chore(release): 4.48.5 [skip ci]

## [4.48.5](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.48.4...v4.48.5) (2025-10-20) ### Bug Fixes * **homepage:** add dark gradient overlay for better text contrast on game cards ([6410b21](6410b21f82))
fix(homepage): add dark gradient overlay for better text contrast on game cards
2025-10-20 22:03:34 +00:00 · 2025-10-20 17:02:24 -05:00 · 2025-10-20 21:49:42 +00:00 · 2025-10-20 16:48:35 -05:00 · 2025-10-20 21:41:12 +00:00 · 2025-10-20 16:39:56 -05:00
14 changed files with 2870 additions and 804 deletions
--- a/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -1,3 +1,354 @@
+## [4.48.5](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.48.4...v4.48.5) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **homepage:** add dark gradient overlay for better text contrast on game cards ([6410b21](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/6410b21f829810af27e42d188295630bd67d6b6b))
+
+## [4.48.4](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.48.3...v4.48.4) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **homepage:** improve text contrast on game cards with text shadows ([b6410c7](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/b6410c7c225f01f42d095ca270b8da7903cbfbb0))
+
+## [4.48.3](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.48.2...v4.48.3) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **homepage:** display gradient backgrounds on all game cards ([c6dc210](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/c6dc210bf8e3a5b4d7d6e53f2a7427d335c65322))
+
+
+### Documentation
+
+* **z-index:** add comprehensive z-index and stacking context documentation ([c89aea7](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/c89aea744478696b6f812fe53311a2dba210540f))
+
+## [4.48.2](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.48.1...v4.48.2) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **nav:** ensure nav bar appears above tutorial tooltips ([cc31564](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/cc315645de30218d1b034da3e130458fe2961a69))
+
+
+### Styles
+
+* **hero:** unify background with rest of homepage ([035d831](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/035d8312c707cbf5b0e2a725d7b1d8ff406f842d))
+
+## [4.48.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.48.0...v4.48.1) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **hero:** prevent SSR hydration mismatch for subtitle ([1bfde8f](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/1bfde8fb251b227ccd2528bfe1c47acffd79fa49))
+
+## [4.48.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.47.2...v4.48.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **hero:** persist random subtitle per-session ([318f946](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/318f9469a0805c200c55ce4024a95fd7b8dbe6a2))
+
+## [4.47.2](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.47.1...v4.47.2) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **nav:** prevent thrashing by using fixed position always ([eff44b3](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/eff44b3ad1ea0535c6965ad58012f9275cb143ec))
+* **nav:** remove unnecessary borders from transparent nav ([8c2ddca](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/8c2ddca28dbdd7743227eed4d19a9a8f662a72b5))
+
+## [4.47.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.47.0...v4.47.1) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **hero:** prevent nav thrashing with hysteresis ([71b1b93](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/71b1b933b598c0a6a8aef1bc9f8c598c1871b2eb))
+
+## [4.47.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.46.2...v4.47.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **nav:** add transparent nav bar with borders when hero visible ([463841e](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/463841e1910f4ddb9af662f036e4efb867836a83))
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **hero:** use Number.isNaN instead of global isNaN ([c229faf](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/c229faffac525f3eebeb12155cb5ca4dff744472))
+
+
+### Styles
+
+* **hero-abacus:** add purple bead colors for dark theme ([721dfe4](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/721dfe426db4fe259f6cdeac587d008339df769b))
+* **hero:** adjust spacing between title, subtitle, and abacus ([3a3706c](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/3a3706cc6fb694c7762f065f4ab4996bb8608dc4))
+
+## [4.46.2](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.46.1...v4.46.2) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **types:** properly type HomeHeroContext in AppNavBar ([f9a7cb7](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/f9a7cb7f05dfddf291d89212a77ba1c11c00c9c7))
+
+## [4.46.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.46.0...v4.46.1) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **hero-abacus:** restructure layout to prevent visual overlap ([02b6c70](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/02b6c70b7a52f7de2954e5e0efddbed64d419d6c))
+
+## [4.46.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.45.0...v4.46.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **homepage:** add full-page hero abacus with scroll-based nav transition ([d8ec642](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/d8ec64280ec0c2f44f2fd9c72a93a882481f650b))
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **homepage:** improve hero abacus sizing and layout ([230f1dc](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/230f1dcd866e5b3625e19f7400f5eae478fe7d0c))
+
+
+### Styles
+
+* **hero-abacus:** apply dark theme to match homepage styling ([e0b6a2e](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/e0b6a2e88b3ebbaae41ed54f23f9e514604d2262))
+
+## [4.45.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.44.3...v4.45.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **branding:** rebrand navigation from 'Soroban Generator' to 'Abaci One' ([cce8980](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/cce8980e177da1b3c344e46561d928ed98b86f6c))
+
+## [4.44.3](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.44.2...v4.44.3) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** reduce operator box sizes and remove divider line ([29d20a6](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/29d20a6c0741e7427f2bb64bc9c3e950b1a3238a))
+* **levels:** use uniform padding on operator box grid ([2818fd1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/2818fd15cacac78de6d86ba769b9b2a02800ed1e))
+
+## [4.44.2](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.44.1...v4.44.2) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** match top/bottom margins to left padding on kyu detail boxes ([aa0bdcf](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/aa0bdcf686adcbfd1a145cf67121181d1f1194d9))
+
+## [4.44.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.44.0...v4.44.1) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** add fixed dimensions and margins to kyu detail boxes ([05dd0b3](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/05dd0b30d3c397b82b7b7cc93a5ea575f3aada6d))
+
+## [4.44.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.43.2...v4.44.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **levels:** redesign kyu details with larger operators and prominent digits ([6739d59](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/6739d59f2b6189a98570e23e04c20d86d774ccce))
+
+## [4.43.2](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.43.1...v4.43.2) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Code Refactoring
+
+* **levels:** remove Time and Pass sections from kyu details ([d90b5d5](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/d90b5d55322e75dd28b95376614663a506c829d4))
+
+## [4.43.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.43.0...v4.43.1) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** use two-column grid for kyu details to prevent clipping ([fa3b73c](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/fa3b73c69169b4694201ffa19ae3f8b5a68dfe32))
+
+## [4.43.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.42.1...v4.43.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **levels:** add structured kyu exam details with card UI ([6501b07](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/6501b073b100a00982cff1ca3140921e74f31a9c))
+
+## [4.42.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.42.0...v4.42.1) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Code Refactoring
+
+* **levels:** store kyu data verbatim, add formatting layer ([53d23f1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/53d23f19bc06459462afb76ed94d9b99d583a32d))
+
+## [4.42.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.41.0...v4.42.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **levels:** add kyu level details display with English translations ([c650ffa](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/c650ffa1935fe370d37190b2843c0deecdcce8e7))
+
+## [4.41.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.40.1...v4.41.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **levels:** right-align abacus display ([8681b17](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/8681b17340e757cf04d17f884a780a251645bb33))
+
+## [4.40.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.40.0...v4.40.1) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** increase animation speed to 10ms for 10th Dan ([6f89d9e](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/6f89d9e274082908fc090a9c0ba310f2cb06f014))
+
+## [4.40.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.39.1...v4.40.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **levels:** progressive animation speed for Dan levels ([9dff3e7](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/9dff3e7b7b1ca46ea7f19a48135124b80c5182c0))
+
+## [4.39.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.39.0...v4.39.1) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** improve slider tick spacing to use full width ([1e90d6c](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/1e90d6c6207f29084a8dc96ccfbb1013a1a62271))
+
+## [4.39.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.38.1...v4.39.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **levels:** add auto-advance slider with hover pause ([41eaed2](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/41eaed24fce510bab7fd03fa2e39e829b33a7346))
+
+## [4.38.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.38.0...v4.38.1) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** adjust slider text positioning to prevent emoji overlap ([e5ffe39](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/e5ffe3927edfb1baea7ddd216507e081f50e5d2c))
+
+## [4.38.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.37.0...v4.38.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **levels:** add animated calculation effect to abacus display ([4f4c735](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/4f4c73577a944518c093b3208a85482909fe3064))
+
+## [4.37.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.36.0...v4.37.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **levels:** add hover tracking to slider for real-time level preview ([477a0b3](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/477a0b367e32749b865b5a5405846e86d5bcef6a))
+
+## [4.36.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.35.1...v4.36.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **levels:** make emoji tick marks clickable and remove redundant UI ([07c783a](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/07c783a79454f50e7302b19684be6d2e5930154d))
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** add smooth CSS transitions for slider thumb movement ([ca8cef1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/ca8cef1c36efeb1c8c214c74f8bd383f9295be3b))
+
+## [4.35.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.35.0...v4.35.1) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **abacus-react:** export StandaloneBead component wired to AbacusDisplayContext ([0146ce1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/0146ce1e67da27a24cbaa8338ba6a1a6befd6bd3))
+
+
+### Performance Improvements
+
+* **levels:** speed up slider animations for more responsive feel ([1e5467f](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/1e5467fad4e27b832300c49b4f73547dc47598b0))
+
+## [4.35.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.34.0...v4.35.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **levels:** replace slider thumb with diamond-shaped abacus beads ([0fbde53](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/0fbde53039d3ea000c6a3be492b733479e7bf47c))
+
+## [4.34.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.33.8...v4.34.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **levels:** redesign slider with abacus-themed beads ([f3dce84](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/f3dce84532fa706e4ec9551facde2055a060ee13))
+
+
+### Code Refactoring
+
+* **levels:** convert to Radix UI Slider with abacus theme ([a03e73c](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/a03e73c849c5da4337f26a74b8f12b617c66068e))
+
+## [4.33.8](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.33.7...v4.33.8) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** reduce Dan scale and container height to prevent clipping ([563136f](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/563136fb79fa10b2af3a119bf0f861e3b0812b2e))
+* **levels:** reduce max scale factor to allow more compact container ([ead9ee9](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/ead9ee9589aa4d7376e9385da5da53a6b444858a))
+
+## [4.33.7](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.33.6...v4.33.7) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** reduce scale factor variation to minimize margin differences ([abb647c](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/abb647ce40b8f9d0c8268ab18c139324ae3195c5))
+
+## [4.33.6](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.33.5...v4.33.6) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** increase container height to prevent abacus clipping ([cd5c15a](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/cd5c15aeb260c568fe7ad9b6a4f51c4d6498b2b8))
+
+## [4.33.5](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.33.4...v4.33.5) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** revert delayed column change, keep overflow hidden ([22f00f5](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/22f00f59f5facc36a846408dcd196ec54ea676b1))
+
+## [4.33.4](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.33.3...v4.33.4) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** stabilize slider position and prevent abacus clipping ([09004dc](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/09004dc2c055031ee2f71c964ceee6f7b1d42ecd))
+
+## [4.33.3](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.33.2...v4.33.3) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Code Refactoring
+
+* **levels:** move slider into level display pane above abacus ([2d8bb4a](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/2d8bb4ab8804f399d1ccc8a18feff9f09eca8029))
+
+## [4.33.2](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.33.1...v4.33.2) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** add fixed height to entire level display pane ([200b26c](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/200b26c2cd35d1d637ede9dcfc3dbbc7f3f19320))
+
+## [4.33.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.33.0...v4.33.1) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** only animate abacus, not container with background/border ([c80477d](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/c80477d24877ddada5f3f4405abbf05e1d753b5d))
+
+## [4.33.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.32.1...v4.33.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **abacus-react:** add BigInt support for 30-digit Dan level abacuses ([0ab4cc2](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/0ab4cc288066b75a6ea4371f65098db5c0fc8847))
+* **levels:** add hover interaction and smooth React Spring transitions ([fd2b633](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/fd2b6338a84c3bbc683eff216a8da3b155749f0f))
+
 ## [4.32.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v4.32.0...v4.32.1) (2025-10-20)


--- a/apps/web/.claude/CLAUDE.md
+++ b/apps/web/.claude/CLAUDE.md
@@ -223,3 +223,48 @@ Three places must handle settings correctly:
 3. **Validator** (`{Game}Validator.ts`) - `getInitialState()` must accept ALL settings

 If a setting doesn't persist, check all three locations.
+
+## Z-Index and Stacking Context Management
+
+When working with z-index values or encountering layering issues, refer to:
+
+- **`.claude/Z_INDEX_MANAGEMENT.md`** - Complete z-index documentation
+  - Z-index layering hierarchy (0-20000+)
+  - Stacking context rules and gotchas
+  - Current z-index audit of all components
+  - Guidelines for choosing z-index values
+  - Migration plan to use constants file
+  - Debugging checklist for layering issues
+
+**Quick Reference:**
+
+**ALWAYS use the constants file:**
+```typescript
+import { Z_INDEX } from '@/constants/zIndex'
+
+// ✅ Good
+zIndex: Z_INDEX.NAV_BAR
+zIndex: Z_INDEX.MODAL
+zIndex: Z_INDEX.TOOLTIP
+
+// ❌ Bad - magic numbers!
+zIndex: 100
+zIndex: 10000
+zIndex: 500
+```
+
+**Layering hierarchy:**
+- Base content: 0-99
+- Navigation/UI chrome: 100-999
+- Overlays/dropdowns/tooltips: 1000-9999
+- Modals/dialogs: 10000-19999
+- Toasts: 20000+
+
+**Critical reminder about stacking contexts:**
+
+Z-index values are only compared within the same stacking context! Elements with `position + zIndex`, `opacity < 1`, `transform`, or `filter` create new stacking contexts where child z-indexes are relative, not global.
+
+Before setting a z-index, always check:
+1. What stacking context is this element in?
+2. Am I comparing against siblings or global elements?
+3. Does my parent create a stacking context?
--- a/apps/web/.claude/Z_INDEX_MANAGEMENT.md
+++ b/apps/web/.claude/Z_INDEX_MANAGEMENT.md
@@ -0,0 +1,392 @@
+# Z-Index & Stacking Context Management
+
+## Overview
+
+This document tracks z-index values and stacking contexts across the application to prevent layering conflicts and make reasoning about visual hierarchy easy.
+
+## The Z-Index Constants System
+
+**Location:** `src/constants/zIndex.ts`
+
+All z-index values should be defined in this file and imported where needed:
+
+```typescript
+import { Z_INDEX } from '../constants/zIndex'
+
+// Use it like this:
+zIndex: Z_INDEX.NAV_BAR
+zIndex: Z_INDEX.MODAL
+zIndex: Z_INDEX.GAME_NAV.HAMBURGER_MENU
+```
+
+## Z-Index Layering Hierarchy
+
+From lowest to highest:
+
+| Layer | Range | Purpose | Examples |
+|-------|-------|---------|----------|
+| **Base Content** | 0-99 | Default page content, game elements | Background elements, game tracks, cards |
+| **Navigation & UI Chrome** | 100-999 | Fixed navigation, sticky headers | AppNavBar, page headers |
+| **Overlays & Dropdowns** | 1000-9999 | Tooltips, popovers, dropdowns, tutorial tooltips | Tutorial tooltips (50-100), ConfigForm (50), dropdowns (999-1000) |
+| **Modals & Dialogs** | 10000-19999 | Modal dialogs, confirmation dialogs | Modal backdrop (10000), Modal content (10001) |
+| **Top-Level Overlays** | 20000+ | Toasts, critical notifications | Toast notifications (20000) |
+
+## Stacking Context Rules
+
+### What Creates a Stacking Context?
+
+These CSS properties create new stacking contexts (z-index values are relative within them):
+
+1. `position: fixed` or `position: sticky` with z-index
+2. `position: absolute` or `position: relative` with z-index
+3. `opacity` < 1
+4. `transform` (any value)
+5. `filter` (any value except none)
+6. `isolation: isolate`
+
+### Key Insight
+
+**Z-index values are only compared within the same stacking context!**
+
+If Element A creates a stacking context with `z-index: 1` and Element B is outside that context with `z-index: 999`, Element B will be on top regardless of child z-indexes inside Element A.
+
+### Example
+
+```tsx
+// Parent creates stacking context
+<div style={{ position: 'relative', zIndex: 1 }}>
+  {/* This child's z-index is relative to parent, not global! */}
+  <div style={{ position: 'absolute', zIndex: 999999 }}>
+    I'm still under elements with zIndex: 2 outside my parent!
+  </div>
+</div>
+
+<div style={{ position: 'relative', zIndex: 2 }}>
+  I'm on top of the z-index: 999999 element above!
+</div>
+```
+
+## Current Z-Index Audit (2025-10-20)
+
+### ✅ Using Z_INDEX Constants (Good!)
+
+| Component | Value | Source |
+|-----------|-------|--------|
+| AppNavBar (Panda section) | `Z_INDEX.NAV_BAR` (100) | `src/components/AppNavBar.tsx:464` |
+| AppNavBar hamburger | `Z_INDEX.GAME_NAV.HAMBURGER_MENU` (9999) | `src/components/AppNavBar.tsx:165` |
+| AbacusDisplayDropdown | `Z_INDEX.GAME_NAV.HAMBURGER_NESTED_DROPDOWN` (10000) | `src/components/AbacusDisplayDropdown.tsx:99` |
+
+### ⚠️ Hardcoded Z-Index Values (Need Migration)
+
+#### Critical Navigation Issues
+
+| Component | Line | Value | Issue | Fix |
+|-----------|------|-------|-------|-----|
+| **AppNavBar (fixed section)** | 587 | `1000` | ❌ Should use `Z_INDEX.NAV_BAR` (100), but increased to 1000 to fix tutorial tooltip overlap | Define `TUTORIAL_TOOLTIP` in constants, set nav to proper layer |
+| AppNavBar (badge) | 645 | `50` | Should use constant | Add `Z_INDEX.BADGE` |
+
+#### Tutorial System
+
+| Component | Line | Value | Purpose |
+|-----------|------|-------|---------|
+| TutorialPlayer | 643 | `50` | Tooltip container |
+| Tutorial shared/EditorComponents | 569, 590 | `50` | Tooltip button |
+| Tutorial shared/EditorComponents | 612 | `100` | Dropdown content (must be above tooltip) |
+| Tutorial decomposition CSS | 73 | `50` | Legacy CSS |
+| TutorialEditor | 65, 812, 2339 | `1000`, `10` | Various overlays |
+
+#### Modals & Overlays
+
+| Component | Line | Value | Purpose |
+|-----------|------|-------|---------|
+| Modal (common) | 59 | `10000` | Modal backdrop |
+| ModerationPanel | 1994, 2009 | `10001`, `10002` | Moderation overlays |
+| ToastContext | 171 | `10001` | Toast notifications (should be 20000!) |
+| Join page | 35 | `10000` | Join page overlay |
+| EmojiPicker | 636 | `10000` | Emoji picker modal |
+
+#### Dropdowns & Popovers
+
+| Component | Line | Value | Purpose |
+|-----------|------|-------|---------|
+| FormatSelectField | 115 | `999` | Dropdown |
+| DeploymentInfoModal | 37, 55 | `9998`, `9999` | Info modal layers |
+| RoomInfo | 338, 562 | `9999`, `10000` | Room tooltips |
+| GameTitleMenu | 119 | `9999` | Game menu |
+| PlayerTooltip | 69 | `9999` | Player tooltip |
+
+#### Game Elements
+
+| Component | Line | Value | Purpose |
+|-----------|------|-------|---------|
+| Complement Race Game | Multiple | `0`, `1` | Base game layers |
+| Complement Race Track | 118, 140, 151 | `10`, `5`, `20` | Track, AI racers, player |
+| Complement Race HUD | 51, 106, 119, 137, 168 | `10`, `1000` | HUD elements |
+| GameCountdown | 58 | `1000` | Countdown overlay |
+| RouteCelebration | 31 | `9999` | Celebration overlay |
+| Matching GameCard | 203, 229, 243, 272, 386 | `9`, `10`, `-1`, `8`, `1` | Card layers |
+| Matching PlayerStatusBar | 154, 181, 202 | `10`, `10`, `5` | Status bars |
+
+#### Misc UI
+
+| Component | Line | Value | Purpose |
+|-----------|------|-------|---------|
+| HeroAbacus | 89, 127, 163 | `10` | Hero section layers |
+| ChampionArena | 425, 514, 554, 614 | `10`, `1`, `1`, `10` | Arena layers |
+| NetworkPlayerIndicator | 118, 145, 169, 192, 275 | `-1`, `2`, `1`, `2`, `10` | Player avatars |
+| ConfigurationForm | 521, 502 | `50` | Config overlays |
+
+## The Recent Bug: Tutorial Tooltips Over Nav Bar
+
+**Problem:** Tutorial tooltips (z-index: 50, 100) were appearing over the navigation bar.
+
+**Root Cause:**
+- Nav bar was using `Z_INDEX.NAV_BAR` = 100 in one place
+- But also hardcoded `zIndex: 30` in the fixed positioning section (line 587)
+- Tutorial tooltips use hardcoded `zIndex: 50` and `zIndex: 100`
+- Since 50 and 100 > 30, tooltips appeared on top
+
+**Temporary Fix:** Increased nav bar's hardcoded value from 30 to 1000
+
+**Proper Fix Needed:**
+1. Define tutorial tooltip z-indexes in constants file
+2. Update nav bar to consistently use `Z_INDEX.NAV_BAR`
+3. Ensure NAV_BAR > TUTORIAL_TOOLTIP in the hierarchy
+4. Consider: Should tutorial tooltips be in the 1000-9999 range (overlays) rather than 50-100?
+
+## Guidelines for Choosing Z-Index Values
+
+### 1. **Always Import and Use Z_INDEX Constants**
+
+```typescript
+// ✅ Good
+import { Z_INDEX } from '../constants/zIndex'
+zIndex: Z_INDEX.NAV_BAR
+
+// ❌ Bad
+zIndex: 100  // Magic number!
+```
+
+### 2. **Add New Values to Constants File First**
+
+Before using a new z-index value, add it to `src/constants/zIndex.ts`:
+
+```typescript
+export const Z_INDEX = {
+  // ... existing values ...
+
+  TUTORIAL: {
+    TOOLTIP: 500,      // Tutorial tooltips (overlays layer)
+    DROPDOWN: 600,     // Tutorial dropdown (above tooltip)
+  },
+} as const
+```
+
+### 3. **Choose the Right Layer**
+
+Ask yourself:
+- Is this base content? → Use 0-99
+- Is this navigation/UI chrome? → Use 100-999
+- Is this a dropdown/tooltip/overlay? → Use 1000-9999
+- Is this a modal dialog? → Use 10000-19999
+- Is this a toast notification? → Use 20000+
+
+### 4. **Understand Your Stacking Context**
+
+Before setting z-index, ask:
+- What is my parent's stacking context?
+- Am I comparing against siblings or global elements?
+- Does my element create a new stacking context?
+
+### 5. **Document Special Cases**
+
+If you must deviate from the constants, document why:
+
+```typescript
+// HACK: Needs to be above tutorial tooltips (50) but below modals (10000)
+// TODO: Migrate to Z_INDEX.TUTORIAL.TOOLTIP system
+zIndex: 100
+```
+
+## Migration Plan
+
+### Phase 1: Update Constants File ✅ TODO
+
+Add missing constants to `src/constants/zIndex.ts`:
+
+```typescript
+export const Z_INDEX = {
+  // Base content layer (0-99)
+  BASE: 0,
+  CONTENT: 1,
+  HERO_SECTION: 10,  // Hero abacus components
+
+  // Game content layers (0-99)
+  GAME_CONTENT: {
+    TRACK: 0,
+    CONTROLS: 1,
+    RACER_AI: 5,
+    RACER_PLAYER: 10,
+    RACER_FLAG: 20,
+    HUD: 50,
+  },
+
+  // Navigation and UI chrome (100-999)
+  NAV_BAR: 1000,  // ⚠️ Currently needs to be 1000 due to tutorial tooltips
+  STICKY_HEADER: 100,
+  BADGE: 50,
+
+  // Overlays and dropdowns (1000-9999)
+  TUTORIAL: {
+    TOOLTIP: 500,     // Tutorial tooltips
+    DROPDOWN: 600,    // Tutorial dropdowns (must be > tooltip)
+    EDITOR: 700,      // Tutorial editor
+  },
+  DROPDOWN: 1000,
+  TOOLTIP: 1000,
+  POPOVER: 1000,
+  CONFIG_FORM: 1000,
+  PLAYER_TOOLTIP: 1000,
+  GAME_COUNTDOWN: 1000,
+
+  // High overlays (9000-9999)
+  CELEBRATION: 9000,
+  INFO_MODAL: 9998,
+
+  // Modal and dialog layers (10000-19999)
+  MODAL_BACKDROP: 10000,
+  MODAL: 10001,
+  MODERATION_PANEL: 10001,
+  EMOJI_PICKER: 10000,
+
+  // Top-level overlays (20000+)
+  TOAST: 20000,
+
+  // Special navigation layers for game pages
+  GAME_NAV: {
+    HAMBURGER_MENU: 9999,
+    HAMBURGER_NESTED_DROPDOWN: 10000,
+  },
+} as const
+```
+
+### Phase 2: Migrate High-Priority Components
+
+Priority order:
+1. **Navigation components** (AppNavBar, etc.) - most critical for user experience
+2. **Tutorial system** (TutorialPlayer, tooltips) - currently conflicting
+3. **Modals and overlays** - ensure they're always on top
+4. **Game HUDs** - ensure proper layering
+5. **Everything else**
+
+### Phase 3: Add Linting Rule
+
+Consider adding an ESLint rule to prevent raw z-index numbers:
+
+```javascript
+// Warn when zIndex is used with a number literal
+'no-magic-numbers': ['warn', {
+  ignore: [0, 1, -1],
+  ignoreArrayIndexes: true,
+  enforceConst: true,
+}]
+```
+
+## Debugging Z-Index Issues
+
+### Checklist
+
+When elements aren't layering correctly:
+
+1. **Check the value**
+   - [ ] What z-index does each element have?
+   - [ ] Are they using constants or magic numbers?
+
+2. **Check the stacking context**
+   - [ ] What are the parent elements?
+   - [ ] Do any parents create stacking contexts? (position + z-index, opacity, transform, etc.)
+   - [ ] Are we comparing siblings or elements in different contexts?
+
+3. **Verify the DOM hierarchy**
+   - [ ] Use browser DevTools to inspect the DOM tree
+   - [ ] Check the "Layers" panel in Chrome DevTools
+   - [ ] Look for transforms, opacity, filters on parent elements
+
+4. **Test the fix**
+   - [ ] Does the fix work in all scenarios?
+   - [ ] Did we introduce new conflicts?
+   - [ ] Should we update the constants file?
+
+### DevTools Tips
+
+**Chrome DevTools:**
+1. Open DevTools → More Tools → Layers
+2. Select an element and see its stacking context
+3. View the 3D layer composition
+
+**Firefox DevTools:**
+1. Inspector → Layout → scroll to "Z-index"
+2. Shows the stacking context parent
+
+## Examples
+
+### Good: Using Constants
+
+```typescript
+import { Z_INDEX } from '@/constants/zIndex'
+
+export function MyTooltip() {
+  return (
+    <div className={css({
+      position: 'absolute',
+      zIndex: Z_INDEX.TOOLTIP,  // ✅ Clear and maintainable
+    })}>
+      Tooltip content
+    </div>
+  )
+}
+```
+
+### Bad: Magic Numbers
+
+```typescript
+export function MyTooltip() {
+  return (
+    <div className={css({
+      position: 'absolute',
+      zIndex: 500,  // ❌ Where did 500 come from? How does it relate to other elements?
+    })}>
+      Tooltip content
+    </div>
+  )
+}
+```
+
+### Good: Documenting Stacking Context
+
+```typescript
+// Creates a new stacking context for card contents
+<div className={css({
+  position: 'relative',
+  zIndex: Z_INDEX.BASE,
+  transform: 'translateZ(0)', // ⚠️ Creates stacking context!
+})}>
+  {/* Child z-indexes are relative to this context */}
+  <div className={css({
+    position: 'absolute',
+    zIndex: Z_INDEX.CONTENT,  // Relative to parent, not global
+  })}>
+    Card face
+  </div>
+</div>
+```
+
+## Resources
+
+- [MDN: CSS Stacking Context](https://developer.mozilla.org/en-US/docs/Web/CSS/CSS_positioned_layout/Understanding_z-index/Stacking_context)
+- [What The Heck, z-index??](https://www.joshwcomeau.com/css/stacking-contexts/) by Josh Comeau
+- [Z-Index Playground](https://thirumanikandan.com/posts/learn-z-index-using-a-visualization-tool)
+
+## Last Updated
+
+2025-10-20 - Initial audit and documentation created
--- a/apps/web/src/app/levels/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/levels/page.tsx
@@ -1,23 +1,86 @@
 'use client'

-import { useState } from 'react'
-import { AbacusReact } from '@soroban/abacus-react'
+import { useState, useEffect } from 'react'
+import { useSpring, useTransition, animated } from '@react-spring/web'
+import * as Slider from '@radix-ui/react-slider'
+import { AbacusReact, StandaloneBead } from '@soroban/abacus-react'
 import { PageWithNav } from '@/components/PageWithNav'
 import { css } from '../../../styled-system/css'
 import { container, stack } from '../../../styled-system/patterns'
+import { kyuLevelDetails } from '@/data/kyuLevelDetails'

 // Combine all levels into one array for the slider
 const allLevels = [
-  { level: '10th Kyu', emoji: '🧒', color: 'green', digits: 2, type: 'kyu' as const },
-  { level: '9th Kyu', emoji: '🧒', color: 'green', digits: 2, type: 'kyu' as const },
-  { level: '8th Kyu', emoji: '🧒', color: 'green', digits: 3, type: 'kyu' as const },
-  { level: '7th Kyu', emoji: '🧒', color: 'green', digits: 4, type: 'kyu' as const },
-  { level: '6th Kyu', emoji: '🧑', color: 'blue', digits: 5, type: 'kyu' as const },
-  { level: '5th Kyu', emoji: '🧑', color: 'blue', digits: 6, type: 'kyu' as const },
-  { level: '4th Kyu', emoji: '🧑', color: 'blue', digits: 7, type: 'kyu' as const },
-  { level: '3rd Kyu', emoji: '🧔', color: 'violet', digits: 8, type: 'kyu' as const },
-  { level: '2nd Kyu', emoji: '🧔', color: 'violet', digits: 9, type: 'kyu' as const },
-  { level: '1st Kyu', emoji: '🧔', color: 'violet', digits: 10, type: 'kyu' as const },
+  {
+    level: '10th Kyu',
+    emoji: '🧒',
+    color: 'green',
+    digits: 2,
+    type: 'kyu' as const,
+  },
+  {
+    level: '9th Kyu',
+    emoji: '🧒',
+    color: 'green',
+    digits: 2,
+    type: 'kyu' as const,
+  },
+  {
+    level: '8th Kyu',
+    emoji: '🧒',
+    color: 'green',
+    digits: 3,
+    type: 'kyu' as const,
+  },
+  {
+    level: '7th Kyu',
+    emoji: '🧒',
+    color: 'green',
+    digits: 4,
+    type: 'kyu' as const,
+  },
+  {
+    level: '6th Kyu',
+    emoji: '🧑',
+    color: 'blue',
+    digits: 5,
+    type: 'kyu' as const,
+  },
+  {
+    level: '5th Kyu',
+    emoji: '🧑',
+    color: 'blue',
+    digits: 6,
+    type: 'kyu' as const,
+  },
+  {
+    level: '4th Kyu',
+    emoji: '🧑',
+    color: 'blue',
+    digits: 7,
+    type: 'kyu' as const,
+  },
+  {
+    level: '3rd Kyu',
+    emoji: '🧔',
+    color: 'violet',
+    digits: 8,
+    type: 'kyu' as const,
+  },
+  {
+    level: '2nd Kyu',
+    emoji: '🧔',
+    color: 'violet',
+    digits: 9,
+    type: 'kyu' as const,
+  },
+  {
+    level: '1st Kyu',
+    emoji: '🧔',
+    color: 'violet',
+    digits: 10,
+    type: 'kyu' as const,
+  },
  {
    level: 'Pre-1st Dan',
    name: 'Jun-Shodan',
@@ -119,25 +182,192 @@ const allLevels = [
  },
 ] as const

+// Helper function to map level names to kyuLevelDetails keys
+function getLevelDetailsKey(levelName: string): string | null {
+  // Convert "10th Kyu" → "10-kyu", "3rd Kyu" → "3-kyu", etc.
+  const match = levelName.match(/^(\d+)(?:st|nd|rd|th)\s+Kyu$/)
+  if (match) {
+    return `${match[1]}-kyu`
+  }
+  return null
+}
+
+// Parse and format kyu level details into structured sections with icons
+function parseKyuDetails(rawText: string) {
+  const lines = rawText.split('\n').filter((line) => line.trim() && !line.includes('shuzan.jp'))
+
+  // Always return sections in consistent order: Add/Sub, Multiply, Divide
+  const sections: Array<{
+    type: 'addSub' | 'multiply' | 'divide'
+    icon: string
+    label: string
+    digits: string | null
+    rows: string | null
+    chars: string | null
+    problems: string | null
+  }> = [
+    {
+      type: 'addSub',
+      icon: '➕➖',
+      label: 'Add/Sub',
+      digits: null,
+      rows: null,
+      chars: null,
+      problems: null,
+    },
+    {
+      type: 'multiply',
+      icon: '✖️',
+      label: 'Multiply',
+      digits: null,
+      rows: null,
+      chars: null,
+      problems: null,
+    },
+    {
+      type: 'divide',
+      icon: '➗',
+      label: 'Divide',
+      digits: null,
+      rows: null,
+      chars: null,
+      problems: null,
+    },
+  ]
+
+  for (const line of lines) {
+    if (line.includes('Add/Sub:')) {
+      const match = line.match(/(\d+)-digit.*?(\d+)口.*?(\d+)字/)
+      if (match) {
+        sections[0].digits = match[1]
+        sections[0].rows = match[2]
+        sections[0].chars = match[3]
+      }
+    } else if (line.includes('×:')) {
+      const match = line.match(/(\d+) digits.*?\((\d+)/)
+      if (match) {
+        sections[1].digits = match[1]
+        sections[1].problems = match[2]
+      }
+    } else if (line.includes('÷:')) {
+      const match = line.match(/(\d+) digits.*?\((\d+)/)
+      if (match) {
+        sections[2].digits = match[1]
+        sections[2].problems = match[2]
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  return sections
+}
+
 export default function LevelsPage() {
  const [currentIndex, setCurrentIndex] = useState(0)
+  const [isHovering, setIsHovering] = useState(false)
+  const [isPaneHovered, setIsPaneHovered] = useState(false)
  const currentLevel = allLevels[currentIndex]

+  // State for animated abacus digits
+  const [animatedDigits, setAnimatedDigits] = useState<string>('')
+
+  // Initialize animated digits when level changes
+  useEffect(() => {
+    const generateRandomDigits = (numDigits: number) => {
+      return Array.from({ length: numDigits }, () => Math.floor(Math.random() * 10)).join('')
+    }
+    setAnimatedDigits(generateRandomDigits(currentLevel.digits))
+  }, [currentLevel.digits])
+
+  // Animate abacus calculations - speed increases with Dan level
+  useEffect(() => {
+    // Calculate animation speed based on level
+    // Kyu levels: 500ms
+    // Pre-1st Dan: 500ms
+    // 1st-10th Dan: interpolate from 500ms to 10ms
+    const getAnimationInterval = () => {
+      if (currentIndex < 11) {
+        // Kyu levels and Pre-1st Dan: constant 500ms
+        return 500
+      }
+      // 1st Dan through 10th Dan: speed up from 500ms to 10ms
+      // Index 11 (1st Dan) → 500ms
+      // Index 20 (10th Dan) → 10ms
+      const danProgress = (currentIndex - 11) / 9 // 0.0 to 1.0
+      return 500 - danProgress * 490 // 500ms down to 10ms
+    }
+
+    const intervalMs = getAnimationInterval()
+
+    const interval = setInterval(() => {
+      setAnimatedDigits((prev) => {
+        const digits = prev.split('').map(Number)
+        const numColumns = digits.length
+
+        // Pick 1-3 adjacent columns to change (grouping effect)
+        const groupSize = Math.floor(Math.random() * 3) + 1
+        const startCol = Math.floor(Math.random() * (numColumns - groupSize + 1))
+
+        // Change the selected columns
+        for (let i = startCol; i < startCol + groupSize && i < numColumns; i++) {
+          digits[i] = Math.floor(Math.random() * 10)
+        }
+
+        return digits.join('')
+      })
+    }, intervalMs)
+
+    return () => clearInterval(interval)
+  }, [currentIndex])
+
+  // Auto-advance slider position every 3 seconds (unless pane is hovered)
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (isPaneHovered) return // Don't auto-advance when mouse is over the pane
+
+    const interval = setInterval(() => {
+      setCurrentIndex((prev) => {
+        // Cycle back to 0 when reaching the end
+        return prev >= allLevels.length - 1 ? 0 : prev + 1
+      })
+    }, 3000)
+
+    return () => clearInterval(interval)
+  }, [isPaneHovered])
+
+  // Handle hover on slider track
+  const handleSliderHover = (e: React.MouseEvent<HTMLSpanElement>) => {
+    const rect = e.currentTarget.getBoundingClientRect()
+    const x = e.clientX - rect.left
+    const percentage = x / rect.width
+    const index = Math.round(percentage * (allLevels.length - 1))
+    setCurrentIndex(Math.max(0, Math.min(allLevels.length - 1, index)))
+  }
+
  // Calculate scale factor based on number of columns to fit the page
-  // Smaller scale for more columns (Dan levels with 30 columns)
-  const scaleFactor = Math.min(2.5, 20 / currentLevel.digits)
+  // Use constrained range to prevent huge size differences between levels
+  // Min 1.2 (for 30-column Dan levels) to Max 2.0 (for 2-column Kyu levels)
+  const scaleFactor = Math.max(1.2, Math.min(2.0, 20 / currentLevel.digits))

-  // Generate an interesting non-zero number to display on the abacus
-  // Use a suffix pattern so rightmost digits stay constant as columns increase
-  // This prevents beads from shifting: ones always 9, tens always 8, etc.
-  const digitPattern = '123456789'
-  // Use BigInt for numbers > 15 digits (Dan levels with 30 columns)
-  const repeatedPattern = digitPattern.repeat(Math.ceil(currentLevel.digits / digitPattern.length))
-  const digitString = repeatedPattern.slice(-currentLevel.digits)
+  // Animate scale factor with React Spring for smooth transitions
+  const animatedProps = useSpring({
+    scaleFactor,
+    config: { tension: 350, friction: 45 },
+  })

+  // Animate emoji with proper cross-fade (old fades out, new fades in)
+  const emojiTransitions = useTransition(currentLevel.emoji, {
+    keys: currentIndex,
+    from: { opacity: 0 },
+    enter: { opacity: 1 },
+    leave: { opacity: 0 },
+    config: { duration: 120 },
+  })
+
+  // Convert animated digits to a number/BigInt for the abacus display
  // Use BigInt for large numbers to get full 30-digit precision
  const displayValue =
-    currentLevel.digits > 15 ? BigInt(digitString) : Number.parseInt(digitString, 10)
+    animatedDigits.length > 15
+      ? BigInt(animatedDigits || '0')
+      : Number.parseInt(animatedDigits || '0', 10)

  // Dark theme styles matching the homepage
  const darkStyles = {
@@ -178,7 +408,13 @@ export default function LevelsPage() {
            })}
          />

-          <div className={container({ maxW: '6xl', px: '4', position: 'relative' })}>
+          <div
+            className={container({
+              maxW: '6xl',
+              px: '4',
+              position: 'relative',
+            })}
+          >
            <div className={css({ textAlign: 'center', maxW: '5xl', mx: 'auto' })}>
              <h1
                className={css({
@@ -215,8 +451,10 @@ export default function LevelsPage() {
          <section className={stack({ gap: '8' })}>
            {/* Current Level Display */}
            <div
+              onMouseEnter={() => setIsPaneHovered(true)}
+              onMouseLeave={() => setIsPaneHovered(false)}
              className={css({
-                bg: 'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4)',
+                bg: 'transparent',
                border: '2px solid',
                borderColor:
                  currentLevel.color === 'green'
@@ -228,120 +466,360 @@ export default function LevelsPage() {
                        : 'amber.500',
                rounded: 'xl',
                p: { base: '6', md: '8' },
+                height: { base: 'auto', md: '700px' },
+                display: 'flex',
+                flexDirection: 'column',
              })}
            >
-              {/* Level Info */}
-              <div className={css({ textAlign: 'center', mb: '6' })}>
-                <div className={css({ fontSize: '5xl', mb: '3' })}>{currentLevel.emoji}</div>
-                <h2
+              {/* Abacus-themed Radix Slider */}
+              <div className={css({ mb: '6', px: { base: '2', md: '8' } })}>
+                <div className={css({ position: 'relative', py: '12' })}>
+                  {/* Emoji tick marks */}
+                  <div
+                    className={css({
+                      position: 'absolute',
+                      top: '0',
+                      left: '0',
+                      right: '0',
+                      h: 'full',
+                      display: 'flex',
+                      alignItems: 'center',
+                      pointerEvents: 'none',
+                      px: '0', // Use full width for tick spacing
+                    })}
+                  >
+                    <div
+                      className={css({
+                        position: 'relative',
+                        w: 'full',
+                        display: 'flex',
+                        justifyContent: 'space-between',
+                      })}
+                    >
+                      {allLevels.map((level, index) => (
+                        <div
+                          key={index}
+                          onClick={() => setCurrentIndex(index)}
+                          className={css({
+                            fontSize: '4xl',
+                            opacity: index === currentIndex ? '1' : '0.3',
+                            transition: 'all 0.2s',
+                            cursor: 'pointer',
+                            pointerEvents: 'auto',
+                            _hover: { opacity: index === currentIndex ? '1' : '0.6' },
+                          })}
+                        >
+                          {level.emoji}
+                        </div>
+                      ))}
+                    </div>
+                  </div>
+
+                  <Slider.Root
+                    value={[currentIndex]}
+                    onValueChange={([value]) => setCurrentIndex(value)}
+                    min={0}
+                    max={allLevels.length - 1}
+                    step={1}
+                    onMouseMove={handleSliderHover}
+                    onMouseEnter={() => setIsHovering(true)}
+                    onMouseLeave={() => setIsHovering(false)}
+                    className={css({
+                      position: 'relative',
+                      display: 'flex',
+                      alignItems: 'center',
+                      userSelect: 'none',
+                      touchAction: 'none',
+                      w: 'full',
+                      h: '32',
+                      cursor: 'pointer',
+                    })}
+                  >
+                    <Slider.Track
+                      className={css({
+                        bg: 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2)',
+                        position: 'relative',
+                        flexGrow: 1,
+                        rounded: 'full',
+                        h: '3px',
+                      })}
+                    >
+                      <Slider.Range className={css({ display: 'none' })} />
+                    </Slider.Track>
+
+                    <Slider.Thumb
+                      className={css({
+                        display: 'flex',
+                        alignItems: 'center',
+                        justifyContent: 'center',
+                        position: 'relative',
+                        w: '180px',
+                        h: '128px',
+                        bg: 'transparent',
+                        cursor: 'grab',
+                        transition: 'transform 0.15s ease-out, left 0.3s ease-out',
+                        zIndex: 10,
+                        _hover: { transform: 'scale(1.15)' },
+                        _focus: {
+                          outline: 'none',
+                          transform: 'scale(1.15)',
+                        },
+                        _active: { cursor: 'grabbing' },
+                      })}
+                    >
+                      <div className={css({ opacity: 0.75 })}>
+                        <StandaloneBead
+                          size={128}
+                          color={currentLevel.color === 'violet' ? '#8b5cf6' : '#22c55e'}
+                          animated={false}
+                        />
+                      </div>
+                      {emojiTransitions((style, emoji) => (
+                        <animated.div
+                          style={style}
+                          className={css({
+                            position: 'absolute',
+                            fontSize: '9xl',
+                            pointerEvents: 'none',
+                            top: '50%',
+                            left: '50%',
+                            transform: 'translate(-50%, -50%)',
+                          })}
+                        >
+                          {emoji}
+                        </animated.div>
+                      ))}
+
+                      {/* Level text as part of the bead display */}
+                      <div
+                        className={css({
+                          position: 'absolute',
+                          bottom: '-80px',
+                          left: '50%',
+                          transform: 'translateX(-50%)',
+                          textAlign: 'center',
+                          pointerEvents: 'none',
+                          whiteSpace: 'nowrap',
+                        })}
+                      >
+                        <h2
+                          className={css({
+                            fontSize: '2xl',
+                            fontWeight: 'bold',
+                            color:
+                              currentLevel.color === 'green'
+                                ? 'green.400'
+                                : currentLevel.color === 'blue'
+                                  ? 'blue.400'
+                                  : currentLevel.color === 'violet'
+                                    ? 'violet.400'
+                                    : 'amber.400',
+                            mb: '0.5',
+                          })}
+                        >
+                          {currentLevel.level}
+                        </h2>
+                        {'name' in currentLevel && (
+                          <div
+                            className={css({
+                              fontSize: 'md',
+                              color: 'gray.300',
+                              mb: '0.5',
+                            })}
+                          >
+                            {currentLevel.name}
+                          </div>
+                        )}
+                        {'minScore' in currentLevel && (
+                          <div className={css({ fontSize: 'sm', color: 'gray.400' })}>
+                            Min: {currentLevel.minScore}pts
+                          </div>
+                        )}
+                      </div>
+                    </Slider.Thumb>
+                  </Slider.Root>
+                </div>
+
+                {/* Level Markers */}
+                <div
                  className={css({
-                    fontSize: { base: '2xl', md: '3xl' },
-                    fontWeight: 'bold',
-                    color:
-                      currentLevel.color === 'green'
-                        ? 'green.400'
-                        : currentLevel.color === 'blue'
-                          ? 'blue.400'
-                          : currentLevel.color === 'violet'
-                            ? 'violet.400'
-                            : 'amber.400',
-                    mb: '2',
+                    display: 'flex',
+                    justifyContent: 'space-between',
+                    mt: '1',
+                    fontSize: 'xs',
+                    color: 'gray.500',
                  })}
                >
-                  {currentLevel.level}
-                </h2>
-                {'name' in currentLevel && (
-                  <div className={css({ fontSize: 'md', color: 'gray.400', mb: '1' })}>
-                    {currentLevel.name}
-                  </div>
-                )}
-                {'minScore' in currentLevel && (
-                  <div className={css({ fontSize: 'sm', color: 'gray.500' })}>
-                    Minimum Score: {currentLevel.minScore} points
-                  </div>
-                )}
+                  <span>10th Kyu</span>
+                  <span>1st Kyu</span>
+                  <span>10th Dan</span>
+                </div>
              </div>

-              {/* Abacus Display */}
+              {/* Abacus Display with Level Details */}
              <div
                className={css({
                  display: 'flex',
-                  justifyContent: 'center',
-                  mb: '6',
+                  gap: '4',
                  p: '6',
                  bg: 'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3)',
                  rounded: 'lg',
                  border: '1px solid',
                  borderColor: 'gray.700',
-                  overflowX: 'auto',
+                  overflow: 'hidden',
+                  flex: 1,
                })}
              >
-                <AbacusReact
-                  value={displayValue}
-                  columns={currentLevel.digits}
-                  scaleFactor={scaleFactor}
-                  showNumbers={true}
-                  customStyles={darkStyles}
-                />
+                {/* Level Details (only for Kyu levels) */}
+                {currentLevel.type === 'kyu' &&
+                  (() => {
+                    const detailsKey = getLevelDetailsKey(currentLevel.level)
+                    const rawText = detailsKey
+                      ? kyuLevelDetails[detailsKey as keyof typeof kyuLevelDetails]
+                      : null
+                    const sections = rawText ? parseKyuDetails(rawText) : []
+
+                    // Use consistent sizing across all levels
+                    const sizing = { fontSize: 'md', gap: '3', iconSize: '4xl' }
+
+                    return sections.length > 0 ? (
+                      <div
+                        className={css({
+                          flex: '0 0 auto',
+                          display: 'grid',
+                          gridTemplateColumns: 'repeat(2, 1fr)',
+                          gap: '2',
+                          p: '2',
+                          maxW: '400px',
+                          alignContent: 'center',
+                        })}
+                      >
+                        {sections.map((section, idx) => {
+                          const hasData = section.digits !== null
+                          const levelColor =
+                            currentLevel.color === 'green'
+                              ? 'green.300'
+                              : currentLevel.color === 'blue'
+                                ? 'blue.300'
+                                : 'violet.300'
+
+                          return (
+                            <div
+                              key={idx}
+                              className={css({
+                                bg: hasData ? 'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4)' : 'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2)',
+                                border: '1px solid',
+                                borderColor: hasData ? 'gray.700' : 'gray.800',
+                                rounded: 'md',
+                                p: '3',
+                                transition: 'all 0.2s',
+                                display: 'flex',
+                                flexDirection: 'column',
+                                alignItems: 'center',
+                                justifyContent: 'center',
+                                gap: '1.5',
+                                opacity: hasData ? 1 : 0.3,
+                                width: '170px',
+                                height: '150px',
+                                _hover: hasData
+                                  ? {
+                                      borderColor: 'gray.500',
+                                      transform: 'scale(1.05)',
+                                    }
+                                  : {},
+                              })}
+                            >
+                              <span className={css({ fontSize: sizing.iconSize, lineHeight: '1' })}>
+                                {section.icon}
+                              </span>
+                              {hasData && section.digits && (
+                                <>
+                                  <div
+                                    className={css({
+                                      fontSize: '2xl',
+                                      fontWeight: 'bold',
+                                      color: levelColor,
+                                    })}
+                                  >
+                                    {section.digits} digits
+                                  </div>
+                                  {(section.rows || section.chars) && (
+                                    <div
+                                      className={css({
+                                        fontSize: 'sm',
+                                        color: 'gray.400',
+                                        textAlign: 'center',
+                                      })}
+                                    >
+                                      {section.rows && `${section.rows} rows`}
+                                      {section.rows && section.chars && ' • '}
+                                      {section.chars && `${section.chars} chars`}
+                                    </div>
+                                  )}
+                                  {section.problems && (
+                                    <div
+                                      className={css({
+                                        fontSize: 'sm',
+                                        color: 'gray.400',
+                                        textAlign: 'center',
+                                      })}
+                                    >
+                                      {section.problems} problems
+                                    </div>
+                                  )}
+                                </>
+                              )}
+                              <div
+                                className={css({
+                                  fontSize: 'xs',
+                                  color: hasData ? 'gray.500' : 'gray.700',
+                                  textAlign: 'center',
+                                  fontWeight: hasData ? 'normal' : 'bold',
+                                })}
+                              >
+                                {section.label}
+                              </div>
+                            </div>
+                          )
+                        })}
+                      </div>
+                    ) : null
+                  })()}
+
+                {/* Abacus (right-aligned for Kyu, centered for Dan) */}
+                <div
+                  className={css({
+                    display: 'flex',
+                    justifyContent: currentLevel.type === 'kyu' ? 'flex-end' : 'center',
+                    alignItems: 'center',
+                    flex: 1,
+                  })}
+                >
+                  <animated.div
+                    style={{
+                      transform: animatedProps.scaleFactor.to((s) => `scale(${s / scaleFactor})`),
+                    }}
+                  >
+                    <AbacusReact
+                      value={displayValue}
+                      columns={currentLevel.digits}
+                      scaleFactor={scaleFactor}
+                      showNumbers={true}
+                      customStyles={darkStyles}
+                    />
+                  </animated.div>
+                </div>
              </div>

              {/* Digit Count */}
-              <div className={css({ textAlign: 'center', color: 'gray.400', fontSize: 'sm' })}>
-                Requires mastery of <strong>{currentLevel.digits}-digit</strong> calculations
-              </div>
-            </div>
-
-            {/* Slider Control */}
-            <div
-              className={css({
-                bg: 'rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3)',
-                border: '1px solid',
-                borderColor: 'gray.700',
-                rounded: 'xl',
-                p: '6',
-              })}
-            >
-              <div className={css({ mb: '4', textAlign: 'center' })}>
-                <h3
-                  className={css({ fontSize: 'lg', fontWeight: 'bold', color: 'white', mb: '2' })}
-                >
-                  Explore All Levels
-                </h3>
-                <p className={css({ fontSize: 'sm', color: 'gray.400' })}>
-                  Drag the slider to see each rank
-                </p>
-              </div>
-
-              {/* Range Slider */}
-              <input
-                type="range"
-                min="0"
-                max={allLevels.length - 1}
-                value={currentIndex}
-                onChange={(e) => setCurrentIndex(Number(e.target.value))}
-                className={css({
-                  w: '100%',
-                  h: '2',
-                  bg: 'gray.700',
-                  rounded: 'full',
-                  outline: 'none',
-                  cursor: 'pointer',
-                })}
-              />
-
-              {/* Level Markers */}
              <div
                className={css({
-                  display: 'flex',
-                  justifyContent: 'space-between',
-                  mt: '4',
-                  fontSize: 'xs',
-                  color: 'gray.500',
+                  textAlign: 'center',
+                  color: 'gray.400',
+                  fontSize: 'sm',
                })}
              >
-                <span>10th Kyu</span>
-                <span>1st Kyu</span>
-                <span>10th Dan</span>
+                Requires mastery of <strong>{currentLevel.digits}-digit</strong> calculations
              </div>
            </div>

@@ -359,26 +837,78 @@ export default function LevelsPage() {
                borderColor: 'gray.700',
              })}
            >
-              <div className={css({ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', gap: '2' })}>
-                <div className={css({ w: '4', h: '4', bg: 'green.500', rounded: 'sm' })} />
+              <div
+                className={css({
+                  display: 'flex',
+                  alignItems: 'center',
+                  gap: '2',
+                })}
+              >
+                <div
+                  className={css({
+                    w: '4',
+                    h: '4',
+                    bg: 'green.500',
+                    rounded: 'sm',
+                  })}
+                />
                <span className={css({ fontSize: 'sm', color: 'gray.300' })}>
                  Beginner (10-7 Kyu)
                </span>
              </div>
-              <div className={css({ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', gap: '2' })}>
-                <div className={css({ w: '4', h: '4', bg: 'blue.500', rounded: 'sm' })} />
+              <div
+                className={css({
+                  display: 'flex',
+                  alignItems: 'center',
+                  gap: '2',
+                })}
+              >
+                <div
+                  className={css({
+                    w: '4',
+                    h: '4',
+                    bg: 'blue.500',
+                    rounded: 'sm',
+                  })}
+                />
                <span className={css({ fontSize: 'sm', color: 'gray.300' })}>
                  Intermediate (6-4 Kyu)
                </span>
              </div>
-              <div className={css({ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', gap: '2' })}>
-                <div className={css({ w: '4', h: '4', bg: 'violet.500', rounded: 'sm' })} />
+              <div
+                className={css({
+                  display: 'flex',
+                  alignItems: 'center',
+                  gap: '2',
+                })}
+              >
+                <div
+                  className={css({
+                    w: '4',
+                    h: '4',
+                    bg: 'violet.500',
+                    rounded: 'sm',
+                  })}
+                />
                <span className={css({ fontSize: 'sm', color: 'gray.300' })}>
                  Advanced (3-1 Kyu)
                </span>
              </div>
-              <div className={css({ display: 'flex', alignItems: 'center', gap: '2' })}>
-                <div className={css({ w: '4', h: '4', bg: 'amber.500', rounded: 'sm' })} />
+              <div
+                className={css({
+                  display: 'flex',
+                  alignItems: 'center',
+                  gap: '2',
+                })}
+              >
+                <div
+                  className={css({
+                    w: '4',
+                    h: '4',
+                    bg: 'amber.500',
+                    rounded: 'sm',
+                  })}
+                />
                <span className={css({ fontSize: 'sm', color: 'gray.300' })}>
                  Master (Dan ranks)
                </span>
--- a/apps/web/src/app/page.tsx
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/page.tsx
--- a/apps/web/src/components/AppNavBar.tsx
+++ b/apps/web/src/components/AppNavBar.tsx
@@ -1,15 +1,41 @@
 'use client'

 import * as DropdownMenu from '@radix-ui/react-dropdown-menu'
+import * as Tooltip from '@radix-ui/react-tooltip'
 import Link from 'next/link'
 import { usePathname, useRouter } from 'next/navigation'
-import React, { useState } from 'react'
+import React, { useContext, useMemo, useState } from 'react'
 import { css } from '../../styled-system/css'
 import { container, hstack } from '../../styled-system/patterns'
 import { Z_INDEX } from '../constants/zIndex'
 import { useFullscreen } from '../contexts/FullscreenContext'
+import { getRandomSubtitle } from '../data/abaciOneSubtitles'
 import { AbacusDisplayDropdown } from './AbacusDisplayDropdown'

+// Import HomeHeroContext for optional usage
+import type { Subtitle } from '../data/abaciOneSubtitles'
+
+type HomeHeroContextValue = {
+  subtitle: Subtitle
+  isHeroVisible: boolean
+} | null
+
+// HomeHeroContext - imported dynamically to avoid circular deps
+let HomeHeroContextModule: any = null
+try {
+  HomeHeroContextModule = require('../contexts/HomeHeroContext')
+} catch {
+  // Context not available
+}
+
+const HomeHeroContext: React.Context<HomeHeroContextValue> =
+  HomeHeroContextModule?.HomeHeroContext || React.createContext<HomeHeroContextValue>(null)
+
+// Use HomeHeroContext without requiring it
+function useOptionalHomeHero(): HomeHeroContextValue {
+  return useContext(HomeHeroContext)
+}
+
 interface AppNavBarProps {
  variant?: 'full' | 'minimal'
  navSlot?: React.ReactNode
@@ -514,6 +540,17 @@ export function AppNavBar({ variant = 'full', navSlot }: AppNavBarProps) {
  const isArcadePage = pathname?.startsWith('/arcade')
  const { isFullscreen, toggleFullscreen, exitFullscreen } = useFullscreen()

+  // Try to get home hero context (if on homepage)
+  const homeHero = useOptionalHomeHero()
+
+  // Select a random subtitle once on mount (performance: won't change on re-renders)
+  // Use homeHero subtitle if available, otherwise generate one
+  const fallbackSubtitle = useMemo(() => getRandomSubtitle(), [])
+  const subtitle = homeHero?.subtitle || fallbackSubtitle
+
+  // Show branding unless we're on homepage with visible hero
+  const showBranding = !homeHero || !homeHero.isHeroVisible
+
  // Auto-detect variant based on context
  const actualVariant = variant === 'full' && (isGamePage || isArcadePage) ? 'minimal' : variant

@@ -532,54 +569,135 @@ export function AppNavBar({ variant = 'full', navSlot }: AppNavBarProps) {
    )
  }

+  // Check if we should use transparent styling (when hero is visible)
+  const isTransparent = homeHero?.isHeroVisible
+
  return (
-    <header
-      className={css({
-        bg: 'white',
-        shadow: 'sm',
-        borderBottom: '1px solid',
-        borderColor: 'gray.200',
-        position: 'sticky',
-        top: 0,
-        zIndex: 30,
-      })}
-    >
-      <div className={container({ maxW: '7xl', px: '4', py: '3' })}>
-        <div className={hstack({ justify: 'space-between', alignItems: 'center' })}>
-          {/* Logo */}
-          <Link
-            href="/"
-            className={css({
-              fontSize: 'xl',
-              fontWeight: 'bold',
-              color: 'brand.800',
-              textDecoration: 'none',
-              _hover: { color: 'brand.900' },
-            })}
-          >
-            🧮 Soroban Generator
-          </Link>
+    <Tooltip.Provider delayDuration={200}>
+      <header
+        className={css({
+          bg: isTransparent ? 'transparent' : 'white',
+          shadow: isTransparent ? 'none' : 'sm',
+          borderBottom: isTransparent ? 'none' : '1px solid',
+          borderColor: isTransparent ? 'transparent' : 'gray.200',
+          position: 'fixed',
+          top: 0,
+          left: 0,
+          right: 0,
+          zIndex: 1000,
+          transition: 'all 0.3s ease',
+        })}
+      >
+        <div className={container({ maxW: '7xl', px: '4', py: '3' })}>
+          <div className={hstack({ justify: 'space-between', alignItems: 'center' })}>
+            {/* Logo - conditionally shown based on hero visibility */}
+            {showBranding ? (
+              <Link
+                href="/"
+                className={css({
+                  display: 'flex',
+                  flexDirection: 'column',
+                  gap: '0',
+                  textDecoration: 'none',
+                  _hover: { '& > .brand-name': { color: 'brand.900' } },
+                  opacity: 0,
+                  animation: 'fadeIn 0.3s ease-out forwards',
+                })}
+              >
+                <span
+                  className={css({
+                    fontSize: 'xl',
+                    fontWeight: 'bold',
+                    color: 'brand.800',
+                  })}
+                >
+                  🧮 Abaci One
+                </span>
+                <Tooltip.Root>
+                  <Tooltip.Trigger asChild>
+                    <span
+                      className={css({
+                        fontSize: 'xs',
+                        fontWeight: 'medium',
+                        color: 'brand.600',
+                        fontStyle: 'italic',
+                        cursor: 'help',
+                        _hover: { color: 'brand.700' },
+                      })}
+                    >
+                      {subtitle.text}
+                    </span>
+                  </Tooltip.Trigger>
+                  <Tooltip.Portal>
+                    <Tooltip.Content
+                      side="bottom"
+                      align="start"
+                      sideOffset={4}
+                      className={css({
+                        bg: 'gray.900',
+                        color: 'white',
+                        px: '3',
+                        py: '2',
+                        rounded: 'md',
+                        fontSize: 'sm',
+                        maxW: '250px',
+                        shadow: 'lg',
+                        zIndex: 50,
+                      })}
+                    >
+                      {subtitle.description}
+                      <Tooltip.Arrow
+                        className={css({
+                          fill: 'gray.900',
+                        })}
+                      />
+                    </Tooltip.Content>
+                  </Tooltip.Portal>
+                </Tooltip.Root>
+              </Link>
+            ) : (
+              <div />
+            )}

-          <div className={hstack({ gap: '6', alignItems: 'center' })}>
-            {/* Navigation Links */}
-            <nav className={hstack({ gap: '4' })}>
-              <NavLink href="/create" currentPath={pathname}>
-                Create
-              </NavLink>
-              <NavLink href="/guide" currentPath={pathname}>
-                Guide
-              </NavLink>
-              <NavLink href="/games" currentPath={pathname}>
-                Games
-              </NavLink>
-            </nav>
+            <div className={hstack({ gap: '6', alignItems: 'center' })}>
+              {/* Navigation Links */}
+              <nav className={hstack({ gap: '4' })}>
+                <NavLink href="/create" currentPath={pathname} isTransparent={isTransparent}>
+                  Create
+                </NavLink>
+                <NavLink href="/guide" currentPath={pathname} isTransparent={isTransparent}>
+                  Guide
+                </NavLink>
+                <NavLink href="/games" currentPath={pathname} isTransparent={isTransparent}>
+                  Games
+                </NavLink>
+              </nav>

-            {/* Abacus Style Dropdown */}
-            <AbacusDisplayDropdown isFullscreen={false} />
+              {/* Abacus Style Dropdown */}
+              <AbacusDisplayDropdown isFullscreen={false} />
+            </div>
          </div>
        </div>
-      </div>
-    </header>
+      </header>
+
+      {/* Keyframes for fade-in animation */}
+      <style
+        dangerouslySetInnerHTML={{
+          __html: `
+            @keyframes fadeIn {
+              from {
+                opacity: 0;
+                transform: translateY(-5px);
+              }
+              to {
+                opacity: 1;
+                transform: translateY(0);
+              }
+            }
+          `,
+        }}
+      />
+    </Tooltip.Provider>
  )
 }

@@ -587,10 +705,12 @@ function NavLink({
  href,
  currentPath,
  children,
+  isTransparent,
 }: {
  href: string
  currentPath: string | null
  children: React.ReactNode
+  isTransparent?: boolean
 }) {
  const isActive = currentPath === href || (href !== '/' && currentPath?.startsWith(href))

@@ -604,8 +724,20 @@ function NavLink({
        minW: { base: '44px', md: 'auto' },
        fontSize: 'sm',
        fontWeight: 'medium',
-        color: isActive ? 'brand.700' : 'gray.600',
-        bg: isActive ? 'brand.50' : 'transparent',
+        color: isTransparent
+          ? isActive
+            ? 'white'
+            : 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.8)'
+          : isActive
+            ? 'brand.700'
+            : 'gray.600',
+        bg: isTransparent
+          ? isActive
+            ? 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15)'
+            : 'transparent'
+          : isActive
+            ? 'brand.50'
+            : 'transparent',
        rounded: 'lg',
        transition: 'all',
        textDecoration: 'none',
@@ -613,8 +745,8 @@ function NavLink({
        alignItems: 'center',
        justifyContent: 'center',
        _hover: {
-          color: isActive ? 'brand.800' : 'gray.900',
-          bg: isActive ? 'brand.100' : 'gray.50',
+          color: isTransparent ? 'white' : isActive ? 'brand.800' : 'gray.900',
+          bg: isTransparent ? 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2)' : isActive ? 'brand.100' : 'gray.50',
        },
      })}
    >
--- a/apps/web/src/components/HeroAbacus.tsx
+++ b/apps/web/src/components/HeroAbacus.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,189 @@
+'use client'
+
+import { useEffect, useRef } from 'react'
+import { AbacusReact, useAbacusConfig } from '@soroban/abacus-react'
+import { css } from '../../styled-system/css'
+import { useHomeHero } from '../contexts/HomeHeroContext'
+
+export function HeroAbacus() {
+  const {
+    subtitle,
+    abacusValue,
+    setAbacusValue,
+    setIsHeroVisible,
+    isAbacusLoaded,
+    isSubtitleLoaded,
+  } = useHomeHero()
+  const appConfig = useAbacusConfig()
+  const heroRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null)
+
+  // Styling for structural elements (solid, no translucency)
+  const structuralStyles = {
+    columnPosts: {
+      fill: 'rgb(255, 255, 255)',
+      stroke: 'rgb(200, 200, 200)',
+      strokeWidth: 2,
+    },
+    reckoningBar: {
+      fill: 'rgb(255, 255, 255)',
+      stroke: 'rgb(200, 200, 200)',
+      strokeWidth: 3,
+    },
+  }
+
+  // Detect when hero scrolls out of view
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (!heroRef.current) return
+
+    const observer = new IntersectionObserver(
+      ([entry]) => {
+        // Hero is visible if more than 20% is in viewport
+        setIsHeroVisible(entry.intersectionRatio > 0.2)
+      },
+      {
+        threshold: [0, 0.2, 0.5, 1],
+      }
+    )
+
+    observer.observe(heroRef.current)
+
+    return () => observer.disconnect()
+  }, [setIsHeroVisible])
+
+  return (
+    <div
+      ref={heroRef}
+      className={css({
+        height: '100vh',
+        display: 'flex',
+        flexDirection: 'column',
+        alignItems: 'center',
+        justifyContent: 'space-between',
+        bg: 'gray.900',
+        position: 'relative',
+        overflow: 'hidden',
+        px: '4',
+        py: '12',
+      })}
+    >
+      {/* Background pattern */}
+      <div
+        className={css({
+          position: 'absolute',
+          inset: 0,
+          opacity: 0.1,
+          backgroundImage:
+            'radial-gradient(circle at 2px 2px, rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.15) 1px, transparent 0)',
+          backgroundSize: '40px 40px',
+        })}
+      />
+
+      {/* Title and Subtitle Section - DIRECT CHILD */}
+      <div
+        className={css({
+          position: 'relative',
+          display: 'flex',
+          flexDirection: 'column',
+          alignItems: 'center',
+          gap: '2',
+          zIndex: 10,
+        })}
+      >
+        <h1
+          className={css({
+            fontSize: { base: '4xl', md: '6xl', lg: '7xl' },
+            fontWeight: 'bold',
+            background: 'linear-gradient(135deg, #fbbf24 0%, #f59e0b 50%, #fbbf24 100%)',
+            backgroundClip: 'text',
+            color: 'transparent',
+          })}
+        >
+          Abaci One
+        </h1>
+        <p
+          className={css({
+            fontSize: { base: 'xl', md: '2xl' },
+            fontWeight: 'medium',
+            color: 'purple.300',
+            fontStyle: 'italic',
+            marginBottom: '8',
+            opacity: isSubtitleLoaded ? 1 : 0,
+            transition: 'opacity 0.5s ease-in-out',
+          })}
+        >
+          {subtitle.text}
+        </p>
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Large Interactive Abacus - DIRECT CHILD */}
+      <div
+        className={css({
+          position: 'relative',
+          display: 'flex',
+          alignItems: 'center',
+          justifyContent: 'center',
+          flex: '1',
+          width: '100%',
+          zIndex: 10,
+          opacity: isAbacusLoaded ? 1 : 0,
+          transition: 'opacity 0.5s ease-in-out',
+        })}
+      >
+        <div
+          className={css({
+            transform: { base: 'scale(2)', md: 'scale(3)', lg: 'scale(4)' },
+            transformOrigin: 'center center',
+            transition: 'all 0.5s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1)',
+          })}
+        >
+          <AbacusReact
+            value={abacusValue}
+            columns={4}
+            beadShape={appConfig.beadShape}
+            showNumbers={true}
+            interactive={true}
+            animated={true}
+            customStyles={structuralStyles}
+            onValueChange={setAbacusValue}
+          />
+        </div>
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Subtle hint to scroll - DIRECT CHILD */}
+      <div
+        className={css({
+          position: 'relative',
+          fontSize: 'sm',
+          color: 'gray.400',
+          display: 'flex',
+          flexDirection: 'column',
+          alignItems: 'center',
+          gap: '2',
+          animation: 'bounce 2s ease-in-out infinite',
+          zIndex: 10,
+        })}
+      >
+        <span>Scroll to explore</span>
+        <span>↓</span>
+      </div>
+
+      {/* Keyframes for bounce animation */}
+      <style
+        dangerouslySetInnerHTML={{
+          __html: `
+            @keyframes bounce {
+              0%, 100% {
+                transform: translateY(0);
+                opacity: 0.7;
+              }
+              50% {
+                transform: translateY(-10px);
+                opacity: 1;
+              }
+            }
+          `,
+        }}
+      />
+    </div>
+  )
+}
--- a/apps/web/src/contexts/HomeHeroContext.tsx
+++ b/apps/web/src/contexts/HomeHeroContext.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,127 @@
+'use client'
+
+import type React from 'react'
+import { createContext, useContext, useEffect, useMemo, useRef, useState } from 'react'
+import type { Subtitle } from '../data/abaciOneSubtitles'
+import { subtitles } from '../data/abaciOneSubtitles'
+
+interface HomeHeroContextValue {
+  subtitle: Subtitle
+  abacusValue: number
+  setAbacusValue: (value: number) => void
+  isHeroVisible: boolean
+  setIsHeroVisible: (visible: boolean) => void
+  isAbacusLoaded: boolean
+  isSubtitleLoaded: boolean
+}
+
+const HomeHeroContext = createContext<HomeHeroContextValue | null>(null)
+
+export { HomeHeroContext }
+
+export function HomeHeroProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
+  // Use first subtitle for SSR, then select random one on client mount
+  const [subtitle, setSubtitle] = useState<Subtitle>(subtitles[0])
+  const [isSubtitleLoaded, setIsSubtitleLoaded] = useState(false)
+
+  // Select random subtitle only on client side, persist per-session
+  useEffect(() => {
+    // Check if we have a stored subtitle index for this session
+    const storedIndex = sessionStorage.getItem('heroSubtitleIndex')
+
+    if (storedIndex !== null) {
+      // Use the stored subtitle index
+      const index = parseInt(storedIndex, 10)
+      if (!Number.isNaN(index) && index >= 0 && index < subtitles.length) {
+        setSubtitle(subtitles[index])
+        setIsSubtitleLoaded(true)
+        return
+      }
+    }
+
+    // Generate a new random index and store it
+    const randomIndex = Math.floor(Math.random() * subtitles.length)
+    sessionStorage.setItem('heroSubtitleIndex', randomIndex.toString())
+    setSubtitle(subtitles[randomIndex])
+    setIsSubtitleLoaded(true)
+  }, [])
+
+  // Shared abacus value - always start at 0 for SSR/hydration consistency
+  const [abacusValue, setAbacusValue] = useState(0)
+  const [isAbacusLoaded, setIsAbacusLoaded] = useState(false)
+  const isLoadingFromStorage = useRef(false)
+
+  // Load from sessionStorage after mount (client-only, no hydration mismatch)
+  useEffect(() => {
+    console.log('[HeroAbacus] Loading from sessionStorage...')
+    isLoadingFromStorage.current = true // Block saves during load
+
+    const saved = sessionStorage.getItem('heroAbacusValue')
+    console.log('[HeroAbacus] Saved value from storage:', saved)
+
+    if (saved) {
+      const parsedValue = parseInt(saved, 10)
+      console.log('[HeroAbacus] Parsed value:', parsedValue)
+      if (!Number.isNaN(parsedValue)) {
+        console.log('[HeroAbacus] Setting abacus value to:', parsedValue)
+        setAbacusValue(parsedValue)
+      }
+    } else {
+      console.log('[HeroAbacus] No saved value found, staying at 0')
+    }
+
+    // Use setTimeout to ensure the value has been set before we allow saves
+    setTimeout(() => {
+      isLoadingFromStorage.current = false
+      setIsAbacusLoaded(true)
+      console.log('[HeroAbacus] Load complete, allowing saves now and fading in')
+    }, 0)
+  }, [])
+
+  // Persist value to sessionStorage when it changes (but skip during load)
+  useEffect(() => {
+    console.log(
+      '[HeroAbacus] Save effect triggered. Value:',
+      abacusValue,
+      'isLoadingFromStorage:',
+      isLoadingFromStorage.current
+    )
+
+    if (!isLoadingFromStorage.current) {
+      console.log('[HeroAbacus] Saving to sessionStorage:', abacusValue)
+      sessionStorage.setItem('heroAbacusValue', abacusValue.toString())
+      console.log(
+        '[HeroAbacus] Saved successfully. Storage now contains:',
+        sessionStorage.getItem('heroAbacusValue')
+      )
+    } else {
+      console.log('[HeroAbacus] Skipping save (currently loading from storage)')
+    }
+  }, [abacusValue])
+
+  // Track hero visibility for nav branding
+  const [isHeroVisible, setIsHeroVisible] = useState(true)
+
+  const value = useMemo(
+    () => ({
+      subtitle,
+      abacusValue,
+      setAbacusValue,
+      isHeroVisible,
+      setIsHeroVisible,
+      isAbacusLoaded,
+      isSubtitleLoaded,
+    }),
+    [subtitle, abacusValue, isHeroVisible, isAbacusLoaded, isSubtitleLoaded]
+  )
+
+  return <HomeHeroContext.Provider value={value}>{children}</HomeHeroContext.Provider>
+}
+
+export function useHomeHero() {
+  const context = useContext(HomeHeroContext)
+  if (!context) {
+    throw new Error('useHomeHero must be used within HomeHeroProvider')
+  }
+  return context
+}
--- a/apps/web/src/data/abaciOneSubtitles.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/data/abaciOneSubtitles.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,97 @@
+/**
+ * Abaci One subtitle options with descriptions
+ * Three-word rhyming subtitles for the main app navigation
+ */
+
+export interface Subtitle {
+  text: string
+  description: string
+}
+
+export const subtitles: Subtitle[] = [
+  { text: 'Speed Bead Lead', description: 'blaze through bead races' },
+  { text: 'Rod Mod Nod', description: 'tweak rod technique, approval earned' },
+  { text: 'Grid Kid Lid', description: 'lock in neat grid habits' },
+  { text: 'Count Mount Amount', description: 'stack up that number sense' },
+  { text: 'Stack Track Tack', description: 'line up beads, lock in sums' },
+  { text: 'Quick Flick Trick', description: 'rapid-fire bead tactics' },
+  { text: 'Flash Dash Math', description: 'fly through numeric challenges' },
+  { text: 'Slide Glide Pride', description: 'smooth soroban strokes' },
+  { text: 'Shift Sift Gift', description: 'sort beads, reveal talent' },
+  { text: 'Beat Seat Meet', description: 'compete head-to-head' },
+  { text: 'Brain Train Gain', description: 'mental math muscle building' },
+  { text: 'Flow Show Pro', description: 'demonstrate soroban mastery' },
+  { text: 'Fast Blast Past', description: 'surpass speed limits' },
+  { text: 'Snap Tap Map', description: 'chart your calculation path' },
+  { text: 'Row Grow Know', description: 'advance through structured drills' },
+  { text: 'Drill Skill Thrill', description: 'practice that excites' },
+  { text: 'Think Link Sync', description: 'connect mind and beads' },
+  { text: 'Boost Joust Roost', description: 'power up, compete, settle in' },
+  { text: 'Add Grad Rad', description: 'level up addition awesomely' },
+  { text: 'Sum Fun Run', description: 'enjoy the arithmetic sprint' },
+  { text: 'Track Stack Pack', description: 'organize solutions systematically' },
+  { text: 'Beat Neat Feat', description: 'clean victories, impressive wins' },
+  { text: 'Math Path Wrath', description: 'dominate numeric challenges' },
+  { text: 'Spark Mark Arc', description: 'ignite progress, track growth' },
+  { text: 'Race Pace Ace', description: 'speed up, master it' },
+  { text: 'Flex Hex Reflex', description: 'adapt calculations instantly' },
+  { text: 'Glide Pride Stride', description: 'smooth confident progress' },
+  { text: 'Flash Dash Smash', description: 'speed through, crush totals' },
+  { text: 'Stack Attack Jack', description: 'aggressive bead strategies' },
+  { text: 'Quick Pick Click', description: 'rapid bead selection' },
+  { text: 'Snap Map Tap', description: 'visualize and execute' },
+  { text: 'Mind Find Grind', description: 'discover mental endurance' },
+  { text: 'Flip Skip Rip', description: 'fast transitions, tear through' },
+  { text: 'Blend Trend Send', description: 'mix methods, share progress' },
+  { text: 'Power Tower Hour', description: 'build skills intensively' },
+  { text: 'Launch Staunch Haunch', description: 'start strong, stay firm' },
+  { text: 'Rush Crush Hush', description: 'speed quietly dominates' },
+  { text: 'Swipe Stripe Hype', description: 'sleek moves, excitement' },
+  { text: 'Train Gain Sustain', description: 'build lasting ability' },
+  { text: 'Frame Claim Flame', description: 'structure your fire' },
+  { text: 'Streak Peak Tweak', description: 'hot runs, optimize performance' },
+  { text: 'Edge Pledge Wedge', description: 'commit to precision' },
+  { text: 'Pace Grace Space', description: 'rhythm, elegance, room to grow' },
+  { text: 'Link Think Brink', description: 'connect at breakthrough edge' },
+  { text: 'Quest Test Best', description: 'challenge yourself to excel' },
+  { text: 'Drive Thrive Arrive', description: 'push hard, succeed, reach goals' },
+  { text: 'Smart Start Chart', description: 'begin wisely, track progress' },
+  { text: 'Boost Coast Toast', description: 'accelerate, cruise, celebrate' },
+  { text: 'Spark Dark Embark', description: 'ignite before dawn journeys' },
+  { text: 'Blaze Graze Amaze', description: 'burn through, touch lightly, wow' },
+  { text: 'Shift Drift Gift', description: 'adapt smoothly, reveal talent' },
+  { text: 'Zone Hone Own', description: 'focus, refine, claim mastery' },
+  { text: 'Vault Halt Exalt', description: 'leap high, pause, celebrate' },
+  { text: 'Peak Seek Streak', description: 'find heights, maintain momentum' },
+  { text: 'Glow Show Grow', description: 'shine, display, expand' },
+  { text: 'Scope Hope Rope', description: 'survey possibilities, climb up' },
+  { text: 'Core Score More', description: 'fundamentals yield better results' },
+  { text: 'Rank Bank Thank', description: 'earn status, save wins, appreciate' },
+  { text: 'Merge Surge Verge', description: 'combine forces, power up, edge closer' },
+  { text: 'Bold Gold Hold', description: 'brave attempts, prize rewards, maintain' },
+  { text: 'Rise Prize Wise', description: 'ascend, win, learn' },
+  { text: 'Move Groove Prove', description: 'act, find rhythm, demonstrate' },
+  { text: 'Trust Thrust Adjust', description: 'believe, push, refine' },
+  { text: 'Beam Dream Team', description: 'radiate, aspire, collaborate' },
+  { text: 'Spin Win Grin', description: 'rotate beads, succeed, smile' },
+  { text: 'String Ring Bring', description: 'connect, cycle, deliver' },
+  { text: 'Clear Gear Steer', description: 'focus, equip, direct' },
+  { text: 'Path Math Aftermath', description: 'route, calculate, results' },
+  { text: 'Play Slay Day', description: 'engage, dominate, own it' },
+  { text: 'Code Mode Road', description: 'pattern, style, journey' },
+  { text: 'Craft Draft Shaft', description: 'build, sketch, core structure' },
+  { text: 'Light Might Fight', description: 'illuminate, empower, compete' },
+  { text: 'Stream Dream Extreme', description: 'flow, envision, push limits' },
+  { text: 'Claim Frame Aim', description: 'assert, structure, target' },
+  { text: 'Chart Smart Start', description: 'map, intelligent, begin' },
+  { text: 'Bright Flight Height', description: 'brilliant, soar, elevation' },
+]
+
+/**
+ * Get a random subtitle from the list
+ * Uses current timestamp as seed for variety across sessions
+ */
+export function getRandomSubtitle(): Subtitle {
+  const index = Math.floor(Math.random() * subtitles.length)
+  return subtitles[index]
+}
--- a/apps/web/src/data/kyuLevelDetails.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/data/kyuLevelDetails.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,123 @@
+/**
+ * Detailed requirements for each Kyu level in the Soroban certification system
+ * Source: shuzan.jp
+ *
+ * Note: Stored verbatim from source. Display formatting/translation happens in the UI layer.
+ */
+
+export const kyuLevelDetails = {
+  '10-kyu': `Add/Sub: 2-digit, 5口, 10字
+
+×: 実+法 = 3 digits (20 problems)
+
+Time: 20 min; Pass ≥ 60/200.
+shuzan.jp`,
+
+  '9-kyu': `Add/Sub: 2-digit, 5口, 10字
+
+×: 実+法 = 3 digits (20)
+
+Time: 20 min; Pass ≥ 120/200. (If only one part clears, it's treated as 10-kyu per federation notes.)
+shuzan.jp`,
+
+  '8-kyu': `Add/Sub: 2-digit, 8口, 16字
+
+×: 実+法 = 4 digits (10)
+
+÷: 法+商 = 3 digits (10)
+
+Time: 20 min; Pass ≥ 120/200.
+shuzan.jp`,
+
+  '7-kyu': `Add/Sub: 2-digit, 10口, 20字
+
+×: 実+法 = 4 digits (10)
+
+÷: 法+商 = 4 digits (10)
+
+Time: 20 min; Pass ≥ 120/200.
+shuzan.jp`,
+
+  '6-kyu': `Add/Sub: 10口, 30字
+
+×: 実+法 = 5 digits (20)
+
+÷: 法+商 = 4 digits (20)
+
+Time: 30 min; Pass ≥ 210/300.
+shuzan.jp`,
+
+  '5-kyu': `Add/Sub: 10口, 40字
+
+×: 実+法 = 6 digits (20)
+
+÷: 法+商 = 5 digits (20)
+
+Time: 30 min; Pass ≥ 210/300.
+shuzan.jp`,
+
+  '4-kyu': `Add/Sub: 10口, 50字
+
+×: 実+法 = 7 digits (20)
+
+÷: 法+商 = 6 digits (20)
+
+Time: 30 min; Pass ≥ 210/300.
+shuzan.jp`,
+
+  'Pre-3-kyu': `Add/Sub: 10口, 50字 ×5題 and 10口, 60字 ×5題 (total 10)
+
+×: 実+法 = 7 digits (20)
+
+÷: 法+商 = 6 digits (20)
+
+Time: 30 min; Pass ≥ 240/300.
+shuzan.jp`,
+
+  '3-kyu': `Add/Sub: 10口, 60字
+
+×: 実+法 = 7 digits (20)
+
+÷: 法+商 = 6 digits (20)
+
+Time: 30 min; Pass ≥ 240/300.
+shuzan.jp`,
+
+  'Pre-2-kyu': `Add/Sub: 10口, 70字
+
+×: 実+法 = 8 digits (20)
+
+÷: 法+商 = 7 digits (20)
+
+Time: 30 min; Pass ≥ 240/300.
+shuzan.jp`,
+
+  '2-kyu': `Add/Sub: 10口, 80字
+
+×: 実+法 = 9 digits (20)
+
+÷: 法+商 = 8 digits (20)
+
+Time: 30 min; Pass ≥ 240/300.
+shuzan.jp`,
+
+  'Pre-1-kyu': `Add/Sub: 10口, 90字
+
+×: 実+法 = 10 digits (20)
+
+÷: 法+商 = 9 digits (20)
+
+Time: 30 min; Pass ≥ 240/300.
+shuzan.jp`,
+
+  '1-kyu': `Add/Sub: 10口, 100字
+
+×: 実+法 = 11 digits (20)
+
+÷: 法+商 = 10 digits (20)
+
+Time: 30 min; Pass ≥ 240/300.
+shuzan.jp`,
+} as const
+
+export type KyuLevel = keyof typeof kyuLevelDetails
--- a/package.json
+++ b/package.json
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
  "name": "soroban-monorepo",
-  "version": "4.32.1",
+  "version": "4.48.5",
  "private": true,
  "description": "Beautiful Soroban Flashcard Generator - Monorepo",
  "workspaces": [
--- a/packages/abacus-react/CHANGELOG.md
+++ b/packages/abacus-react/CHANGELOG.md
@@ -1,3 +1,25 @@
+# [2.1.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/abacus-react-v2.0.0...abacus-react-v2.1.0) (2025-10-20)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* **levels:** add fixed height to entire level display pane ([200b26c](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/200b26c2cd35d1d637ede9dcfc3dbbc7f3f19320))
+* **levels:** increase container height to prevent abacus clipping ([cd5c15a](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/cd5c15aeb260c568fe7ad9b6a4f51c4d6498b2b8))
+* **levels:** only animate abacus, not container with background/border ([c80477d](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/c80477d24877ddada5f3f4405abbf05e1d753b5d))
+* **levels:** reduce Dan scale and container height to prevent clipping ([563136f](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/563136fb79fa10b2af3a119bf0f861e3b0812b2e))
+* **levels:** reduce max scale factor to allow more compact container ([ead9ee9](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/ead9ee9589aa4d7376e9385da5da53a6b444858a))
+* **levels:** reduce scale factor variation to minimize margin differences ([abb647c](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/abb647ce40b8f9d0c8268ab18c139324ae3195c5))
+* **levels:** revert delayed column change, keep overflow hidden ([22f00f5](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/22f00f59f5facc36a846408dcd196ec54ea676b1))
+* **levels:** stabilize slider position and prevent abacus clipping ([09004dc](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/09004dc2c055031ee2f71c964ceee6f7b1d42ecd))
+
+
+### Features
+
+* **abacus-react:** export StandaloneBead component wired to AbacusDisplayContext ([0146ce1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/0146ce1e67da27a24cbaa8338ba6a1a6befd6bd3))
+* **levels:** add hover interaction and smooth React Spring transitions ([fd2b633](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/fd2b6338a84c3bbc683eff216a8da3b155749f0f))
+* **levels:** redesign slider with abacus-themed beads ([f3dce84](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/f3dce84532fa706e4ec9551facde2055a060ee13))
+* **levels:** replace slider thumb with diamond-shaped abacus beads ([0fbde53](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/0fbde53039d3ea000c6a3be492b733479e7bf47c))
+
 # [2.0.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/abacus-react-v1.8.0...abacus-react-v2.0.0) (2025-10-20)


--- a/packages/abacus-react/src/StandaloneBead.tsx
+++ b/packages/abacus-react/src/StandaloneBead.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,147 @@
+"use client";
+
+import React from "react";
+import { useSpring, animated } from "@react-spring/web";
+import {
+  useAbacusConfig,
+  getDefaultAbacusConfig,
+  type BeadShape,
+} from "./AbacusContext";
+
+export interface StandaloneBeadProps {
+  /** Size of the bead in pixels */
+  size?: number;
+  /** Override the shape from context (diamond, circle, square) */
+  shape?: BeadShape;
+  /** Override the color from context */
+  color?: string;
+  /** Enable animation */
+  animated?: boolean;
+  /** Custom className */
+  className?: string;
+  /** Custom style */
+  style?: React.CSSProperties;
+  /** Active state for the bead */
+  active?: boolean;
+}
+
+/**
+ * Standalone Bead component that respects the AbacusDisplayContext.
+ * This component renders a single abacus bead with styling from the context.
+ *
+ * Usage:
+ * ```tsx
+ * import { StandaloneBead, AbacusDisplayProvider } from '@soroban/abacus-react';
+ *
+ * <AbacusDisplayProvider>
+ *   <StandaloneBead size={28} color="#8b5cf6" />
+ * </AbacusDisplayProvider>
+ * ```
+ */
+export const StandaloneBead: React.FC<StandaloneBeadProps> = ({
+  size = 28,
+  shape: shapeProp,
+  color: colorProp,
+  animated: animatedProp,
+  className,
+  style,
+  active = true,
+}) => {
+  // Try to use context config, fallback to defaults if no context
+  let contextConfig;
+  try {
+    contextConfig = useAbacusConfig();
+  } catch {
+    // No context provider, use defaults
+    contextConfig = getDefaultAbacusConfig();
+  }
+
+  // Use props if provided, otherwise fall back to context config
+  const shape = shapeProp ?? contextConfig.beadShape;
+  const enableAnimation = animatedProp ?? contextConfig.animated;
+  const color = colorProp ?? "#000000";
+
+  const [springs, api] = useSpring(() => ({
+    scale: 1,
+    config: { tension: 300, friction: 20 },
+  }));
+
+  React.useEffect(() => {
+    if (enableAnimation) {
+      api.start({ scale: 1 });
+    }
+  }, [enableAnimation, api]);
+
+  const renderShape = () => {
+    const halfSize = size / 2;
+    const actualColor = active ? color : "rgb(211, 211, 211)";
+
+    switch (shape) {
+      case "diamond":
+        return (
+          <polygon
+            points={`${size * 0.7},0 ${size * 1.4},${halfSize} ${size * 0.7},${size} 0,${halfSize}`}
+            fill={actualColor}
+            stroke="#000"
+            strokeWidth="0.5"
+          />
+        );
+      case "square":
+        return (
+          <rect
+            width={size}
+            height={size}
+            fill={actualColor}
+            stroke="#000"
+            strokeWidth="0.5"
+            rx="1"
+          />
+        );
+      case "circle":
+      default:
+        return (
+          <circle
+            cx={halfSize}
+            cy={halfSize}
+            r={halfSize}
+            fill={actualColor}
+            stroke="#000"
+            strokeWidth="0.5"
+          />
+        );
+    }
+  };
+
+  const getXOffset = () => {
+    return shape === "diamond" ? size * 0.7 : size / 2;
+  };
+
+  const getYOffset = () => {
+    return size / 2;
+  };
+
+  const AnimatedG = animated.g;
+
+  return (
+    <svg
+      width={size * (shape === "diamond" ? 1.4 : 1)}
+      height={size}
+      className={className}
+      style={style}
+    >
+      <AnimatedG
+        transform={`translate(0, 0)`}
+        style={
+          enableAnimation
+            ? {
+                transform: springs.scale.to((s) => `scale(${s})`),
+                transformOrigin: "center",
+              }
+            : undefined
+        }
+      >
+        {renderShape()}
+      </AnimatedG>
+    </svg>
+  );
+};
--- a/packages/abacus-react/src/index.ts
+++ b/packages/abacus-react/src/index.ts
@@ -14,3 +14,6 @@ export type {
  AbacusDisplayConfig,
  AbacusDisplayContextType,
 } from "./AbacusContext";
+
+export { StandaloneBead } from "./StandaloneBead";
+export type { StandaloneBeadProps } from "./StandaloneBead";