chore(release): 2.16.3 [skip ci]

## [2.16.3](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.16.2...v2.16.3) (2025-10-09)

### Bug Fixes

* use game state playerMetadata instead of GameModeContext in UI components ([388c254](388c25451d))

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -1,3 +1,100 @@
+## [2.16.3](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.16.2...v2.16.3) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* use game state playerMetadata instead of GameModeContext in UI components ([388c254](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/388c25451d11b85236c1f7682fe2f7a62a15d5eb))
+
+## [2.16.2](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.16.1...v2.16.2) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* use only local user's players in LocalMemoryPairsProvider ([c26138f](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/c26138ffb55a237a99cb6ff399c8a2ac54a22b51))
+
+## [2.16.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.16.0...v2.16.1) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* convert LocalMemoryPairsProvider to pure client-side with useReducer ([b128db1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/b128db1783a8dcffe7879745c3342add2f9ffe29))
+
+## [2.16.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.15.0...v2.16.0) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* fade out hover avatar when player stops hovering ([820eeb4](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/820eeb4fb03ad8be6a86dd0a26e089052224f427))
+
+## [2.15.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.14.3...v2.15.0) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* implement smooth hover avatar animations with react-spring ([442c6b4](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/442c6b4529ba5c820b1fe8a64805a3d85489a8ea))
+
+## [2.14.3](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.14.2...v2.14.3) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* enable smooth spring animations between card hovers ([8d53b58](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/8d53b589aa17ebc6d0a9251b3006fd8a90f90a61))
+
+## [2.14.2](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.14.1...v2.14.2) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* correct avatar positioning to prevent fly-in animation ([573d0df](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/573d0df20dcdac41021c46feb423dbf3782728f6))
+
+## [2.14.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.14.0...v2.14.1) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* prevent avatar fly-in and hide local player's own hover ([7f65a67](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/7f65a67cef3d7f0ebce1bd7417972a6138acfc46))
+
+## [2.14.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.13.0...v2.14.0) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* improve hover avatars with smooth animation and 3D elevation ([71b11f4](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/71b11f4ef08a5f9c3f1c1aaabca21ef023d5c0ce))
+
+## [2.13.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.12.3...v2.13.0) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Features
+
+* implement networked hover presence for multiplayer gameplay ([62f3730](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/62f3730542334a0580f5dad1c73adc333614ee58))
+
+
+### Code Refactoring
+
+* move canModifyPlayers logic into provider layer ([db9f909](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/db9f9096b446b078e1b4dfe970723bef54a6f4ae))
+* properly separate LocalMemoryPairsProvider and RoomMemoryPairsProvider ([98822ec](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/98822ecda52bf004d9950e3f4c92c834fd820e49))
+
+## [2.12.3](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.12.2...v2.12.3) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* always show game control buttons in room-based sessions ([14ba422](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/14ba422919abd648e2a134ce167a5e6fd9f84e73))
+
+## [2.12.2](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.12.1...v2.12.2) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* use RoomMemoryPairsProvider in room page ([c279731](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/c27973191f0144604e17a8a14adf0a88df476e27))
+
+## [2.12.1](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.12.0...v2.12.1) (2025-10-09)
+
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+* export MemoryPairsContext to fix provider hook error ([80ad33e](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/commit/80ad33eec0b6946702eaa9cf1b1c246852864b00))
+
 ## [2.12.0](https://github.com/antialias/soroban-abacus-flashcards/compare/v2.11.0...v2.12.0) (2025-10-09)
 
 

apps/web/.claude/ARCADE_ARCHITECTURE.md

@@ -0,0 +1,492 @@
+# Arcade Game Architecture
+
+## Overview
+
+The arcade system supports two distinct game modes that must remain completely isolated from each other:
+
+1. **Local Play** - Games without network synchronization (can be single-player OR local multiplayer)
+2. **Room-Based Play** - Networked games with real-time synchronization across room members
+
+## Core Terminology
+
+Following `docs/terminology-user-player-room.md`:
+
+- **USER** - Identity (guest or authenticated account), retrieved via `useViewerId()`, one per browser/account
+- **PLAYER** - Game avatar/profile (e.g., "Alice 👧", "Bob 👦"), stored in `players` table
+- **PLAYER ROSTER** - All PLAYERS belonging to a USER (can have many)
+- **ACTIVE PLAYERS** - PLAYERS where `isActive = true` - these are the ones that actually participate in games
+- **ROOM MEMBER** - A USER's participation in a multiplayer room (tracked in `room_members` table)
+
+**Important:** A USER can have many PLAYERS in their roster, but only the ACTIVE PLAYERS (where `isActive = true`) participate in games. This enables "hot-potato" style local multiplayer where multiple people share the same device. This is LOCAL play (not networked), even though multiple PLAYERS participate.
+
+In arcade sessions:
+- `arcade_sessions.userId` - The USER who owns the session
+- `arcade_sessions.activePlayers` - Array of PLAYER IDs (only active players with `isActive = true`)
+- `arcade_sessions.roomId` - If present, the room ID for networked play (references `arcade_rooms.id`)
+
+## Critical Architectural Requirements
+
+### 1. Mode Isolation (MUST ENFORCE)
+
+**Local Play** (`/arcade/[game-name]`)
+- MUST NOT sync game state across the network
+- MUST NOT use room data, even if the USER is currently a member of an active room
+- MUST create isolated, per-USER game sessions
+- Game state lives only in the current browser tab/session
+- CAN have multiple ACTIVE PLAYERS from the same USER (local multiplayer / hot-potato)
+- State is NOT shared across the network, only within the browser session
+
+**Room-Based Play** (`/arcade/room`)
+- MUST sync game state across all room members via network
+- MUST use the USER's current active room
+- MUST coordinate moves via server WebSocket
+- Game state is shared across all ACTIVE PLAYERS from all USERS in the room
+- When a PLAYER makes a move, all room members see it in real-time
+- CAN ALSO have multiple ACTIVE PLAYERS per USER (networked + local multiplayer combined)
+
+### 2. Room ID Usage Rules
+
+```typescript
+// ❌ WRONG: Always checking for room data
+const { roomData } = useRoomData()
+useArcadeSession({ roomId: roomData?.id })  // This causes the bug!
+
+// ✅ CORRECT: Explicit mode control via separate providers
+<LocalMemoryPairsProvider>     {/* Never passes roomId */}
+<RoomMemoryPairsProvider>       {/* Always passes roomId */}
+```
+
+**Key principle:** The presence of a `roomId` parameter in `useArcadeSession` determines synchronization behavior:
+- `roomId` present → room-wide network sync enabled (room-based play)
+- `roomId` undefined → local play only (no network sync)
+
+### 3. Composition Over Flags (PREFERRED APPROACH)
+
+**✅ Option 1: Separate Providers (CLEAREST - USE THIS)**
+
+Create two distinct provider components:
+
+```typescript
+// context/LocalMemoryPairsProvider.tsx
+export function LocalMemoryPairsProvider({ children }) {
+  const { data: viewerId } = useViewerId()
+  const { activePlayers } = useGameMode()  // Gets active players (isActive = true)
+  // NEVER fetch room data for local play
+
+  const { state, sendMove } = useArcadeSession<MemoryPairsState>({
+    userId: viewerId || '',
+    roomId: undefined,  // Explicitly undefined - no network sync
+    initialState,
+    applyMove: applyMoveOptimistically,
+  })
+
+  // ... rest of provider logic
+  // Note: activePlayers contains only PLAYERS with isActive = true
+}
+
+// context/RoomMemoryPairsProvider.tsx
+export function RoomMemoryPairsProvider({ children }) {
+  const { data: viewerId } = useViewerId()
+  const { roomData } = useRoomData()  // OK to fetch for room-based play
+  const { activePlayers } = useGameMode()  // Gets active players (isActive = true)
+
+  const { state, sendMove } = useArcadeSession<MemoryPairsState>({
+    userId: viewerId || '',
+    roomId: roomData?.id,  // Pass roomId for network sync
+    initialState,
+    applyMove: applyMoveOptimistically,
+  })
+
+  // ... rest of provider logic
+}
+```
+
+Then use them explicitly:
+```typescript
+// /arcade/matching/page.tsx (Local Play)
+export default function MatchingPage() {
+  return (
+    <ArcadeGuardedPage>
+      <LocalMemoryPairsProvider>
+        <MemoryPairsGame />
+      </LocalMemoryPairsProvider>
+    </ArcadeGuardedPage>
+  )
+}
+
+// /arcade/room/page.tsx (Room-Based Play)
+export default function RoomPage() {
+  // ... room validation logic
+  if (roomData.gameName === 'matching') {
+    return (
+      <RoomMemoryPairsProvider>
+        <MemoryPairsGame />
+      </RoomMemoryPairsProvider>
+    )
+  }
+}
+```
+
+**Benefits of separate providers:**
+- Compile-time safety - impossible to mix modes
+- Clear intent - any developer can see which mode at a glance
+- No runtime conditionals needed
+- Easier to test - each provider tests separately
+
+**❌ Avoid:** Runtime flag checking scattered throughout code
+```typescript
+// Anti-pattern: Too many conditionals
+if (isRoomBased) { ... } else { ... }
+```
+
+### 4. How Synchronization Works
+
+#### Local Play Flow
+```
+USER Action → useArcadeSession (roomId: undefined)
+           → WebSocket emit('join-arcade-session', { userId })
+           → Server creates isolated session for userId
+           → Session key = userId
+           → session.activePlayers = USER's active player IDs (isActive = true)
+           → State changes only affect this USER's browser tabs
+
+Note: Multiple ACTIVE PLAYERS from same USER can participate (local multiplayer),
+      but state is NEVER synced across network
+```
+
+#### Room-Based Play Flow
+```
+USER Action (on behalf of PLAYER)
+         → useArcadeSession (roomId: 'room_xyz')
+         → WebSocket emit('join-arcade-session', { userId, roomId })
+         → Server creates/joins shared session for roomId
+         → session.activePlayers = ALL active players from ALL room members
+         → Socket joins TWO rooms: `arcade:${userId}` AND `game:${roomId}`
+         → PLAYER makes move
+         → Server validates PLAYER ownership (is this PLAYER owned by this USER?)
+         → State changes broadcast to:
+            - arcade:${userId} - All tabs of this USER (for optimistic reconciliation)
+            - game:${roomId} - All USERS in the room (for network sync)
+
+Note: Each USER can still have multiple ACTIVE PLAYERS (local + networked multiplayer)
+```
+
+The server-side logic uses `roomId` to determine session scope:
+- No `roomId`: Session key = `userId` (isolated to USER's browser)
+- With `roomId`: Session key = `roomId` (shared across all room members)
+
+See `docs/MULTIPLAYER_SYNC_ARCHITECTURE.md` for detailed socket room mechanics.
+
+### 5. USER vs PLAYER in Game Logic
+
+**Important distinction:**
+- **Session ownership**: Tracked by USER ID (`useViewerId()`)
+- **Player roster**: All PLAYERS for a USER (can be many)
+- **Active players**: PLAYERS with `isActive = true` (these join the game)
+- **Game actions**: Performed by PLAYER ID (from `players` table)
+- **Move validation**: Server checks that PLAYER ID belongs to the requesting USER
+- **Local multiplayer**: One USER with multiple ACTIVE PLAYERS (hot-potato style, same device)
+- **Networked multiplayer**: Multiple USERS, each with their own ACTIVE PLAYERS, in a room
+
+```typescript
+// ✅ Correct: USER owns session, ACTIVE PLAYERS participate
+const { data: viewerId } = useViewerId()  // USER ID
+const { activePlayers } = useGameMode()   // ACTIVE PLAYER IDs (isActive = true)
+
+// activePlayers might be [player_001, player_002]
+// even though USER has 5 total PLAYERS in their roster
+
+const { state, sendMove } = useArcadeSession({
+  userId: viewerId,  // Session owned by USER
+  roomId: undefined, // Local play (or roomData?.id for room-based)
+  // ...
+})
+
+// When PLAYER flips card:
+sendMove({
+  type: 'FLIP_CARD',
+  playerId: currentPlayerId,  // PLAYER ID from activePlayers
+  data: { cardId: '...' }
+})
+```
+
+**Example Scenarios:**
+
+1. **Single-player local game:**
+   - USER: "guest_abc"
+   - Player roster: ["player_001" (active), "player_002" (inactive), "player_003" (inactive)]
+   - Active PLAYERS in game: ["player_001"]
+   - Mode: Local play (no roomId)
+
+2. **Local multiplayer (hot-potato):**
+   - USER: "guest_abc"
+   - Player roster: ["player_001" (active), "player_002" (active), "player_003" (active), "player_004" (inactive)]
+   - Active PLAYERS in game: ["player_001", "player_002", "player_003"] (3 kids sharing device)
+   - Mode: Local play (no roomId)
+   - Game rotates turns between the 3 active PLAYERS, but NO network sync
+
+3. **Room-based networked play:**
+   - USER A: "guest_abc"
+     - Player roster: 5 total PLAYERS
+     - Active PLAYERS: ["player_001", "player_002"]
+   - USER B: "guest_def"
+     - Player roster: 3 total PLAYERS
+     - Active PLAYERS: ["player_003"]
+   - Mode: Room-based play (roomId: "room_xyz")
+   - Total PLAYERS in game: 3 (player_001, player_002, player_003)
+   - All 3 synced across network
+
+4. **Room-based + local multiplayer combined:**
+   - USER A: "guest_abc" with 3 active PLAYERS (3 kids at Device A)
+   - USER B: "guest_def" with 2 active PLAYERS (2 kids at Device B)
+   - Mode: Room-based play (roomId: "room_xyz")
+   - 5 total active PLAYERS across 2 devices, all synced over network
+
+## Common Mistakes to Avoid
+
+### Mistake 1: Conditional Room Usage
+```typescript
+// ❌ BAD: Room sync leaks into local play
+const { roomData } = useRoomData()
+useArcadeSession({
+  roomId: roomData?.id  // Local play will sync if USER is in a room!
+})
+```
+
+### Mistake 2: Shared Components Without Mode Context
+```typescript
+// ❌ BAD: Same provider used for both modes
+export default function LocalGamePage() {
+  return <GameProvider><Game /></GameProvider>  // Which mode?
+}
+```
+
+### Mistake 3: Confusing "multiplayer" with "networked"
+```typescript
+// ❌ BAD: Thinking multiple PLAYERS means room-based
+if (activePlayers.length > 1) {
+  // Must be room-based!  WRONG!
+  // Could be local multiplayer (hot-potato style)
+}
+
+// ✅ CORRECT: Check for roomId to determine network sync
+const isNetworked = !!roomId
+const isLocalMultiplayer = activePlayers.length > 1 && !roomId
+```
+
+### Mistake 4: Using all PLAYERS instead of only active ones
+```typescript
+// ❌ BAD: Including inactive players
+const allPlayers = await db.query.players.findMany({
+  where: eq(players.userId, userId)
+})
+
+// ✅ CORRECT: Only active players join the game
+const activePlayers = await db.query.players.findMany({
+  where: and(
+    eq(players.userId, userId),
+    eq(players.isActive, true)
+  )
+})
+```
+
+### Mistake 5: Mixing USER ID and PLAYER ID
+```typescript
+// ❌ BAD: Using USER ID for game actions
+sendMove({
+  type: 'FLIP_CARD',
+  playerId: viewerId,  // WRONG! viewerId is USER ID, not PLAYER ID
+  data: { cardId: '...' }
+})
+
+// ✅ CORRECT: Use PLAYER ID from game state
+sendMove({
+  type: 'FLIP_CARD',
+  playerId: state.currentPlayer,  // PLAYER ID from activePlayers
+  data: { cardId: '...' }
+})
+```
+
+### Mistake 6: Server-Side Ambiguity
+```typescript
+// ❌ BAD: Server can't distinguish intent
+socket.on('join-arcade-session', ({ userId, roomId }) => {
+  // If roomId exists, did USER want local or room-based play?
+  // This happens when provider always passes roomData?.id
+})
+```
+
+## Testing Requirements
+
+Tests MUST verify mode isolation:
+
+### Local Play Tests
+```typescript
+it('should NOT sync state when USER is in a room but playing locally', async () => {
+  // Setup: USER is a member of an active room
+  // Action: USER navigates to /arcade/matching
+  // Assert: Game state is NOT shared with other room members
+  // Assert: Other room members' actions do NOT affect this game
+})
+
+it('should create isolated sessions for concurrent local games', () => {
+  // Setup: Two USERS who are members of the same room
+  // Action: Both navigate to /arcade/matching separately
+  // Assert: Each has independent game state
+  // Assert: USER A's moves do NOT appear in USER B's game
+})
+
+it('should support local multiplayer without network sync', () => {
+  // Setup: USER with 3 active PLAYERS in roster (hot-potato style)
+  // Action: USER plays at /arcade/matching with the 3 active PLAYERS
+  // Assert: All 3 active PLAYERS participate in the same session
+  // Assert: Inactive PLAYERS do NOT participate
+  // Assert: State is NOT synced across network
+  // Assert: Game rotates turns between active PLAYERS locally
+})
+
+it('should only include active players in game', () => {
+  // Setup: USER has 5 PLAYERS in roster, but only 2 are active
+  // Action: USER starts a local game
+  // Assert: Only the 2 active PLAYERS are in activePlayers array
+  // Assert: Inactive PLAYERS are not included
+})
+
+it('should sync across USER tabs but not across network', () => {
+  // Setup: USER opens /arcade/matching in 2 browser tabs
+  // Action: PLAYER makes move in Tab 1
+  // Assert: Tab 2 sees the move (multi-tab sync)
+  // Assert: Other USERS do NOT see the move (no network sync)
+})
+```
+
+### Room-Based Play Tests
+```typescript
+it('should sync state across all room members', async () => {
+  // Setup: Two USERS are members of the same room
+  // Action: USER A's PLAYER flips card at /arcade/room
+  // Assert: USER B sees the card flip in real-time
+})
+
+it('should sync across multiple active PLAYERS from multiple USERS', () => {
+  // Setup: USER A has 2 active PLAYERS, USER B has 1 active PLAYER in same room
+  // Action: USER A's PLAYER 1 makes move
+  // Assert: All 3 PLAYERS see the move (networked)
+})
+
+it('should only include active players in room games', () => {
+  // Setup: USER A (5 PLAYERS, 2 active), USER B (3 PLAYERS, 1 active) join room
+  // Action: Game starts
+  // Assert: session.activePlayers = [userA_player1, userA_player2, userB_player1]
+  // Assert: Inactive PLAYERS are NOT included
+})
+
+it('should handle combined local + networked multiplayer', () => {
+  // Setup: USER A (3 active PLAYERS), USER B (2 active PLAYERS) in same room
+  // Action: Any PLAYER makes a move
+  // Assert: All 5 active PLAYERS see the move across both devices
+})
+
+it('should fail gracefully when no room exists', () => {
+  // Setup: USER is not a member of any room
+  // Action: Navigate to /arcade/room
+  // Assert: Shows "No active room" message
+  // Assert: Does not create a session
+})
+
+it('should validate PLAYER ownership', async () => {
+  // Setup: USER A in room with active PLAYER 'alice'
+  // Action: USER A attempts move for PLAYER 'bob' (owned by USER B)
+  // Assert: Server rejects the move
+  // Assert: Error indicates unauthorized PLAYER
+})
+```
+
+## Implementation Checklist
+
+When adding a new game or modifying existing ones:
+
+- [ ] Create separate `LocalGameProvider` and `RoomGameProvider` components
+- [ ] Local provider never calls `useRoomData()`
+- [ ] Local provider passes `roomId: undefined` to `useArcadeSession`
+- [ ] Room provider calls `useRoomData()` and passes `roomId: roomData?.id`
+- [ ] Both providers use `useGameMode()` to get active players
+- [ ] Local play page uses `LocalGameProvider`
+- [ ] `/arcade/room` page uses `RoomGameProvider`
+- [ ] Game components correctly use PLAYER IDs (not USER IDs) for moves
+- [ ] Game supports multiple active PLAYERS from same USER (local multiplayer)
+- [ ] Inactive PLAYERS are never included in game sessions
+- [ ] Tests verify mode isolation (local doesn't network sync, room-based does)
+- [ ] Tests verify PLAYER ownership validation
+- [ ] Tests verify only active PLAYERS participate
+- [ ] Tests verify local multiplayer works (multiple active PLAYERS, one USER)
+- [ ] Documentation updated if behavior changes
+
+## File Organization
+
+```
+src/app/arcade/
+├── [game-name]/                    # Local play games
+│   ├── page.tsx                   # Uses LocalGameProvider
+│   └── context/
+│       ├── LocalGameProvider.tsx  # roomId: undefined
+│       └── RoomGameProvider.tsx   # roomId: roomData?.id
+├── room/                           # Room-based play
+│   └── page.tsx                   # Uses RoomGameProvider
+└── ...
+```
+
+## Architecture Decision Records
+
+### Why separate providers instead of auto-detect from route?
+
+While we could detect mode based on the route (`/arcade/room` vs `/arcade/matching`), separate providers are clearer and prevent accidental misuse. Future developers can immediately see the intent, and the type system can enforce correctness.
+
+### Why being in a room doesn't mean all games sync?
+
+A USER being a room member does NOT mean all their games should network sync. They should be able to play local games while remaining in a room for future room-based sessions. Mode is determined by the page they're on, not their room membership status.
+
+### Why not use a single shared provider with mode props?
+
+We tried that. It led to the current bug where local play accidentally synced with rooms. Separate providers make the distinction compile-time safe rather than runtime conditional, and eliminate the possibility of accidentally passing `roomId` when we shouldn't.
+
+### Why do we track sessions by USER but moves by PLAYER?
+
+- **Sessions** are per-USER because each USER can have their own game session
+- **Moves** are per-PLAYER because PLAYERS are the game avatars that score points
+- **Only active PLAYERS** (isActive = true) participate in games
+- This allows:
+  - One USER with multiple active PLAYERS (local multiplayer / hot-potato)
+  - Multiple USERS in one room (networked play)
+  - Combined: Multiple USERS each with multiple active PLAYERS (local + networked)
+  - Proper ownership validation (server checks USER owns PLAYER)
+  - PLAYERS can be toggled active/inactive without deleting them
+
+### Why use "local" vs "room-based" instead of "solo" vs "multiplayer"?
+
+- **"Solo"** is misleading - a USER can have multiple active PLAYERS in local play (hot-potato style)
+- **"Multiplayer"** is ambiguous - it could mean local multiplayer OR networked multiplayer
+- **"Local play"** clearly means: no network sync (but can have multiple active PLAYERS)
+- **"Room-based play"** clearly means: network sync across room members
+
+## Related Files
+
+- `src/hooks/useArcadeSession.ts` - Session management with optional roomId
+- `src/hooks/useArcadeSocket.ts` - WebSocket connection with sync logic (socket rooms: `arcade:${userId}` and `game:${roomId}`)
+- `src/hooks/useRoomData.ts` - Fetches USER's current room membership
+- `src/hooks/useViewerId.ts` - Retrieves current USER ID
+- `src/contexts/GameModeContext.tsx` - Provides active PLAYER information
+- `src/app/arcade/matching/context/ArcadeMemoryPairsContext.tsx` - Game context (needs refactoring to separate providers)
+- `src/app/arcade/matching/page.tsx` - Local play entry point
+- `src/app/arcade/room/page.tsx` - Room-based play entry point
+- `docs/terminology-user-player-room.md` - Terminology guide (USER/PLAYER/MEMBER)
+- `docs/MULTIPLAYER_SYNC_ARCHITECTURE.md` - Technical details of room-based sync
+
+## Version History
+
+- **2025-10-09**: Initial documentation
+  - Issue identified: Local play was syncing with rooms over network
+  - Root cause: Same provider always fetched `roomData` and passed `roomId` to `useArcadeSession`
+  - Solution: Separate providers for local vs room-based play
+  - Terminology clarification: "local" vs "room-based" (not "solo" vs "multiplayer")
+  - Active players: Only PLAYERS with `isActive = true` participate in games

apps/web/.claude/ARCADE_SETUP_PATTERN.md

@@ -0,0 +1,416 @@
+# Arcade Setup Pattern
+
+## Overview
+
+This document describes the **standard synchronized setup pattern** for arcade games. Following this pattern ensures that:
+
+1. ✅ **Setup is synchronized** - All room members see the same setup screen and config changes in real-time
+2. ✅ **No local state hacks** - Configuration lives entirely in session state, no React state merging
+3. ✅ **Optimistic updates** - Config changes feel instant with client-side prediction
+4. ✅ **Consistent pattern** - All games follow the same architecture
+
+**Reference Implementation**: `src/app/arcade/matching/*` (Matching game)
+
+---
+
+## Core Concept
+
+Setup configuration is **game state**, not UI state. Configuration changes are **moves** that are validated, synchronized, and can be made by any room member.
+
+### Key Principles
+
+1. **Game state includes configuration** during ALL phases (setup, playing, results)
+2. **No local React state** for configuration - use session state directly
+3. **Standard move types** that all games should implement
+4. **Setup phase is collaborative** - any room member can configure the game
+
+---
+
+## Required Move Types
+
+Every arcade game must support these standard moves:
+
+### 1. `GO_TO_SETUP`
+
+Transitions game to setup phase, allowing reconfiguration.
+
+```typescript
+{
+  type: 'GO_TO_SETUP',
+  playerId: string,
+  data: {}
+}
+```
+
+**Behavior:**
+- Can be called from any phase (setup, playing, results)
+- Sets `gamePhase: 'setup'`
+- Resets game progression (scores, cards, etc.)
+- Preserves configuration (players can modify it)
+- Synchronized across all room members
+
+### 2. `SET_CONFIG`
+
+Updates a configuration field during setup phase.
+
+```typescript
+{
+  type: 'SET_CONFIG',
+  playerId: string,
+  data: {
+    field: string,  // Config field name
+    value: any      // New value
+  }
+}
+```
+
+**Behavior:**
+- Only allowed during setup phase
+- Validates field name and value
+- Updates immediately with optimistic update
+- Synchronized across all room members
+
+### 3. `START_GAME`
+
+Starts the game with current configuration.
+
+```typescript
+{
+  type: 'START_GAME',
+  playerId: string,
+  data: {
+    activePlayers: string[],
+    playerMetadata: { [playerId: string]: PlayerMetadata },
+    // ... game-specific initial data
+  }
+}
+```
+
+**Behavior:**
+- Only allowed during setup phase
+- Uses current session state configuration
+- Initializes game-specific state
+- Sets `gamePhase: 'playing'`
+
+---
+
+## Implementation Checklist
+
+### 1. Update Validation Types
+
+Add move types to your game's validation types:
+
+```typescript
+// src/lib/arcade/validation/types.ts
+
+export interface YourGameGoToSetupMove extends GameMove {
+  type: 'GO_TO_SETUP'
+  data: Record<string, never>
+}
+
+export interface YourGameSetConfigMove extends GameMove {
+  type: 'SET_CONFIG'
+  data: {
+    field: 'configField1' | 'configField2' | 'configField3'
+    value: any
+  }
+}
+
+export type YourGameMove =
+  | YourGameStartGameMove
+  | YourGameGoToSetupMove
+  | YourGameSetConfigMove
+  | ... // other game-specific moves
+```
+
+### 2. Implement Validators
+
+Add validators for setup moves in your game's validator class:
+
+```typescript
+// src/lib/arcade/validation/YourGameValidator.ts
+
+export class YourGameValidator implements GameValidator<YourGameState, YourGameMove> {
+  validateMove(state, move, context) {
+    switch (move.type) {
+      case 'GO_TO_SETUP':
+        return this.validateGoToSetup(state)
+
+      case 'SET_CONFIG':
+        return this.validateSetConfig(state, move.data.field, move.data.value)
+
+      case 'START_GAME':
+        return this.validateStartGame(state, move.data)
+
+      // ... other moves
+    }
+  }
+
+  private validateGoToSetup(state: YourGameState): ValidationResult {
+    return {
+      valid: true,
+      newState: {
+        ...state,
+        gamePhase: 'setup',
+        // Reset game progression, preserve configuration
+        // ... reset scores, game data, etc.
+      },
+    }
+  }
+
+  private validateSetConfig(
+    state: YourGameState,
+    field: string,
+    value: any
+  ): ValidationResult {
+    // Only during setup
+    if (state.gamePhase !== 'setup') {
+      return { valid: false, error: 'Cannot change config outside setup' }
+    }
+
+    // Validate field-specific values
+    switch (field) {
+      case 'configField1':
+        if (!isValidValue(value)) {
+          return { valid: false, error: 'Invalid value' }
+        }
+        break
+      // ... validate other fields
+    }
+
+    return {
+      valid: true,
+      newState: { ...state, [field]: value },
+    }
+  }
+
+  private validateStartGame(state: YourGameState, data: any): ValidationResult {
+    if (state.gamePhase !== 'setup') {
+      return { valid: false, error: 'Can only start from setup' }
+    }
+
+    // Use current state configuration to initialize game
+    const initialGameData = initializeYourGame(state.configField1, state.configField2)
+
+    return {
+      valid: true,
+      newState: {
+        ...state,
+        gamePhase: 'playing',
+        ...initialGameData,
+      },
+    }
+  }
+}
+```
+
+### 3. Add Optimistic Updates
+
+Update `applyMoveOptimistically` in your providers:
+
+```typescript
+// src/app/arcade/your-game/context/YourGameProvider.tsx
+
+function applyMoveOptimistically(state: YourGameState, move: GameMove): YourGameState {
+  switch (move.type) {
+    case 'GO_TO_SETUP':
+      return {
+        ...state,
+        gamePhase: 'setup',
+        // Reset game state, preserve config
+      }
+
+    case 'SET_CONFIG':
+      const { field, value } = move.data
+      return {
+        ...state,
+        [field]: value,
+      }
+
+    case 'START_GAME':
+      return {
+        ...state,
+        gamePhase: 'playing',
+        // ... initialize game data from move
+      }
+
+    // ... other moves
+  }
+}
+```
+
+### 4. Remove Local State from Providers
+
+**❌ OLD PATTERN (Don't do this):**
+
+```typescript
+// DON'T: Local React state for configuration
+const [localDifficulty, setLocalDifficulty] = useState(6)
+
+// DON'T: Merge hack
+const effectiveState = state.gamePhase === 'setup'
+  ? { ...state, difficulty: localDifficulty }
+  : state
+
+// DON'T: Direct setter
+const setDifficulty = (value) => setLocalDifficulty(value)
+```
+
+**✅ NEW PATTERN (Do this):**
+
+```typescript
+// DO: Use session state directly
+const { state, sendMove } = useArcadeSession(...)
+
+// DO: Send move for config changes
+const setDifficulty = useCallback((value) => {
+  const playerId = activePlayers[0] || ''
+  sendMove({
+    type: 'SET_CONFIG',
+    playerId,
+    data: { field: 'difficulty', value },
+  })
+}, [activePlayers, sendMove])
+
+// DO: Use state directly (no merging!)
+const contextValue = { state: { ...state, gameMode }, ... }
+```
+
+### 5. Update Action Creators
+
+All configuration actions should send moves:
+
+```typescript
+export function YourGameProvider({ children }) {
+  const { state, sendMove } = useArcadeSession(...)
+
+  const setConfigField = useCallback((value) => {
+    const playerId = activePlayers[0] || ''
+    sendMove({
+      type: 'SET_CONFIG',
+      playerId,
+      data: { field: 'configField', value },
+    })
+  }, [activePlayers, sendMove])
+
+  const goToSetup = useCallback(() => {
+    const playerId = activePlayers[0] || state.currentPlayer || ''
+    sendMove({
+      type: 'GO_TO_SETUP',
+      playerId,
+      data: {},
+    })
+  }, [activePlayers, state.currentPlayer, sendMove])
+
+  const startGame = useCallback(() => {
+    // Use current session state config (not local state!)
+    const initialData = initializeGame(state.config1, state.config2)
+
+    const playerId = activePlayers[0]
+    sendMove({
+      type: 'START_GAME',
+      playerId,
+      data: {
+        ...initialData,
+        activePlayers,
+        playerMetadata: capturePlayerMetadata(players, activePlayers),
+      },
+    })
+  }, [state.config1, state.config2, activePlayers, sendMove])
+
+  return <YourGameContext.Provider value={...} />
+}
+```
+
+---
+
+## Benefits of This Pattern
+
+### 1. **Synchronized Setup**
+- User A clicks "Setup" → All room members see setup screen
+- User B changes difficulty → All room members see the change
+- User A clicks "Start" → All room members start playing
+
+### 2. **No Special Cases**
+- Setup works like gameplay (moves + validation)
+- No conditional logic based on phase
+- No React state merging hacks
+
+### 3. **Easy to Extend**
+- New games copy the same pattern
+- Well-documented and tested
+- Consistent developer experience
+
+### 4. **Optimistic Updates**
+- Config changes feel instant
+- Client-side prediction + server validation
+- Rollback on validation failure
+
+---
+
+## Testing Checklist
+
+When implementing this pattern, test these scenarios:
+
+### Local Mode
+- [ ] Click setup button during game → returns to setup
+- [ ] Change config fields → updates immediately
+- [ ] Start game → uses current config
+
+### Room Mode (Multi-User)
+- [ ] User A clicks setup → User B sees setup screen
+- [ ] User A changes difficulty → User B sees change in real-time
+- [ ] User B changes game type → User A sees change in real-time
+- [ ] User A starts game → Both users see game with same config
+
+### Edge Cases
+- [ ] Change config rapidly → no race conditions
+- [ ] User with 0 players can see/modify setup
+- [ ] Setup → Play → Setup preserves last config
+- [ ] Invalid config values are rejected by validator
+
+---
+
+## Migration Guide
+
+If you have an existing game using local state, follow these steps:
+
+### Step 1: Add Move Types
+Add `GO_TO_SETUP` and `SET_CONFIG` to your validation types.
+
+### Step 2: Implement Validators
+Add validators for the new moves in your game validator class.
+
+### Step 3: Add Optimistic Updates
+Update `applyMoveOptimistically` to handle the new moves.
+
+### Step 4: Remove Local State
+1. Delete all `useState` calls for configuration
+2. Delete the `effectiveState` merging logic
+3. Update action creators to send moves instead
+
+### Step 5: Test
+Run through the testing checklist above.
+
+---
+
+## Reference Implementation
+
+See the Matching game for a complete reference implementation:
+
+- **Types**: `src/lib/arcade/validation/types.ts`
+- **Validator**: `src/lib/arcade/validation/MatchingGameValidator.ts`
+- **Provider**: `src/app/arcade/matching/context/RoomMemoryPairsProvider.tsx`
+- **Optimistic Updates**: `applyMoveOptimistically` function in provider
+
+Look for comments marked with:
+- `// STANDARD ARCADE PATTERN: GO_TO_SETUP`
+- `// STANDARD ARCADE PATTERN: SET_CONFIG`
+- `// NO LOCAL STATE`
+- `// NO MORE effectiveState merging!`
+
+---
+
+## Questions?
+
+If something is unclear or you encounter issues implementing this pattern, refer to the Matching game implementation or update this document with clarifications.

apps/web/.claude/settings.local.json

@@ -1,6 +1,18 @@
 {
   "permissions": {
-    "allow": ["Bash(npm test:*)", "Read(//Users/antialias/projects/**)"],
+    "allow": [
+      "Bash(npm test:*)",
+      "Read(//Users/antialias/projects/**)",
+      "Bash(npm run lint:*)",
+      "Bash(git add:*)",
+      "Bash(git commit:*)",
+      "Bash(git push:*)",
+      "Bash(git pull:*)",
+      "Bash(git stash:*)",
+      "Bash(npm run format:*)",
+      "Bash(npm run pre-commit:*)",
+      "Bash(npm run type-check:*)"
+    ],
     "deny": [],
     "ask": []
   }

apps/web/src/app/arcade/matching/components/GamePhase.tsx

@@ -3,12 +3,12 @@
 import { css } from '../../../../../styled-system/css'
 import { useGameMode } from '../../../../contexts/GameModeContext'
 import { pluralizeWord } from '../../../../utils/pluralization'
-import { useArcadeMemoryPairs } from '../context/ArcadeMemoryPairsContext'
+import { useMemoryPairs } from '../context/MemoryPairsContext'
 import { MemoryGrid } from './MemoryGrid'
 import { PlayerStatusBar } from './PlayerStatusBar'
 
 export function GamePhase() {
-  const { state, resetGame: _resetGame, activePlayers } = useArcadeMemoryPairs()
+  const { state, resetGame: _resetGame, activePlayers } = useMemoryPairs()
   const { players: playerMap, activePlayers: activePlayerIds } = useGameMode()
 
   // Convert Map to array and create mapping from numeric index to player

apps/web/src/app/arcade/matching/components/MemoryGrid.tsx

@@ -1,8 +1,10 @@
 'use client'
 
-import { useEffect, useMemo, useState } from 'react'
+import { useSpring, animated } from '@react-spring/web'
+import { useEffect, useMemo, useRef, useState } from 'react'
 import { css } from '../../../../../styled-system/css'
-import { useArcadeMemoryPairs } from '../context/ArcadeMemoryPairsContext'
+import { useViewerId } from '@/hooks/useViewerId'
+import { useMemoryPairs } from '../context/MemoryPairsContext'
 import { getGridConfiguration } from '../utils/cardGeneration'
 import { GameCard } from './GameCard'
 
@@ -80,8 +82,111 @@ function useGridDimensions(gridConfig: any, totalCards: number) {
   return gridDimensions
 }
 
+// Animated hover avatar component
+function HoverAvatar({
+  playerId,
+  playerInfo,
+  cardElement,
+  isPlayersTurn,
+}: {
+  playerId: string
+  playerInfo: { emoji: string; name: string; color?: string }
+  cardElement: HTMLElement | null
+  isPlayersTurn: boolean
+}) {
+  const [position, setPosition] = useState<{ x: number; y: number } | null>(null)
+  const isFirstRender = useRef(true)
+
+  // Update position when card element changes
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (cardElement) {
+      const rect = cardElement.getBoundingClientRect()
+      // Calculate the center of the card for avatar positioning
+      const avatarCenterX = rect.left + rect.width / 2
+      const avatarCenterY = rect.top + rect.height / 2
+
+      setPosition({
+        x: avatarCenterX,
+        y: avatarCenterY,
+      })
+    }
+  }, [cardElement])
+
+  // Smooth spring animation for position changes
+  const springProps = useSpring({
+    x: position?.x ?? 0,
+    y: position?.y ?? 0,
+    opacity: position && isPlayersTurn && cardElement ? 1 : 0,
+    config: {
+      tension: 280,
+      friction: 60,
+      mass: 1,
+    },
+    immediate: isFirstRender.current, // Skip animation on first render only
+  })
+
+  // Clear first render flag after initial render
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (position && isFirstRender.current) {
+      isFirstRender.current = false
+    }
+  }, [position])
+
+  // Don't render until we have a position
+  if (!position) return null
+
+  return (
+    <animated.div
+      style={{
+        position: 'fixed',
+        // Don't use translate, just position directly at the calculated point
+        left: springProps.x.to((x) => `${x}px`),
+        top: springProps.y.to((y) => `${y}px`),
+        opacity: springProps.opacity,
+        width: '80px',
+        height: '80px',
+        marginLeft: '-40px', // Center horizontally (half of width)
+        marginTop: '-40px', // Center vertically (half of height)
+        borderRadius: '50%',
+        background: playerInfo.color || 'linear-gradient(135deg, #667eea, #764ba2)',
+        display: 'flex',
+        alignItems: 'center',
+        justifyContent: 'center',
+        fontSize: '48px',
+        // 3D elevation effect
+        boxShadow:
+          '0 12px 30px rgba(0,0,0,0.5), 0 6px 12px rgba(0,0,0,0.4), 0 0 40px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.8)',
+        border: '4px solid white',
+        zIndex: 1000,
+        pointerEvents: 'none',
+        filter: 'drop-shadow(0 0 12px rgba(102, 126, 234, 0.9))',
+      }}
+      className={css({
+        animation: 'hoverFloat 2s ease-in-out infinite',
+      })}
+      title={`${playerInfo.name} is considering this card`}
+    >
+      {playerInfo.emoji}
+    </animated.div>
+  )
+}
+
 export function MemoryGrid() {
-  const { state, flipCard } = useArcadeMemoryPairs()
+  const { state, flipCard, hoverCard, gameMode } = useMemoryPairs()
+  const { data: viewerId } = useViewerId()
+
+  // Track card element refs for positioning hover avatars
+  const cardRefs = useRef<Map<string, HTMLElement>>(new Map())
+
+  // Check if it's the local player's turn
+  const isMyTurn = useMemo(() => {
+    if (gameMode === 'single') return true // Always your turn in single player
+
+    // In local games, all players belong to current user, so always their turn
+    // In room games, check if current player belongs to this user
+    const currentPlayerMetadata = state.playerMetadata?.[state.currentPlayer]
+    return currentPlayerMetadata?.userId === viewerId
+  }, [state.currentPlayer, state.playerMetadata, viewerId, gameMode])
 
   // Hooks must be called before early return
   const gridConfig = useMemo(() => getGridConfiguration(state.difficulty), [state.difficulty])
@@ -95,6 +200,28 @@ export function MemoryGrid() {
     flipCard(cardId)
   }
 
+  // Get player metadata for hover avatars
+  const getPlayerHoverInfo = (playerId: string) => {
+    // Get player info from game state metadata
+    const player = state.playerMetadata?.[playerId]
+    return player
+      ? {
+          emoji: player.emoji,
+          name: player.name,
+          color: player.color,
+        }
+      : null
+  }
+
+  // Set card ref callback
+  const setCardRef = (cardId: string) => (element: HTMLDivElement | null) => {
+    if (element) {
+      cardRefs.current.set(cardId, element)
+    } else {
+      cardRefs.current.delete(cardId)
+    }
+  }
+
   return (
     <div
       className={css({
@@ -162,6 +289,7 @@ export function MemoryGrid() {
           return (
             <div
               key={card.id}
+              ref={setCardRef(card.id)}
               className={css({
                 aspectRatio: '3/4',
                 // Fully responsive card sizing - no fixed pixel sizes
@@ -172,7 +300,20 @@ export function MemoryGrid() {
                 opacity: isDimmed ? 0.3 : 1,
                 transition: 'opacity 0.3s ease',
                 filter: isDimmed ? 'grayscale(0.7)' : 'none',
+                position: 'relative',
               })}
+              onMouseEnter={() => {
+                // Only send hover if it's your turn and card is not matched
+                if (hoverCard && !isMatched && isMyTurn) {
+                  hoverCard(card.id)
+                }
+              }}
+              onMouseLeave={() => {
+                // Clear hover state when mouse leaves card
+                if (hoverCard && !isMatched && isMyTurn) {
+                  hoverCard(null)
+                }
+              }}
             >
               <GameCard
                 card={card}
@@ -233,23 +374,64 @@ export function MemoryGrid() {
           })}
         />
       )}
+
+      {/* Animated Hover Avatars - Rendered as fixed positioned elements that smoothly transition */}
+      {/* Render one avatar per remote player - key by playerId to keep component alive */}
+      {state.playerHovers &&
+        Object.entries(state.playerHovers)
+          .filter(([playerId]) => {
+            // Don't show your own hover avatar (only show remote players)
+            // In local games, all players belong to this user
+            // In room games, check if player belongs to different user
+            const player = state.playerMetadata?.[playerId]
+            return player?.userId !== viewerId
+          })
+          .map(([playerId, cardId]) => {
+            const playerInfo = getPlayerHoverInfo(playerId)
+            // Get card element if player is hovering (cardId might be null)
+            const cardElement = cardId ? cardRefs.current.get(cardId) : null
+            // Check if it's this player's turn
+            const isPlayersTurn = state.currentPlayer === playerId
+
+            if (!playerInfo) return null
+
+            // Render avatar even if no cardElement (it will handle hiding itself)
+            return (
+              <HoverAvatar
+                key={playerId} // Key by playerId keeps component alive across card changes!
+                playerId={playerId}
+                playerInfo={playerInfo}
+                cardElement={cardElement}
+                isPlayersTurn={isPlayersTurn}
+              />
+            )
+          })}
     </div>
   )
 }
 
-// Add shake animation for mismatch feedback
-const shakeAnimation = `
+// Add animations for mismatch feedback and hover avatars
+const gridAnimations = `
 @keyframes shake {
   0%, 100% { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) translateX(0); }
   25% { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) translateX(-5px); }
   75% { transform: translate(-50%, -50%) translateX(5px); }
 }
+
+@keyframes hoverFloat {
+  0%, 100% {
+    transform: translateY(0px);
+  }
+  50% {
+    transform: translateY(-6px);
+  }
+}
 `
 
 // Inject animation styles
 if (typeof document !== 'undefined' && !document.getElementById('memory-grid-animations')) {
   const style = document.createElement('style')
   style.id = 'memory-grid-animations'
-  style.textContent = shakeAnimation
+  style.textContent = gridAnimations
   document.head.appendChild(style)
 }

apps/web/src/app/arcade/matching/components/MemoryPairsGame.tsx

@@ -3,20 +3,18 @@
 import { useRouter } from 'next/navigation'
 import { useEffect, useRef } from 'react'
 import { PageWithNav } from '@/components/PageWithNav'
-import { useArcadeRedirect } from '@/hooks/useArcadeRedirect'
 import { css } from '../../../../../styled-system/css'
 import { StandardGameLayout } from '../../../../components/StandardGameLayout'
 import { useFullscreen } from '../../../../contexts/FullscreenContext'
-import { useArcadeMemoryPairs } from '../context/ArcadeMemoryPairsContext'
+import { useMemoryPairs } from '../context/MemoryPairsContext'
 import { GamePhase } from './GamePhase'
 import { ResultsPhase } from './ResultsPhase'
 import { SetupPhase } from './SetupPhase'
 
 export function MemoryPairsGame() {
   const router = useRouter()
-  const { state, exitSession, resetGame } = useArcadeMemoryPairs()
+  const { state, exitSession, resetGame, goToSetup, canModifyPlayers } = useMemoryPairs()
   const { setFullscreenElement } = useFullscreen()
-  const { canModifyPlayers } = useArcadeRedirect({ currentGame: 'matching' })
   const gameRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null)
 
   useEffect(() => {
@@ -37,11 +35,14 @@ export function MemoryPairsGame() {
         exitSession()
         router.push('/arcade')
       }}
-      onSetup={() => {
-        // Exit current session and return to arcade (which will redirect to setup)
-        exitSession()
-        router.push('/arcade/matching')
-      }}
+      onSetup={
+        goToSetup
+          ? () => {
+              // Transition to setup phase (will pause game if active)
+              goToSetup()
+            }
+          : undefined
+      }
       onNewGame={() => {
         resetGame()
       }}

apps/web/src/app/arcade/matching/components/PlayerStatusBar.tsx

@@ -1,21 +1,20 @@
 'use client'
 
 import { css } from '../../../../../styled-system/css'
-import { useGameMode } from '../../../../contexts/GameModeContext'
 import { gamePlurals } from '../../../../utils/pluralization'
-import { useArcadeMemoryPairs } from '../context/ArcadeMemoryPairsContext'
+import { useMemoryPairs } from '../context/MemoryPairsContext'
 
 interface PlayerStatusBarProps {
   className?: string
 }
 
 export function PlayerStatusBar({ className }: PlayerStatusBarProps) {
-  const { players: playerMap, activePlayers: activePlayerIds } = useGameMode()
-  const { state } = useArcadeMemoryPairs()
+  const { state } = useMemoryPairs()
 
-  // Get active players array
-  const activePlayersData = Array.from(activePlayerIds)
-    .map((id) => playerMap.get(id))
+  // Get active players from game state (not GameModeContext)
+  // This ensures we only show players actually in this game
+  const activePlayersData = state.activePlayers
+    .map((id) => state.playerMetadata?.[id])
     .filter((p): p is NonNullable<typeof p> => p !== undefined)
 
   // Map active players to display data with scores
@@ -26,7 +25,8 @@ export function PlayerStatusBar({ className }: PlayerStatusBarProps) {
     displayEmoji: player.emoji,
     score: state.scores[player.id] || 0,
     consecutiveMatches: state.consecutiveMatches?.[player.id] || 0,
-    isLocalPlayer: player.isLocal !== false, // Local if not explicitly marked as remote
+    // In local games all players are local, in room games check metadata
+    isLocalPlayer: state.gameMode === 'single' || state.gameMode === 'multiplayer',
   }))
 
   // Check if current player is local (your turn) or remote (waiting)

apps/web/src/app/arcade/matching/components/ResultsPhase.tsx

@@ -3,12 +3,12 @@
 import { useRouter } from 'next/navigation'
 import { css } from '../../../../../styled-system/css'
 import { useGameMode } from '../../../../contexts/GameModeContext'
-import { useArcadeMemoryPairs } from '../context/ArcadeMemoryPairsContext'
+import { useMemoryPairs } from '../context/MemoryPairsContext'
 import { formatGameTime, getMultiplayerWinner, getPerformanceAnalysis } from '../utils/gameScoring'
 
 export function ResultsPhase() {
   const router = useRouter()
-  const { state, resetGame, activePlayers, gameMode } = useArcadeMemoryPairs()
+  const { state, resetGame, activePlayers, gameMode, exitSession } = useMemoryPairs()
   const { players: playerMap, activePlayers: activePlayerIds } = useGameMode()
 
   // Get active player data array

apps/web/src/app/arcade/matching/context/LocalMemoryPairsProvider.tsx

@@ -1,15 +1,16 @@
 'use client'
 
-import { type ReactNode, useCallback, useEffect, useMemo } from 'react'
-import { useArcadeSession } from '@/hooks/useArcadeSession'
+import { type ReactNode, useCallback, useEffect, useMemo, useReducer } from 'react'
+import { useRouter } from 'next/navigation'
+import { useArcadeRedirect } from '@/hooks/useArcadeRedirect'
 import { useViewerId } from '@/hooks/useViewerId'
-import type { GameMove } from '@/lib/arcade/validation'
-import { useGameMode } from '../../../../contexts/GameModeContext'
+import { useUserPlayers } from '@/hooks/useUserPlayers'
 import { generateGameCards } from '../utils/cardGeneration'
+import { validateMatch } from '../utils/matchValidation'
 import { MemoryPairsContext } from './MemoryPairsContext'
 import type { GameMode, GameStatistics, MemoryPairsContextValue, MemoryPairsState } from './types'
 
-// Initial state
+// Initial state for local-only games
 const initialState: MemoryPairsState = {
   cards: [],
   gameCards: [],
@@ -18,13 +19,13 @@ const initialState: MemoryPairsState = {
   difficulty: 6,
   turnTimer: 30,
   gamePhase: 'setup',
-  currentPlayer: '', // Will be set to first player ID on START_GAME
+  currentPlayer: '',
   matchedPairs: 0,
   totalPairs: 6,
   moves: 0,
   scores: {},
   activePlayers: [],
-  playerMetadata: {}, // Player metadata for cross-user visibility
+  playerMetadata: {},
   consecutiveMatches: {},
   gameStartTime: null,
   gameEndTime: null,
@@ -34,36 +35,43 @@ const initialState: MemoryPairsState = {
   isProcessingMove: false,
   showMismatchFeedback: false,
   lastMatchedPair: null,
-  // PAUSE/RESUME: Initialize paused game fields
   originalConfig: undefined,
   pausedGamePhase: undefined,
   pausedGameState: undefined,
+  playerHovers: {},
 }
 
-/**
- * Optimistic move application (client-side prediction)
- * The server will validate and send back the authoritative state
- */
-function applyMoveOptimistically(state: MemoryPairsState, move: GameMove): MemoryPairsState {
-  switch (move.type) {
+// Action types for local reducer
+type LocalAction =
+  | { type: 'START_GAME'; cards: any[]; activePlayers: string[]; playerMetadata: any }
+  | { type: 'FLIP_CARD'; cardId: string }
+  | { type: 'MATCH_FOUND'; cardIds: [string, string]; playerId: string }
+  | { type: 'MATCH_FAILED'; cardIds: [string, string] }
+  | { type: 'CLEAR_MISMATCH' }
+  | { type: 'SWITCH_PLAYER' }
+  | { type: 'GO_TO_SETUP' }
+  | { type: 'SET_CONFIG'; field: string; value: any }
+  | { type: 'RESUME_GAME' }
+  | { type: 'HOVER_CARD'; playerId: string; cardId: string | null }
+  | { type: 'END_GAME' }
+
+// Pure client-side reducer with complete game logic
+function localMemoryPairsReducer(state: MemoryPairsState, action: LocalAction): MemoryPairsState {
+  switch (action.type) {
     case 'START_GAME':
-      // Generate cards and initialize game
       return {
         ...state,
         gamePhase: 'playing',
-        gameCards: move.data.cards,
-        cards: move.data.cards,
+        gameCards: action.cards,
+        cards: action.cards,
         flippedCards: [],
         matchedPairs: 0,
         moves: 0,
-        scores: move.data.activePlayers.reduce((acc: any, p: string) => ({ ...acc, [p]: 0 }), {}),
-        consecutiveMatches: move.data.activePlayers.reduce(
-          (acc: any, p: string) => ({ ...acc, [p]: 0 }),
-          {}
-        ),
-        activePlayers: move.data.activePlayers,
-        playerMetadata: move.data.playerMetadata || {}, // Include player metadata
-        currentPlayer: move.data.activePlayers[0] || '',
+        scores: action.activePlayers.reduce((acc: any, p: string) => ({ ...acc, [p]: 0 }), {}),
+        consecutiveMatches: action.activePlayers.reduce((acc: any, p: string) => ({ ...acc, [p]: 0 }), {}),
+        activePlayers: action.activePlayers,
+        playerMetadata: action.playerMetadata,
+        currentPlayer: action.activePlayers[0] || '',
         gameStartTime: Date.now(),
         gameEndTime: null,
         currentMoveStartTime: Date.now(),
@@ -71,7 +79,6 @@ function applyMoveOptimistically(state: MemoryPairsState, move: GameMove): Memor
         isProcessingMove: false,
         showMismatchFeedback: false,
         lastMatchedPair: null,
-        // PAUSE/RESUME: Save original config and clear paused state
         originalConfig: {
           gameType: state.gameType,
           difficulty: state.difficulty,
@@ -82,8 +89,7 @@ function applyMoveOptimistically(state: MemoryPairsState, move: GameMove): Memor
       }
 
     case 'FLIP_CARD': {
-      // Optimistically flip the card
-      const card = state.gameCards.find((c) => c.id === move.data.cardId)
+      const card = state.gameCards.find((c) => c.id === action.cardId)
       if (!card) return state
 
       const newFlippedCards = [...state.flippedCards, card]
@@ -91,15 +97,69 @@ function applyMoveOptimistically(state: MemoryPairsState, move: GameMove): Memor
       return {
         ...state,
         flippedCards: newFlippedCards,
-        currentMoveStartTime:
-          state.flippedCards.length === 0 ? Date.now() : state.currentMoveStartTime,
-        isProcessingMove: newFlippedCards.length === 2, // Processing if 2 cards flipped
+        currentMoveStartTime: state.flippedCards.length === 0 ? Date.now() : state.currentMoveStartTime,
+        isProcessingMove: newFlippedCards.length === 2,
         showMismatchFeedback: false,
       }
     }
 
+    case 'MATCH_FOUND': {
+      const [id1, id2] = action.cardIds
+      const updatedCards = state.gameCards.map((card) =>
+        card.id === id1 || card.id === id2
+          ? { ...card, matched: true, matchedBy: action.playerId }
+          : card
+      )
+
+      const newMatchedPairs = state.matchedPairs + 1
+      const newScores = {
+        ...state.scores,
+        [action.playerId]: (state.scores[action.playerId] || 0) + 1,
+      }
+      const newConsecutiveMatches = {
+        ...state.consecutiveMatches,
+        [action.playerId]: (state.consecutiveMatches[action.playerId] || 0) + 1,
+      }
+
+      // Check if game is complete
+      const gameComplete = newMatchedPairs >= state.totalPairs
+
+      return {
+        ...state,
+        gameCards: updatedCards,
+        cards: updatedCards,
+        flippedCards: [],
+        matchedPairs: newMatchedPairs,
+        moves: state.moves + 1,
+        scores: newScores,
+        consecutiveMatches: newConsecutiveMatches,
+        lastMatchedPair: action.cardIds,
+        isProcessingMove: false,
+        showMismatchFeedback: false,
+        gamePhase: gameComplete ? 'results' : state.gamePhase,
+        gameEndTime: gameComplete ? Date.now() : null,
+        // Player keeps their turn on match
+      }
+    }
+
+    case 'MATCH_FAILED': {
+      // Reset consecutive matches for current player
+      const newConsecutiveMatches = {
+        ...state.consecutiveMatches,
+        [state.currentPlayer]: 0,
+      }
+
+      return {
+        ...state,
+        moves: state.moves + 1,
+        showMismatchFeedback: true,
+        isProcessingMove: true,
+        consecutiveMatches: newConsecutiveMatches,
+        // Don't clear flipped cards yet - CLEAR_MISMATCH will do that
+      }
+    }
+
     case 'CLEAR_MISMATCH': {
-      // Clear mismatched cards and feedback
       return {
         ...state,
         flippedCards: [],
@@ -108,14 +168,24 @@ function applyMoveOptimistically(state: MemoryPairsState, move: GameMove): Memor
       }
     }
 
+    case 'SWITCH_PLAYER': {
+      const currentIndex = state.activePlayers.indexOf(state.currentPlayer)
+      const nextIndex = (currentIndex + 1) % state.activePlayers.length
+      const nextPlayer = state.activePlayers[nextIndex]
+
+      return {
+        ...state,
+        currentPlayer: nextPlayer,
+        currentMoveStartTime: Date.now(),
+      }
+    }
+
     case 'GO_TO_SETUP': {
-      // Return to setup phase - pause game if coming from playing/results
       const isPausingGame = state.gamePhase === 'playing' || state.gamePhase === 'results'
 
       return {
         ...state,
         gamePhase: 'setup',
-        // PAUSE: Save game state if pausing from active game
         pausedGamePhase: isPausingGame ? state.gamePhase : undefined,
         pausedGameState: isPausingGame
           ? {
@@ -125,12 +195,11 @@ function applyMoveOptimistically(state: MemoryPairsState, move: GameMove): Memor
               moves: state.moves,
               scores: state.scores,
               activePlayers: state.activePlayers,
-              playerMetadata: state.playerMetadata,
+              playerMetadata: state.playerMetadata || {},
               consecutiveMatches: state.consecutiveMatches,
               gameStartTime: state.gameStartTime,
             }
           : undefined,
-        // Reset visible game state
         gameCards: [],
         cards: [],
         flippedCards: [],
@@ -152,16 +221,12 @@ function applyMoveOptimistically(state: MemoryPairsState, move: GameMove): Memor
     }
 
     case 'SET_CONFIG': {
-      // Update configuration field optimistically
-      const { field, value } = move.data as { field: string; value: any }
       const clearPausedGame = !!state.pausedGamePhase
 
       return {
         ...state,
-        [field]: value,
-        // Update totalPairs if difficulty changes
-        ...(field === 'difficulty' ? { totalPairs: value } : {}),
-        // Clear paused game if config changed
+        [action.field]: action.value,
+        ...(action.field === 'difficulty' ? { totalPairs: action.value } : {}),
         ...(clearPausedGame
           ? { pausedGamePhase: undefined, pausedGameState: undefined, originalConfig: undefined }
           : {}),
@@ -169,9 +234,8 @@ function applyMoveOptimistically(state: MemoryPairsState, move: GameMove): Memor
     }
 
     case 'RESUME_GAME': {
-      // Resume paused game
       if (!state.pausedGamePhase || !state.pausedGameState) {
-        return state // No paused game, no-op
+        return state
       }
 
       return {
@@ -187,126 +251,142 @@ function applyMoveOptimistically(state: MemoryPairsState, move: GameMove): Memor
         playerMetadata: state.pausedGameState.playerMetadata,
         consecutiveMatches: state.pausedGameState.consecutiveMatches,
         gameStartTime: state.pausedGameState.gameStartTime,
-        // Clear paused state
         pausedGamePhase: undefined,
         pausedGameState: undefined,
       }
     }
 
+    case 'HOVER_CARD': {
+      return {
+        ...state,
+        playerHovers: {
+          ...state.playerHovers,
+          [action.playerId]: action.cardId,
+        },
+      }
+    }
+
+    case 'END_GAME': {
+      return {
+        ...state,
+        gamePhase: 'results',
+        gameEndTime: Date.now(),
+      }
+    }
+
     default:
       return state
   }
 }
 
-// Provider component for LOCAL play (no network sync)
+// Provider component for LOCAL-ONLY play (no network, no arcade session)
 export function LocalMemoryPairsProvider({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) {
+  const router = useRouter()
   const { data: viewerId } = useViewerId()
-  // NOTE: We deliberately do NOT call useRoomData() for local play
-  const { activePlayerCount, activePlayers: activePlayerIds, players } = useGameMode()
 
-  // Get active player IDs directly as strings (UUIDs)
-  const activePlayers = Array.from(activePlayerIds)
+  // LOCAL-ONLY: Get only the current user's players (no room members)
+  const { data: userPlayers = [] } = useUserPlayers()
+
+  // Use arcade redirect to determine button visibility
+  const { canModifyPlayers } = useArcadeRedirect({ currentGame: 'matching' })
+
+  // Build players map from current user's players only
+  const players = useMemo(() => {
+    const map = new Map()
+    userPlayers.forEach((player) => {
+      map.set(player.id, {
+        id: player.id,
+        name: player.name,
+        emoji: player.emoji,
+        color: player.color,
+        isLocal: true,
+      })
+    })
+    return map
+  }, [userPlayers])
+
+  // Get active player IDs from current user's players only
+  const activePlayers = useMemo(() => {
+    return userPlayers.filter((p) => p.isActive).map((p) => p.id)
+  }, [userPlayers])
 
   // Derive game mode from active player count
-  const gameMode = activePlayerCount > 1 ? 'multiplayer' : 'single'
+  const gameMode = activePlayers.length > 1 ? 'multiplayer' : 'single'
 
-  // NO LOCAL STATE - Configuration lives in session state
-  // Changes are sent as moves and synchronized (even in local mode for consistency)
+  // Pure client-side state with useReducer
+  const [state, dispatch] = useReducer(localMemoryPairsReducer, initialState)
 
-  // Arcade session integration WITHOUT room sync
-  const {
-    state,
-    sendMove,
-    connected: _connected,
-    exitSession,
-  } = useArcadeSession<MemoryPairsState>({
-    userId: viewerId || '',
-    roomId: undefined, // CRITICAL: No roomId means no network sync
-    initialState,
-    applyMove: applyMoveOptimistically,
-  })
-
-  // Handle mismatch feedback timeout
+  // Handle mismatch feedback timeout and player switching
   useEffect(() => {
     if (state.showMismatchFeedback && state.flippedCards.length === 2) {
-      // After 1.5 seconds, send CLEAR_MISMATCH
-      // Server will validate that cards are still in mismatch state before clearing
       const timeout = setTimeout(() => {
-        sendMove({
-          type: 'CLEAR_MISMATCH',
-          playerId: state.currentPlayer,
-          data: {},
-        })
+        dispatch({ type: 'CLEAR_MISMATCH' })
+        // Switch to next player after mismatch
+        dispatch({ type: 'SWITCH_PLAYER' })
       }, 1500)
 
       return () => clearTimeout(timeout)
     }
-  }, [state.showMismatchFeedback, state.flippedCards.length, sendMove, state.currentPlayer])
+  }, [state.showMismatchFeedback, state.flippedCards.length])
+
+  // Handle automatic match checking when 2 cards flipped
+  useEffect(() => {
+    if (state.flippedCards.length === 2 && !state.showMismatchFeedback) {
+      const [card1, card2] = state.flippedCards
+      const isMatch = validateMatch(card1, card2)
+
+      const timeout = setTimeout(() => {
+        if (isMatch.isValid) {
+          dispatch({
+            type: 'MATCH_FOUND',
+            cardIds: [card1.id, card2.id],
+            playerId: state.currentPlayer,
+          })
+          // Player keeps turn on match - no SWITCH_PLAYER
+        } else {
+          dispatch({
+            type: 'MATCH_FAILED',
+            cardIds: [card1.id, card2.id],
+          })
+          // SWITCH_PLAYER will happen after CLEAR_MISMATCH timeout
+        }
+      }, 600) // Small delay to show both cards
+
+      return () => clearTimeout(timeout)
+    }
+  }, [state.flippedCards, state.showMismatchFeedback, state.currentPlayer])
 
   // Computed values
   const isGameActive = state.gamePhase === 'playing'
 
   const canFlipCard = useCallback(
     (cardId: string): boolean => {
-      console.log('[LocalProvider][canFlipCard] Checking card:', {
-        cardId,
-        isGameActive,
-        isProcessingMove: state.isProcessingMove,
-        currentPlayer: state.currentPlayer,
-        flippedCardsCount: state.flippedCards.length,
-      })
-
       if (!isGameActive || state.isProcessingMove) {
-        console.log('[LocalProvider][canFlipCard] Blocked: game not active or processing')
         return false
       }
 
       const card = state.gameCards.find((c) => c.id === cardId)
       if (!card || card.matched) {
-        console.log('[LocalProvider][canFlipCard] Blocked: card not found or already matched')
         return false
       }
 
-      // Can't flip if already flipped
       if (state.flippedCards.some((c) => c.id === cardId)) {
-        console.log('[LocalProvider][canFlipCard] Blocked: card already flipped')
         return false
       }
 
-      // Can't flip more than 2 cards
       if (state.flippedCards.length >= 2) {
-        console.log('[LocalProvider][canFlipCard] Blocked: 2 cards already flipped')
         return false
       }
 
-      // In local play, we allow the current player to flip
-      // Authorization is simpler - just check if it's this player's turn
+      // In local play, all local players can flip during their turn
       const currentPlayerData = players.get(state.currentPlayer)
-      console.log('[LocalProvider][canFlipCard] Authorization check:', {
-        currentPlayerId: state.currentPlayer,
-        currentPlayerFound: !!currentPlayerData,
-        currentPlayerIsLocal: currentPlayerData?.isLocal,
-      })
-
-      // Block if current player is explicitly marked as remote (shouldn't happen in local play)
       if (currentPlayerData && currentPlayerData.isLocal === false) {
-        console.log(
-          '[LocalProvider][canFlipCard] BLOCKED: Current player is remote (unexpected in local play)'
-        )
         return false
       }
 
-      console.log('[LocalProvider][canFlipCard] ALLOWED: All checks passed')
       return true
     },
-    [
-      isGameActive,
-      state.isProcessingMove,
-      state.gameCards,
-      state.flippedCards,
-      state.currentPlayer,
-      players,
-    ]
+    [isGameActive, state.isProcessingMove, state.gameCards, state.flippedCards, state.currentPlayer, players]
   )
 
   const currentGameStatistics: GameStatistics = useMemo(
@@ -324,7 +404,6 @@ export function LocalMemoryPairsProvider({ children }: { children: ReactNode })
     [state.moves, state.matchedPairs, state.totalPairs, state.gameStartTime, state.gameEndTime]
   )
 
-  // PAUSE/RESUME: Computed values for pause/resume functionality
   const hasConfigChanged = useMemo(() => {
     if (!state.originalConfig) return false
     return (
@@ -338,16 +417,13 @@ export function LocalMemoryPairsProvider({ children }: { children: ReactNode })
     return !!state.pausedGamePhase && !!state.pausedGameState && !hasConfigChanged
   }, [state.pausedGamePhase, state.pausedGameState, hasConfigChanged])
 
-  // Action creators - send moves to arcade session
+  // Action creators
   const startGame = useCallback(() => {
-    // Must have at least one active player
     if (activePlayers.length === 0) {
       console.error('[LocalMemoryPairs] Cannot start game without active players')
       return
     }
 
-    // Capture player metadata from local players map
-    // This ensures all room members can display player info even if they don't own the players
     const playerMetadata: { [playerId: string]: any } = {}
     for (const playerId of activePlayers) {
       const playerData = players.get(playerId)
@@ -362,56 +438,31 @@ export function LocalMemoryPairsProvider({ children }: { children: ReactNode })
       }
     }
 
-    // Use current session state configuration (no local state!)
     const cards = generateGameCards(state.gameType, state.difficulty)
-    // Use first active player as playerId for START_GAME move
-    const firstPlayer = activePlayers[0]
-    sendMove({
+    dispatch({
       type: 'START_GAME',
-      playerId: firstPlayer,
-      data: {
-        cards,
-        activePlayers,
-        playerMetadata,
-      },
+      cards,
+      activePlayers,
+      playerMetadata,
     })
-  }, [state.gameType, state.difficulty, activePlayers, players, viewerId, sendMove])
+  }, [state.gameType, state.difficulty, activePlayers, players, viewerId])
 
   const flipCard = useCallback(
     (cardId: string) => {
-      console.log('[LocalProvider] flipCard called:', {
-        cardId,
-        viewerId,
-        currentPlayer: state.currentPlayer,
-        activePlayers: state.activePlayers,
-        gamePhase: state.gamePhase,
-        canFlip: canFlipCard(cardId),
-      })
-
       if (!canFlipCard(cardId)) {
-        console.log('[LocalProvider] Cannot flip card - canFlipCard returned false')
         return
       }
-
-      const move = {
-        type: 'FLIP_CARD' as const,
-        playerId: state.currentPlayer, // Use the current player ID from game state (database player ID)
-        data: { cardId },
-      }
-      console.log('[LocalProvider] Sending FLIP_CARD move via sendMove:', move)
-      sendMove(move)
+      dispatch({ type: 'FLIP_CARD', cardId })
     },
-    [canFlipCard, sendMove, viewerId, state.currentPlayer, state.activePlayers, state.gamePhase]
+    [canFlipCard]
   )
 
   const resetGame = useCallback(() => {
-    // Must have at least one active player
     if (activePlayers.length === 0) {
       console.error('[LocalMemoryPairs] Cannot reset game without active players')
       return
     }
 
-    // Capture player metadata from local players map
     const playerMetadata: { [playerId: string]: any } = {}
     for (const playerId of activePlayers) {
       const playerData = players.get(playerId)
@@ -426,97 +477,71 @@ export function LocalMemoryPairsProvider({ children }: { children: ReactNode })
       }
     }
 
-    // Use current session state configuration (no local state!)
     const cards = generateGameCards(state.gameType, state.difficulty)
-    // Use first active player as playerId for START_GAME move
-    const firstPlayer = activePlayers[0]
-    sendMove({
+    dispatch({
       type: 'START_GAME',
-      playerId: firstPlayer,
-      data: {
-        cards,
-        activePlayers,
-        playerMetadata,
-      },
+      cards,
+      activePlayers,
+      playerMetadata,
     })
-  }, [state.gameType, state.difficulty, activePlayers, players, viewerId, sendMove])
+  }, [state.gameType, state.difficulty, activePlayers, players, viewerId])
 
-  const setGameType = useCallback(
-    (gameType: typeof state.gameType) => {
-      // Use first active player as playerId, or empty string if none
-      const playerId = activePlayers[0] || ''
-      sendMove({
-        type: 'SET_CONFIG',
-        playerId,
-        data: { field: 'gameType', value: gameType },
-      })
-    },
-    [activePlayers, sendMove]
-  )
+  const setGameType = useCallback((gameType: typeof state.gameType) => {
+    dispatch({ type: 'SET_CONFIG', field: 'gameType', value: gameType })
+  }, [])
 
-  const setDifficulty = useCallback(
-    (difficulty: typeof state.difficulty) => {
-      const playerId = activePlayers[0] || ''
-      sendMove({
-        type: 'SET_CONFIG',
-        playerId,
-        data: { field: 'difficulty', value: difficulty },
-      })
-    },
-    [activePlayers, sendMove]
-  )
+  const setDifficulty = useCallback((difficulty: typeof state.difficulty) => {
+    dispatch({ type: 'SET_CONFIG', field: 'difficulty', value: difficulty })
+  }, [])
 
-  const setTurnTimer = useCallback(
-    (turnTimer: typeof state.turnTimer) => {
-      const playerId = activePlayers[0] || ''
-      sendMove({
-        type: 'SET_CONFIG',
-        playerId,
-        data: { field: 'turnTimer', value: turnTimer },
-      })
-    },
-    [activePlayers, sendMove]
-  )
+  const setTurnTimer = useCallback((turnTimer: typeof state.turnTimer) => {
+    dispatch({ type: 'SET_CONFIG', field: 'turnTimer', value: turnTimer })
+  }, [])
 
   const resumeGame = useCallback(() => {
-    // PAUSE/RESUME: Resume paused game if config unchanged
     if (!canResumeGame) {
       console.warn('[LocalMemoryPairs] Cannot resume - no paused game or config changed')
       return
     }
-
-    const playerId = activePlayers[0] || state.currentPlayer || ''
-    sendMove({
-      type: 'RESUME_GAME',
-      playerId,
-      data: {},
-    })
-  }, [canResumeGame, activePlayers, state.currentPlayer, sendMove])
+    dispatch({ type: 'RESUME_GAME' })
+  }, [canResumeGame])
 
   const goToSetup = useCallback(() => {
-    // Send GO_TO_SETUP move - synchronized across all room members
-    const playerId = activePlayers[0] || state.currentPlayer || ''
-    sendMove({
-      type: 'GO_TO_SETUP',
-      playerId,
-      data: {},
-    })
-  }, [activePlayers, state.currentPlayer, sendMove])
+    dispatch({ type: 'GO_TO_SETUP' })
+  }, [])
+
+  const hoverCard = useCallback(
+    (cardId: string | null) => {
+      const playerId = state.currentPlayer || activePlayers[0] || ''
+      if (!playerId) return
+
+      dispatch({
+        type: 'HOVER_CARD',
+        playerId,
+        cardId,
+      })
+    },
+    [state.currentPlayer, activePlayers]
+  )
+
+  const exitSession = useCallback(() => {
+    router.push('/arcade')
+  }, [router])
 
-  // NO MORE effectiveState merging! Just use session state directly with gameMode added
   const effectiveState = { ...state, gameMode } as MemoryPairsState & { gameMode: GameMode }
 
   const contextValue: MemoryPairsContextValue = {
     state: effectiveState,
     dispatch: () => {
-      // No-op - replaced with sendMove
-      console.warn('dispatch() is deprecated in arcade mode, use action creators instead')
+      // No-op - local provider uses action creators instead
+      console.warn('dispatch() is not available in local mode, use action creators instead')
     },
     isGameActive,
     canFlipCard,
     currentGameStatistics,
     hasConfigChanged,
     canResumeGame,
+    canModifyPlayers,
     startGame,
     resumeGame,
     flipCard,
@@ -525,6 +550,7 @@ export function LocalMemoryPairsProvider({ children }: { children: ReactNode })
     setGameType,
     setDifficulty,
     setTurnTimer,
+    hoverCard,
     exitSession,
     gameMode,
     activePlayers,

apps/web/src/app/arcade/matching/context/MemoryPairsContext.tsx

@@ -251,7 +251,7 @@ function memoryPairsReducer(state: MemoryPairsState, action: MemoryPairsAction):
 }
 
 // Create context
-const MemoryPairsContext = createContext<MemoryPairsContextValue | null>(null)
+export const MemoryPairsContext = createContext<MemoryPairsContextValue | null>(null)
 
 // Provider component
 export function MemoryPairsProvider({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) {

apps/web/src/app/arcade/matching/context/RoomMemoryPairsProvider.tsx

@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 'use client'
 
 import { type ReactNode, useCallback, useEffect, useMemo } from 'react'
+import { useArcadeRedirect } from '@/hooks/useArcadeRedirect'
 import { useArcadeSession } from '@/hooks/useArcadeSession'
 import { useRoomData } from '@/hooks/useRoomData'
 import { useViewerId } from '@/hooks/useViewerId'
@@ -213,6 +214,8 @@ function applyMoveOptimistically(state: MemoryPairsState, move: GameMove): Memor
 }
 
 // Provider component for ROOM-BASED play (with network sync)
+// NOTE: This provider should ONLY be used for room-based multiplayer games.
+// For arcade sessions without rooms, use LocalMemoryPairsProvider instead.
 export function RoomMemoryPairsProvider({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) {
   const { data: viewerId } = useViewerId()
   const { roomData } = useRoomData() // Fetch room data for room-based play
@@ -557,6 +560,7 @@ export function RoomMemoryPairsProvider({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) {
     currentGameStatistics,
     hasConfigChanged,
     canResumeGame,
+    canModifyPlayers: false, // Room-based games: always show buttons (false = show buttons)
     startGame,
     resumeGame,
     flipCard,
@@ -573,3 +577,6 @@ export function RoomMemoryPairsProvider({ children }: { children: ReactNode }) {
 
   return <MemoryPairsContext.Provider value={contextValue}>{children}</MemoryPairsContext.Provider>
 }
+
+// Export the hook for this provider
+export { useMemoryPairs } from './MemoryPairsContext'

apps/web/src/app/arcade/matching/context/index.ts

@@ -0,0 +1,20 @@
+/**
+ * Central export point for arcade matching game context
+ * Re-exports the hook from the appropriate provider
+ */
+
+// Export the hook (works with both local and room providers)
+export { useMemoryPairs } from './MemoryPairsContext'
+
+// Export the room provider (networked multiplayer)
+export { RoomMemoryPairsProvider } from './RoomMemoryPairsProvider'
+
+// Export types
+export type {
+  GameCard,
+  GameMode,
+  GamePhase,
+  GameType,
+  MemoryPairsState,
+  MemoryPairsContextValue,
+} from './types'

apps/web/src/app/arcade/matching/context/types.ts

@@ -59,6 +59,7 @@ export interface MemoryPairsState {
   moves: number
   scores: PlayerScore
   activePlayers: Player[] // Track active player IDs
+  playerMetadata?: { [playerId: string]: any } // Player metadata for cross-user visibility
   consecutiveMatches: { [playerId: string]: number } // Track consecutive matches per player
 
   // Timing
@@ -72,6 +73,24 @@ export interface MemoryPairsState {
   isProcessingMove: boolean
   showMismatchFeedback: boolean
   lastMatchedPair: [string, string] | null
+
+  // PAUSE/RESUME: Paused game state
+  originalConfig?: { gameType: GameType; difficulty: Difficulty; turnTimer: number }
+  pausedGamePhase?: GamePhase
+  pausedGameState?: {
+    gameCards: GameCard[]
+    currentPlayer: Player
+    matchedPairs: number
+    moves: number
+    scores: PlayerScore
+    activePlayers: Player[]
+    playerMetadata: { [playerId: string]: any }
+    consecutiveMatches: { [playerId: string]: number }
+    gameStartTime: number | null
+  }
+
+  // HOVER: Networked hover state
+  playerHovers?: { [playerId: string]: string | null }
 }
 
 export type MemoryPairsAction =
@@ -101,6 +120,11 @@ export interface MemoryPairsContextValue {
   currentGameStatistics: GameStatistics
   gameMode: GameMode // Derived from global context
   activePlayers: Player[] // Active player IDs from arena
+  canModifyPlayers: boolean // Whether players can be added/removed (controls button visibility)
+
+  // PAUSE/RESUME: Computed pause/resume values
+  hasConfigChanged?: boolean
+  canResumeGame?: boolean
 
   // Actions
   startGame: () => void
@@ -108,6 +132,10 @@ export interface MemoryPairsContextValue {
   resetGame: () => void
   setGameType: (type: GameType) => void
   setDifficulty: (difficulty: Difficulty) => void
+  setTurnTimer?: (timer: number) => void
+  goToSetup?: () => void
+  resumeGame?: () => void
+  hoverCard?: (cardId: string | null) => void
   exitSession: () => void
 }
 

apps/web/src/app/arcade/matching/page.tsx

@@ -1,13 +1,13 @@
 import { ArcadeGuardedPage } from '@/components/ArcadeGuardedPage'
 import { MemoryPairsGame } from './components/MemoryPairsGame'
-import { RoomMemoryPairsProvider } from './context/RoomMemoryPairsProvider'
+import { LocalMemoryPairsProvider } from './context/LocalMemoryPairsProvider'
 
 export default function MatchingPage() {
   return (
     <ArcadeGuardedPage>
-      <RoomMemoryPairsProvider>
+      <LocalMemoryPairsProvider>
         <MemoryPairsGame />
-      </RoomMemoryPairsProvider>
+      </LocalMemoryPairsProvider>
     </ArcadeGuardedPage>
   )
 }

apps/web/src/app/arcade/room/page.tsx

@@ -2,7 +2,7 @@
 
 import { useRoomData } from '@/hooks/useRoomData'
 import { MemoryPairsGame } from '../matching/components/MemoryPairsGame'
-import { ArcadeMemoryPairsProvider } from '../matching/context/ArcadeMemoryPairsContext'
+import { RoomMemoryPairsProvider } from '../matching/context/RoomMemoryPairsProvider'
 
 /**
  * /arcade/room - Renders the game for the user's current room
@@ -68,9 +68,9 @@ export default function RoomPage() {
   switch (roomData.gameName) {
     case 'matching':
       return (
-        <ArcadeMemoryPairsProvider>
+        <RoomMemoryPairsProvider>
           <MemoryPairsGame />
-        </ArcadeMemoryPairsProvider>
+        </RoomMemoryPairsProvider>
       )
 
     // TODO: Add other games (complement-race, memory-quiz, etc.)

package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "soroban-monorepo",
-  "version": "2.12.0",
+  "version": "2.16.3",
   "private": true,
   "description": "Beautiful Soroban Flashcard Generator - Monorepo",
   "workspaces": [