diff --git a/src/or/dirserv.c b/src/or/dirserv.c
index e055c1cc9b..1ff17150eb 100644
--- a/src/or/dirserv.c
+++ b/src/or/dirserv.c
@@ -563,12 +563,12 @@ _compare_tor_version_str_ptr(const void **_a, const void **_b)
   ca = tor_version_parse(a, &va);
   cb = tor_version_parse(b, &vb);
   /* If they both parse, compare them. */
-  if (ca && cb)
+  if (!ca && !cb)
     return tor_version_compare(&va,&vb);
   /* If one parses, it comes first. */
-  if (ca && !cb)
-    return -1;
   if (!ca && cb)
+    return -1;
+  if (ca && !cb)
     return 1;
   /* If neiher parses, compare strings.  Also, the directory server admin needs
   ** to be smacked upside the head.  But Tor is tolerant and gentle. */