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))

CHANGELOG.md

@@ -1,3 +1,55 @@
+## [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)
 
 

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?

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

apps/web/src/app/page.tsx

@@ -610,45 +610,98 @@ function GameCard({
     <Link href={href}>
       <div
         className={css({
-          background: gradient,
           rounded: 'xl',
           p: '6',
           shadow: 'lg',
           transition: 'all 0.3s ease',
           cursor: 'pointer',
+          position: 'relative',
+          overflow: 'hidden',
           _hover: {
             transform: 'translateY(-6px) scale(1.02)',
             shadow: '0 25px 50px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3)',
           },
         })}
       >
-        <div className={css({ fontSize: '3xl', mb: '3' })}>{icon}</div>
-        <h3 className={css({ fontSize: 'lg', fontWeight: 'bold', color: 'white', mb: '2' })}>
-          {title}
-        </h3>
-        <p className={css({ fontSize: 'sm', color: 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.9)', mb: '2' })}>
-          {description}
-        </p>
-        <p className={css({ fontSize: 'xs', color: 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.7)', mb: '3' })}>
-          {players}
-        </p>
-        <div className={hstack({ gap: '2', flexWrap: 'wrap' })}>
-          {tags.map((tag) => (
-            <span
-              key={tag}
-              className={css({
-                fontSize: 'xs',
-                px: '2',
-                py: '1',
-                bg: 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2)',
-                color: 'white',
-                rounded: 'full',
-                fontWeight: 'semibold',
-              })}
-            >
-              {tag}
-            </span>
-          ))}
+        {/* Vibrant gradient background */}
+        <div
+          style={{ background: gradient }}
+          className={css({
+            position: 'absolute',
+            inset: 0,
+            zIndex: 0,
+          })}
+        />
+        {/* Dark gradient overlay for text readability */}
+        <div
+          className={css({
+            position: 'absolute',
+            inset: 0,
+            background: 'linear-gradient(to bottom, rgba(0,0,0,0.1) 0%, rgba(0,0,0,0.5) 100%)',
+            zIndex: 1,
+          })}
+        />
+        {/* Content */}
+        <div className={css({ position: 'relative', zIndex: 2 })}>
+          <div
+            className={css({
+              fontSize: '3xl',
+              mb: '3',
+              textShadow: '0 2px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.3)',
+            })}
+          >
+            {icon}
+          </div>
+          <h3
+            className={css({
+              fontSize: 'lg',
+              fontWeight: 'bold',
+              color: 'white',
+              mb: '2',
+              textShadow: '0 2px 8px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5)',
+            })}
+          >
+            {title}
+          </h3>
+          <p
+            className={css({
+              fontSize: 'sm',
+              color: 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.95)',
+              mb: '2',
+              textShadow: '0 1px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4)',
+            })}
+          >
+            {description}
+          </p>
+          <p
+            className={css({
+              fontSize: 'xs',
+              color: 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.85)',
+              mb: '3',
+              textShadow: '0 1px 4px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4)',
+            })}
+          >
+            {players}
+          </p>
+          <div className={hstack({ gap: '2', flexWrap: 'wrap' })}>
+            {tags.map((tag) => (
+              <span
+                key={tag}
+                className={css({
+                  fontSize: 'xs',
+                  px: '2',
+                  py: '1',
+                  bg: 'rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.2)',
+                  color: 'white',
+                  rounded: 'full',
+                  fontWeight: 'semibold',
+                  textShadow: '0 1px 3px rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.4)',
+                })}
+              >
+                {tag}
+              </span>
+            ))}
+          </div>
         </div>
       </div>
     </Link>

apps/web/src/components/AppNavBar.tsx

@@ -584,7 +584,7 @@ export function AppNavBar({ variant = 'full', navSlot }: AppNavBarProps) {
           top: 0,
           left: 0,
           right: 0,
-          zIndex: 30,
+          zIndex: 1000,
           transition: 'all 0.3s ease',
         })}
       >

apps/web/src/components/HeroAbacus.tsx

@@ -6,7 +6,14 @@ import { css } from '../../styled-system/css'
 import { useHomeHero } from '../contexts/HomeHeroContext'
 
 export function HeroAbacus() {
-  const { subtitle, abacusValue, setAbacusValue, setIsHeroVisible, isAbacusLoaded } = useHomeHero()
+  const {
+    subtitle,
+    abacusValue,
+    setAbacusValue,
+    setIsHeroVisible,
+    isAbacusLoaded,
+    isSubtitleLoaded,
+  } = useHomeHero()
   const appConfig = useAbacusConfig()
   const heroRef = useRef<HTMLDivElement>(null)
 
@@ -52,8 +59,7 @@ export function HeroAbacus() {
         flexDirection: 'column',
         alignItems: 'center',
         justifyContent: 'space-between',
-        background:
-          'linear-gradient(135deg, rgba(17, 24, 39, 1) 0%, rgba(88, 28, 135, 0.3) 50%, rgba(17, 24, 39, 1) 100%)',
+        bg: 'gray.900',
         position: 'relative',
         overflow: 'hidden',
         px: '4',
@@ -101,6 +107,8 @@ export function HeroAbacus() {
             color: 'purple.300',
             fontStyle: 'italic',
             marginBottom: '8',
+            opacity: isSubtitleLoaded ? 1 : 0,
+            transition: 'opacity 0.5s ease-in-out',
           })}
         >
           {subtitle.text}

apps/web/src/contexts/HomeHeroContext.tsx

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 import type React from 'react'
 import { createContext, useContext, useEffect, useMemo, useRef, useState } from 'react'
 import type { Subtitle } from '../data/abaciOneSubtitles'
-import { getRandomSubtitle, subtitles } from '../data/abaciOneSubtitles'
+import { subtitles } from '../data/abaciOneSubtitles'
 
 interface HomeHeroContextValue {
   subtitle: Subtitle
@@ -12,6 +12,7 @@ interface HomeHeroContextValue {
   isHeroVisible: boolean
   setIsHeroVisible: (visible: boolean) => void
   isAbacusLoaded: boolean
+  isSubtitleLoaded: boolean
 }
 
 const HomeHeroContext = createContext<HomeHeroContextValue | null>(null)
@@ -21,10 +22,28 @@ 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 to avoid SSR mismatch
+  // Select random subtitle only on client side, persist per-session
   useEffect(() => {
-    setSubtitle(getRandomSubtitle())
+    // 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
@@ -91,8 +110,9 @@ export function HomeHeroProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) {
       isHeroVisible,
       setIsHeroVisible,
       isAbacusLoaded,
+      isSubtitleLoaded,
     }),
-    [subtitle, abacusValue, isHeroVisible, isAbacusLoaded]
+    [subtitle, abacusValue, isHeroVisible, isAbacusLoaded, isSubtitleLoaded]
   )
 
   return <HomeHeroContext.Provider value={value}>{children}</HomeHeroContext.Provider>

package.json

@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 {
   "name": "soroban-monorepo",
-  "version": "4.47.2",
+  "version": "4.48.5",
   "private": true,
   "description": "Beautiful Soroban Flashcard Generator - Monorepo",
   "workspaces": [