Steal a card from a player at distance 1"
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
-        if against != None and (len(player.game.get_player_named(against).hand) + len(player.game.get_player_named(against).equipment)) > 0 and (player.name != against or len(player.equipment) > 0):
+        if against is not None and (len(player.game.get_player_named(against).hand) + len(player.game.get_player_named(against).equipment)) > 0 and (player.name != against or len(player.equipment) > 0):
             super().play_card(player, against=against)
             from bang.players import PendingAction
             player.pending_action = PendingAction.CHOOSE
diff --git a/backend/bang/deck.py b/backend/bang/deck.py
index cb138e1..36b4bab 100644
--- a/backend/bang/deck.py
+++ b/backend/bang/deck.py
@@ -52,10 +52,10 @@ class Deck:
         self.game.notify_event_card()
 
     def fill_gold_rush_shop(self):
-        if not any((c == None for c in self.shop_cards)):
+        if not any((c is None for c in self.shop_cards)):
             return
         for i in range(3):
-            if self.shop_cards[i] == None:
+            if self.shop_cards[i] is None:
                 print(f'replacing gr-card {i}')
                 self.shop_cards[i] = self.shop_deck.pop(0)
                 self.shop_cards[i].reset_card()
diff --git a/backend/bang/expansions/dodge_city/cards.py b/backend/bang/expansions/dodge_city/cards.py
index 2cd0ee2..97f32dc 100644
--- a/backend/bang/expansions/dodge_city/cards.py
+++ b/backend/bang/expansions/dodge_city/cards.py
@@ -24,7 +24,7 @@ class Pugno(Card):
         self.need_target = True
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
-        if against != None:
+        if against is not None:
             super().play_card(player, against=against)
             player.game.attack(player, against, card_name=self.name)
             return True
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ class RagTime(Panico):
         self.alt_text = '2🃏 | 👤😱'
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with):
-        if against != None and _with != None:
+        if against is not None and _with is not None:
             player.game.deck.scrap(_with)
             super().play_card(player, against=against)
             return True
@@ -75,7 +75,7 @@ class Rissa(CatBalou):
         self.alt_text = '2🃏 | 👤💃'
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with):
-        if _with != None:
+        if _with is not None:
             if not any((p != player and (len(p.hand)+len(p.equipment)) > 0 for p in player.game.players)):
                 return False
             #se sono qui vuol dire che ci sono giocatori con carte in mano oltre a me
@@ -104,7 +104,7 @@ class SpringField(Card):
         self.alt_text = '2🃏 | 👤💥'
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
-        if against != None and _with != None:
+        if against is not None and _with is not None:
             player.game.deck.scrap(_with)
             super().play_card(player, against=against)
             player.game.attack(player, against, card_name=self.name)
@@ -123,7 +123,7 @@ class Tequila(Card):
         self.alt_text = "2🃏 | 👤🍺"
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
-        if against != None and _with != None:
+        if against is not None and _with is not None:
             G.sio.emit('chat_message', room=player.game.name, data=f'_play_card_for|{player.name}|{self.name}|{against}')
             player.game.deck.scrap(_with)
             player.game.get_player_named(against).lives = min(player.game.get_player_named(against).lives+1, player.game.get_player_named(against).max_lives)
@@ -141,7 +141,7 @@ class Whisky(Card):
         self.alt_text = '2🃏 | 🍺🍺'
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
-        if _with != None:
+        if _with is not None:
             super().play_card(player, against=against)
             player.game.deck.scrap(_with)
             player.lives = min(player.lives+2, player.max_lives)
@@ -366,7 +366,7 @@ class Pepperbox(Bang):
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
         if self.can_be_used_now:
-            if against != None:
+            if against is not None:
                 Card.play_card(self, player, against=against)
                 player.game.attack(player, against, card_name=self.name)
                 return True
@@ -391,7 +391,7 @@ class FucileDaCaccia(Card):
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
         if self.can_be_used_now:
-            if against != None:
+            if against is not None:
                 super().play_card(player, against=against)
                 player.game.attack(player, against, card_name=self.name)
                 return True
diff --git a/backend/bang/expansions/the_valley_of_shadows/cards.py b/backend/bang/expansions/the_valley_of_shadows/cards.py
index d366a41..85e4009 100644
--- a/backend/bang/expansions/the_valley_of_shadows/cards.py
+++ b/backend/bang/expansions/the_valley_of_shadows/cards.py
@@ -45,7 +45,7 @@ class SerpenteASonagli(Card):
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
         if (player.game.check_event(ce.IlGiudice)) or not self.can_be_used_now:
             return False
-        if against != None:
+        if against is not None:
             self.can_be_used_now = False
             G.sio.emit('chat_message', room=player.game.name,
                           data=f'_play_card_against|{player.name}|{self.name}|{against}')
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ class Taglia(Card):
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
         if (player.game.check_event(ce.IlGiudice)) or not self.can_be_used_now:
             return False
-        if against != None:
+        if against is not None:
             self.can_be_used_now = False
             G.sio.emit('chat_message', room=player.game.name,
                           data=f'_play_card_against|{player.name}|{self.name}|{against}')
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ class Tomahawk(Card):
         self.need_target = True
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
-        if against != None and player.game.can_card_reach(self, player, against):
+        if against is not None and player.game.can_card_reach(self, player, against):
             super().play_card(player, against=against)
             player.game.attack(player, against, card_name=self.name)
             return True
@@ -125,7 +125,7 @@ class Sventagliata(Bang): # : conta come un normale BANG! del turno. Il BANG! se
         self.need_target = True
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
-        if against != None:
+        if against is not None:
             t = player.game.get_player_named(against)
             player.available_cards = [dict(p, **{'original_target':against}) for p in player.game.get_visible_players(t) if p['name'] != player.name and p['name'] != t.name and p['dist']]
             if len(player.available_cards) > 0:
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ class Salvo(Card): # puoi anche prevenire un danno inferto da te, duello?
         self.need_target = True
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
-        if against != None:
+        if against is not None:
             #TODO
             # super().play_card(player, against=against)
             # player.game.attack(player, against, card_name=self.name)
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ class Mira(Card):
         self.need_with = True
 
     def play_card(self, player, against, _with=None):
-        if against != None:
+        if against is not None:
             #TODO
             # super().play_card(player, against=against)
             # player.game.attack(player, against, card_name=self.name)
diff --git a/backend/bang/game.py b/backend/bang/game.py
index f12705b..817f8b1 100644
--- a/backend/bang/game.py
+++ b/backend/bang/game.py
@@ -145,7 +145,7 @@ class Game:
                 continue
             player = [p for p in self.players if p.name == cmd[0]][0]
             if cmd[1] == 'set_character':
-                if player.character != None and isinstance(player.real_character, chd.VeraCuster):
+                if player.character is not None and isinstance(player.real_character, chd.VeraCuster):
                     player.set_available_character([p.character for p in self.get_alive_players() if p != player])
                 player.set_character(cmd[2])
             if cmd[1] == 'draw':
@@ -184,11 +184,11 @@ class Game:
             
 
     def notify_room(self, sid=None):
-        if any((p.character == None for p in self.players)) or sid:
+        if any((p.character is None for p in self.players)) or sid:
             G.sio.emit('room', room=self.name if not sid else sid, data={
                 'name': self.name,
                 'started': self.started,
-                'players': [{'name':p.name, 'ready': p.character != None, 'is_bot': p.is_bot, 'avatar': p.avatar} for p in self.players],
+                'players': [{'name':p.name, 'ready': p.character is not None, 'is_bot': p.is_bot, 'avatar': p.avatar} for p in self.players],
                 'password': self.password,
                 'is_competitive': self.is_competitive,
                 'disconnect_bot': self.disconnect_bot,
@@ -255,7 +255,7 @@ class Game:
 
     def notify_character_selection(self):
         self.notify_room()
-        if not any((p.character == None for p in self.players)):
+        if not any((p.character is None for p in self.players)):
             for i in range(len(self.players)):
                 print(self.name, self.players[i].name, self.players[i].character)
                 G.sio.emit('chat_message', room=self.name, data=f'_choose_character|{self.players[i].name}|{self.players[i].character.name}')
@@ -282,7 +282,7 @@ class Game:
         if self.started:
             return
         print(f'{self.name}: GAME IS STARING')
-        if SEED == None:
+        if SEED is None:
             import time
             SEED = int(time.time())
         print(f'{self.name}: SEED IS {SEED}')
@@ -582,7 +582,7 @@ class Game:
         self.player_bangs = 0
         if isinstance(self.players[self.turn].role, roles.Sheriff) or ((self.initial_players == 3 and isinstance(self.players[self.turn].role, roles.Vice) and not self.players[self.turn].is_ghost)  or (self.initial_players == 3 and any((p for p in self.players if p.is_dead and p.role.name == 'Vice')) and isinstance(self.players[self.turn].role, roles.Renegade))):
             self.deck.flip_event()
-            if len(self.deck.event_cards) > 0 and self.deck.event_cards[0] != None:
+            if len(self.deck.event_cards) > 0 and self.deck.event_cards[0] is not None:
                 print(f'{self.name}: flip new event {self.deck.event_cards[0].name}')
                 G.sio.emit('chat_message', room=self.name, data={'color': f'orange','text':f'_flip_event|{self.deck.event_cards[0].name}'})
             if self.check_event(ce.DeadMan):
@@ -640,21 +640,21 @@ class Game:
 
     def notify_event_card(self, sid=None):
         if len(self.deck.event_cards) > 0:
-            room = self.name if sid == None else sid
-            if self.deck.event_cards[0] != None:
+            room = self.name if sid is None else sid
+            if self.deck.event_cards[0] is not None:
                 G.sio.emit('event_card', room=room, data=self.deck.event_cards[0].__dict__)
             else:
                 G.sio.emit('event_card', room=room, data=None)
 
     def notify_gold_rush_shop(self, sid=None):
         if 'gold_rush' in self.expansions and self.deck and self.deck.shop_cards and len(self.deck.shop_cards) > 0:
-            room = self.name if sid == None else sid
+            room = self.name if sid is None else sid
             print(f'{self.name}: gold_rush_shop room={room}, data={self.deck.shop_cards}')
             G.sio.emit('gold_rush_shop', room=room, data=json.dumps(self.deck.shop_cards, default=lambda o: o.__dict__))
 
     def notify_scrap_pile(self, sid=None):
         print(f'{self.name}: scrap')
-        room = self.name if sid == None else sid
+        room = self.name if sid is None else sid
         if self.deck.peek_scrap_pile():
             G.sio.emit('scrap', room=room, data=self.deck.peek_scrap_pile().__dict__)
         else:
@@ -767,7 +767,7 @@ class Game:
             attacker_role = None
             if player.attacker and player.attacker in self.players:
                 attacker_role = player.attacker.role
-            winners = [p for p in self.players if p.role != None and p.role.on_player_death([p for p in self.get_alive_players() if not p.is_ghost], initial_players=self.initial_players, dead_role=player.role, attacker_role=attacker_role)]
+            winners = [p for p in self.players if p.role is not None and p.role.on_player_death([p for p in self.get_alive_players() if not p.is_ghost], initial_players=self.initial_players, dead_role=player.role, attacker_role=attacker_role)]
             if not self.attack_in_progress and len(winners) > 0 and not self.someone_won:
                 return self.announces_winners(winners)
             elif len(winners) > 0 and not self.someone_won: # non tutti hanno risposto, ma ci sono vincitori.
@@ -826,7 +826,7 @@ class Game:
             self.next_turn()
 
     def check_event(self, ev):
-        if self.deck == None or len(self.deck.event_cards) == 0: return False
+        if self.deck is None or len(self.deck.event_cards) == 0: return False
         return isinstance(self.deck.event_cards[0], ev)
 
     def get_visible_players(self, player: pl.Player): # returns a dictionary because we need to add the distance
diff --git a/backend/bang/players.py b/backend/bang/players.py
index b50222b..21a651b 100644
--- a/backend/bang/players.py
+++ b/backend/bang/players.py
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ class Player:
         if r.status_code == 200:
             res = r.json()
             print(res)
-            if res["avatar"] == None:
+            if res["avatar"] is None:
                 self.avatar = robot_pictures[randrange(len(robot_pictures))]
             else:
                 self.avatar = f'https://cdn.discordapp.com/avatars/{res["id"]}/{res["avatar"]}.png'
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ class Player:
 
     def set_character(self, character: str):
         print(self.available_characters, character)
-        if self.character == None:
+        if self.character is None:
             try:
                 self.character = next(x for x in self.available_characters if x.name == character)
             except:
@@ -300,14 +300,14 @@ class Player:
         G.sio.emit('self', room=self.sid, data=json.dumps(ser, default=lambda o: o.__dict__))
 
     def bot_spin(self):
-        while self.is_bot and self.game != None and not self.game.shutting_down:
+        while self.is_bot and self.game is not None and not self.game.shutting_down:
             G.sio.sleep(max(0.2, uniform(self.game.bot_speed/2-0.1, self.game.bot_speed)))
             if self.lives > 0 or self.is_ghost:
                 self.bot_logic()
 
     def bot_logic(self):
-        if self.game == None or self.game.shutting_down: return
-        if self.pending_action != None and self.pending_action != PendingAction.WAIT:
+        if self.game is None or self.game.shutting_down: return
+        if self.pending_action is not None and self.pending_action != PendingAction.WAIT:
             # eventlet.sleep(uniform(self.game.bot_speed/2-0.1, self.game.bot_speed))
             pass
         else:
@@ -480,7 +480,7 @@ class Player:
             self.choose_text = 'choose_fratelli_di_sangue'
             self.pending_action = PendingAction.CHOOSE
             self.is_giving_life = True
-        elif self.game.check_event(ceh.NuovaIdentita) and self.not_chosen_character != None and not again:
+        elif self.game.check_event(ceh.NuovaIdentita) and self.not_chosen_character is not None and not again:
             self.available_cards = [self.character, self.not_chosen_character]
             self.choose_text = 'choose_nuova_identita'
             self.pending_action = PendingAction.CHOOSE
@@ -595,7 +595,7 @@ class Player:
         pickable_cards = 1 + self.character.pick_mod
         if any((isinstance(c, grc.FerroDiCavallo) for c in self.gold_rush_equipment)):
             pickable_cards += 1
-        if self.is_my_turn and self.attacker == None:
+        if self.is_my_turn and self.attacker is None:
             for i in range(len(self.equipment)):
                 if i < len(self.equipment) and isinstance(self.equipment[i], cs.Dinamite):
                     while pickable_cards > 0:
@@ -708,12 +708,12 @@ class Player:
             return card.play_card(self)
         card: cs.Card = self.hand.pop(hand_index) if hand_index < len(self.hand) else self.equipment.pop(hand_index-len(self.hand))
         withCard: cs.Card = None
-        if _with != None:
+        if _with is not None:
             withCard = self.hand.pop(_with) if hand_index > _with else self.hand.pop(_with - 1)
         print(self.name, 'is playing ', card, ' against:', against, ' with:', _with)
         did_play_card = False
         event_blocks_card = (self.game.check_event(ce.IlGiudice) and (card.is_equipment or (card.usable_next_turn and not card.can_be_used_now))) or (self.game.check_event(ce.Lazo) and card.usable_next_turn and card.can_be_used_now) or ((self.game.check_event(ceh.Manette) and card.suit != self.committed_suit_manette) and not (card.usable_next_turn and card.can_be_used_now))
-        if not(against != None and (self.game.get_player_named(against).character.check(self.game, chd.ApacheKid) or any((isinstance(c, grc.Calumet) for c in self.game.get_player_named(against).gold_rush_equipment))) and card.check_suit(self.game, [cs.Suit.DIAMONDS])) or (isinstance(card, grc.ShopCard) and card.kind == grc.ShopCardKind.BLACK) and not event_blocks_card:
+        if not(against is not None and (self.game.get_player_named(against).character.check(self.game, chd.ApacheKid) or any((isinstance(c, grc.Calumet) for c in self.game.get_player_named(against).gold_rush_equipment))) and card.check_suit(self.game, [cs.Suit.DIAMONDS])) or (isinstance(card, grc.ShopCard) and card.kind == grc.ShopCardKind.BLACK) and not event_blocks_card:
             if (against == self.name and not isinstance(card, csd.Tequila) and not isinstance(card, cs.Panico) and not isinstance(card, cs.CatBalou)) or event_blocks_card:
                 did_play_card = False
             else:
@@ -1119,7 +1119,7 @@ class Player:
         self.attacking_card = card_name
         print(f'attacker -> {attacker}')
         self.mancato_needed = 1 if not double else 2
-        if card_index != None:
+        if card_index is not None:
             self.dmg_card_index = card_index
         else:
             self.dmg_card_index = -1
@@ -1260,7 +1260,7 @@ class Player:
         self.attacker = None
 
     def take_no_damage_response(self):
-        if self.dmg_card_index != None and self.dmg_card_index != -1 and self.game.check_event(ce.Rimbalzo):
+        if self.dmg_card_index is not None and self.dmg_card_index != -1 and self.game.check_event(ce.Rimbalzo):
             self.game.deck.scrap(self.equipment.pop(self.dmg_card_index))
         self.dmg_card_index = -1
         self.mancato_needed = 0
diff --git a/backend/bang/roles.py b/backend/bang/roles.py
index 9032e40..37714d3 100644
--- a/backend/bang/roles.py
+++ b/backend/bang/roles.py
@@ -40,7 +40,7 @@ class Vice(Role):
     def on_player_death(self, alive_players: list, initial_players: int, dead_role=None, attacker_role=None):
         if initial_players == 3 and len(alive_players) == 1:
             return True
-        elif initial_players == 3 and attacker_role != None:
+        elif initial_players == 3 and attacker_role is not None:
             return isinstance(dead_role, Renegade) and isinstance(attacker_role, Vice)
         elif initial_players != 3 and not any((isinstance(p.role, Outlaw) or isinstance(p.role, Renegade) for p in alive_players)):
             print("The Vice won!")
@@ -60,7 +60,7 @@ class Outlaw(Role):
     def on_player_death(self, alive_players: list, initial_players: int, dead_role=None, attacker_role=None):
         if initial_players == 3 and len(alive_players) == 1:
             return True
-        elif initial_players == 3 and attacker_role != None:
+        elif initial_players == 3 and attacker_role is not None:
             return isinstance(dead_role, Vice) and isinstance(attacker_role, Outlaw)
         elif (initial_players != 3 and (not any((isinstance(p.role, Sheriff) for p in alive_players)))
             and (any((isinstance(p.role, Outlaw) for p in alive_players))
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ class Renegade(Role):
     def on_player_death(self, alive_players: list, initial_players: int, dead_role=None, attacker_role=None):
         if initial_players == 3 and len(alive_players) == 1:
             return True
-        elif initial_players == 3 and attacker_role != None:
+        elif initial_players == 3 and attacker_role is not None:
             return isinstance(dead_role, Outlaw) and isinstance(attacker_role, Renegade)
         elif initial_players != 3 and len(alive_players) == 1 and isinstance(alive_players[0].role, Renegade):
             print("The Renegade won!")
diff --git a/backend/server.py b/backend/server.py
index 6543643..f3b6d60 100644
--- a/backend/server.py
+++ b/backend/server.py
@@ -127,7 +127,7 @@ def set_username(sid, username):
         sio.save_session(sid, Player(username["name"], sid, discord_token=dt))
         print(f'{sid} is now {username}')
         advertise_lobbies()
-    elif ses.game == None or not ses.game.started:
+    elif ses.game is None or not ses.game.started:
         username = username["name"]
         print(f'{sid} changed username to {username}')
         prev = ses.name
@@ -149,7 +149,7 @@ def get_me(sid, data):
     else:
         dt = data["discord_token"] if 'discord_token' in data else None
         sio.save_session(sid, Player('player', sid, discord_token=dt))
-        if 'replay' in data and data['replay'] != None:
+        if 'replay' in data and data['replay'] is not None:
             create_room(sid, data['replay'])
             sid = sio.get_session(sid)
             sid.game.is_hidden = True
@@ -170,9 +170,9 @@ def get_me(sid, data):
                 join_room(sid, data)
             elif room.started:
                 print('room exists')
-                if data['username'] != None and any((p.name == data['username'] for p in room.players if (p.is_bot or (dt != None and p.discord_token == dt) or p.sid == None))):
+                if data['username'] is not None and any((p.name == data['username'] for p in room.players if (p.is_bot or (dt is not None and p.discord_token == dt) or p.sid is None))):
                     print('getting inside the bot')
-                    bot = [p for p in room.players if (p.is_bot or (dt != None and p.discord_token == dt) or p.sid == None) and p.name == data['username']][0]
+                    bot = [p for p in room.players if (p.is_bot or (dt is not None and p.discord_token == dt) or p.sid is None) and p.name == data['username']][0]
                     bot.sid = sid
                     bot.is_bot = False
                     sio.enter_room(sid, room.name)
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ def get_me(sid, data):
             sio.emit('me', data={'error':'Wrong password/Cannot connect'}, room=sid)
         else:
             sio.emit('me', data=p.name, room=sid)
-            if data['username'] == None or any((pl.name == data['username'] for pl in p.game.players if not ((dt != None and pl.discord_token == dt) or pl.sid == None))):
+            if data['username'] is None or any((pl.name == data['username'] for pl in p.game.players if not ((dt is not None and pl.discord_token == dt) or pl.sid is None))):
                 sio.emit('change_username', room=sid)
             else:
                 sio.emit('chat_message', room=p.game.name, data=f"_change_username|{p.name}|{data['username']}")
diff --git a/backend/tests/deck_test.py b/backend/tests/deck_test.py
index b89fec8..e95125c 100644
--- a/backend/tests/deck_test.py
+++ b/backend/tests/deck_test.py
@@ -6,7 +6,7 @@ def test_card_flip():
     g = Game('test')
     g.deck = Deck(g)
     l = len(g.deck.cards)
-    assert g.deck.pick_and_scrap() != None
+    assert g.deck.pick_and_scrap() is not None
     assert len(g.deck.cards) == l - 1
     assert len(g.deck.scrap_pile) == 1
 
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ def test_draw():
     g = Game('test')
     g.deck = Deck(g)
     l = len(g.deck.cards)
-    assert g.deck.draw(True) != None
+    assert g.deck.draw(True) is not None
     assert len(g.deck.cards) == l - 1
     assert len(g.deck.scrap_pile) == 0
 
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ def test_reshuffle():
     g.deck = Deck(g)
     l = len(g.deck.cards)
     for i in range(80):
-        assert g.deck.pick_and_scrap() != None
+        assert g.deck.pick_and_scrap() is not None
     assert len(g.deck.cards) == 79
     assert len(g.deck.scrap_pile) == 1
 
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ def test_draw_from_scrap():
     g = Game('test')
     g.deck = Deck(g)
     l = len(g.deck.cards)
-    assert g.deck.pick_and_scrap() != None
-    assert g.deck.draw_from_scrap_pile() != None
+    assert g.deck.pick_and_scrap() is not None
+    assert g.deck.draw_from_scrap_pile() is not None
     assert len(g.deck.cards) == 79
     assert len(g.deck.scrap_pile) == 0
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/backend/tests/game_test.py b/backend/tests/game_test.py
index fcb4ec6..c9cf45e 100644
--- a/backend/tests/game_test.py
+++ b/backend/tests/game_test.py
@@ -14,24 +14,24 @@ def test_game_start():
     g.add_player(p2)
     p3 = Player('p3', 'p3')
     g.add_player(p3)
-    assert p1.role == None
-    assert p2.role == None
-    assert p3.role == None
+    assert p1.role is None
+    assert p2.role is None
+    assert p3.role is None
     assert not g.started
     g.start_game()
     assert g.started
-    assert p1.role != None
-    assert p2.role != None
-    assert p3.role != None
+    assert p1.role is not None
+    assert p2.role is not None
+    assert p3.role is not None
     assert len(p1.available_characters) == g.characters_to_distribute
     assert len(p2.available_characters) == g.characters_to_distribute
     assert len(p3.available_characters) == g.characters_to_distribute
     p1.set_character(p1.available_characters[0].name)
-    assert p1.character != None
+    assert p1.character is not None
     p2.set_character(p2.available_characters[0].name)
-    assert p2.character != None
+    assert p2.character is not None
     p3.set_character(p3.available_characters[0].name)
-    assert p3.character != None
+    assert p3.character is not None
     assert g.players[g.turn].pending_action == PendingAction.DRAW
 
 # test that dodge_city is added to games with more than 8 players