why would you write if (x) ; else y; instead of if (!x) y;?

(ignore the horrible indentation, it’s 4 spaces then 1 tab then 4 spaces again)

@noisytoot where does this come from?

@fun dNetHack (but the original if (mtmp == u.usteed) ; else line is in NetHack 3.4.3, only the if (mtmp == u.urider) ; else part is new)