diff --git a/public/assets/music/track11.mp3 b/public/assets/music/track11.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..fbcc754
Binary files /dev/null and b/public/assets/music/track11.mp3 differ
diff --git a/public/assets/music/track12.mp3 b/public/assets/music/track12.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..96bf314
Binary files /dev/null and b/public/assets/music/track12.mp3 differ
diff --git a/public/assets/music/track13.mp3 b/public/assets/music/track13.mp3
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..74eac9e
Binary files /dev/null and b/public/assets/music/track13.mp3 differ
diff --git a/public/data/music.json b/public/data/music.json
index 13e695e..519193e 100644
--- a/public/data/music.json
+++ b/public/data/music.json
@@ -49,6 +49,21 @@
       "file": "track10.mp3",
       "artist": "Back to Basics",
       "title": "M83"
+    },
+    {
+      "file": "track11.mp3",
+      "artist": "Along the Boardwalk",
+      "title": "Billy Joel"
+    },
+    {
+      "file": "track12.mp3",
+      "artist": "New Day",
+      "title": "Paramore"
+    },
+    {
+      "file": "track13.mp3",
+      "artist": "Dance All Night",
+      "title": "Michael Jackson"
     }
   ]
 }
\ No newline at end of file
diff --git a/public/src/games/risk/RiskGame.js b/public/src/games/risk/RiskGame.js
index 1e11b16..4229792 100644
--- a/public/src/games/risk/RiskGame.js
+++ b/public/src/games/risk/RiskGame.js
@@ -68,6 +68,7 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
     this.portraits = [];
     this.debug     = false;
     this.gameOverShown = false;
+    this._lastAnnouncedPhase = null; // tracks which phase was last announced for the human
   }
 
   create() {
@@ -267,7 +268,7 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
       const t1 = this.add.text(textX, py - 15, name, {
         fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: '27px', color: isCur ? COLORS.goldHex : col,
       }).setOrigin(0, 0.5).setDepth(DEPTH.panel + 1); this.dyn.push(t1);
-      const t2 = this.add.text(textX, py + 17, `${terr}⬡  ${army}⚔`, {
+      const t2 = this.add.text(textX, py + 17, `${terr}⬡  ${army}⚔  ${p.cards.length}♠`, {
         fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: '22px', color: COLORS.mutedHex,
       }).setOrigin(0, 0.5).setDepth(DEPTH.panel + 1); this.dyn.push(t2);
     }
@@ -282,23 +283,47 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
       ({ reinforce: 'Reinforce', attack: 'Attack', fortify: 'Fortify' }[s.phase] ?? s.phase);
     const who = s.current === this.humanSeat ? 'Your' : `${s.players[s.current].name}'s`;
     const ph = this.add.text(lx, y, `${who} turn — ${phaseName}`, {
-      fontFamily: 'Righteous', fontSize: '18px', color: COLORS.textHex, wordWrap: { width: PANEL_W - 32 },
+      fontFamily: 'Righteous', fontSize: '21px', color: COLORS.textHex, wordWrap: { width: PANEL_W - 32 },
     }).setOrigin(0, 0).setDepth(DEPTH.panel + 1); this.dyn.push(ph);
-    y += 34;
+    y += 38;
 
     if (s.phase === 'reinforce' && !isGameOver(s)) {
       const info = this.add.text(lx, y, `Armies to place: ${s.reinforcements}`, {
-        fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: '17px', color: COLORS.goldHex,
+        fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: '20px', color: COLORS.goldHex,
       }).setOrigin(0, 0).setDepth(DEPTH.panel + 1); this.dyn.push(info);
-      y += 28;
+      y += 32;
     }
 
-    // current player's card count
-    const cardN = s.players[s.current].cards.length;
-    const cc = this.add.text(lx, y, `Cards: ${cardN}` + (s.current === this.humanSeat ? '' : ''), {
-      fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: '15px', color: COLORS.mutedHex,
-    }).setOrigin(0, 0).setDepth(DEPTH.panel + 1); this.dyn.push(cc);
-    y += 30;
+    // face-down card stack for current player
+    const cardCount = s.players[s.current].cards.length;
+    const CARD_W = 20, CARD_H = 28, CARD_STEP = 10;
+    const cardsLbl = this.add.text(lx, y + 6, 'Cards:', {
+      fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: '18px', color: COLORS.mutedHex,
+    }).setOrigin(0, 0).setDepth(DEPTH.panel + 1); this.dyn.push(cardsLbl);
+    const stackX0 = lx + cardsLbl.width + 10;
+    const stackTop = y + 3;
+    if (cardCount > 0) {
+      const cg = this.add.graphics().setDepth(DEPTH.panel + 2);
+      for (let i = 0; i < cardCount; i++) {
+        const cx2 = stackX0 + i * CARD_STEP;
+        cg.fillStyle(0x080e18, 0.8); cg.fillRoundedRect(cx2 + 1, stackTop + 1, CARD_W, CARD_H, 3);
+        cg.fillStyle(0x1a2840, 1);   cg.fillRoundedRect(cx2, stackTop, CARD_W, CARD_H, 3);
+        cg.lineStyle(1, 0x4a7aaa, 0.85); cg.strokeRoundedRect(cx2, stackTop, CARD_W, CARD_H, 3);
+        const m = 4;
+        cg.lineStyle(1, 0x2a4a70, 0.65);
+        cg.lineBetween(cx2 + m, stackTop + m, cx2 + CARD_W - m, stackTop + CARD_H - m);
+        cg.lineBetween(cx2 + CARD_W - m, stackTop + m, cx2 + m, stackTop + CARD_H - m);
+      }
+      this.dyn.push(cg);
+      if (s.current === this.humanSeat) {
+        const tw = CARD_W + (cardCount - 1) * CARD_STEP;
+        const zone = this.add.zone(stackX0 + tw / 2, stackTop + CARD_H / 2, tw + 6, CARD_H + 6)
+          .setInteractive({ useHandCursor: true }).setDepth(DEPTH.panel + 3);
+        zone.on('pointerdown', () => this.openCardsModal());
+        this.dyn.push(zone);
+      }
+    }
+    y += 34;
 
     this.panelControlsY = y;
     this.renderControls();
@@ -321,7 +346,7 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
     };
     const mkHint = (text, y) => {
       const h = this.add.text(cx, y, text, {
-        fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: '14px', color: COLORS.mutedHex,
+        fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: '16px', color: COLORS.mutedHex,
         align: 'center', wordWrap: { width: PANEL_W - 36 },
       }).setOrigin(0.5, 0.5).setDepth(DEPTH.ui); this.dyn.push(h);
     };
@@ -352,10 +377,13 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
     if (s.phase === 'reinforce') {
       if (s.owner[id] !== seat) return;
       if (mustTradeCards(s, seat)) { this.openTradeModal(); return; }
-      playSound(this, SFX.PIECE_CLICK);
-      this.gs = placeArmies(s, id, 1);
-      this.render();
-      if (this.gs.phase !== 'reinforce') this.advance(); // pool emptied → attack
+      const terrId = id;
+      this.openMoveModal(1, s.reinforcements, s.reinforcements, (n) => {
+        playSound(this, SFX.PIECE_CLICK);
+        this.gs = placeArmies(this.gs, terrId, n);
+        this.render();
+        if (this.gs.phase !== 'reinforce') this.advance();
+      }, { title: 'Place armies', showTen: s.reinforcements > 20 });
       return;
     }
 
@@ -377,10 +405,14 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
       if (id === this.selFrom) { this.selFrom = null; this.render(); return; }
       if (s.owner[id] === seat && connectedOwned(s, seat, this.selFrom).includes(id)) {
         const from = this.selFrom, to = id;
-        this.openMoveModal(s.armies[from] - 1, s.armies[from] - 1, 1, (n) => {
+        this.openMoveModal(1, s.armies[from] - 1, s.armies[from] - 1, async (n) => {
           this.selFrom = null;
+          this.busy = true;
           this.gs = fortify(this.gs, from, to, n);
-          this.render(); this.advance();
+          this.render();
+          await this.animateConquest(from, to, n, this.humanSeat);
+          this.busy = false;
+          this.advance();
         });
       }
     }
@@ -417,25 +449,42 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
   }
 
   // ── trade modal ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-  openTradeModal() {
+  openCardsModal() {
     const seat = this.humanSeat;
-    const cards = this.gs.players[seat].cards;
+    const s = this.gs;
+    const cards = s.players[seat].cards;
+    const canTrade = s.phase === 'reinforce';
+    const forced   = mustTradeCards(s, seat);
+
     const objs = [];
-    const overlay = this.add.rectangle(GAME_WIDTH / 2, GAME_HEIGHT / 2, GAME_WIDTH, GAME_HEIGHT, 0x000000, 0.6)
+    const cx = GAME_WIDTH / 2, cy = GAME_HEIGHT / 2;
+    const W = 720, H = 420;
+
+    const overlay = this.add.rectangle(cx, cy, GAME_WIDTH, GAME_HEIGHT, 0x000000, 0.6)
       .setInteractive().setDepth(DEPTH.popup); objs.push(overlay);
-    const W = 720, H = 420, cx = GAME_WIDTH / 2, cy = GAME_HEIGHT / 2;
     const panel = this.add.graphics().setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 1); objs.push(panel);
     panel.fillStyle(COLORS.panel, 1); panel.fillRoundedRect(cx - W / 2, cy - H / 2, W, H, 14);
     panel.lineStyle(2, COLORS.accent, 1); panel.strokeRoundedRect(cx - W / 2, cy - H / 2, W, H, 14);
-    objs.push(this.add.text(cx, cy - H / 2 + 32, `Trade a Set  (next set = ${setValue(this.gs.setsCashed)} armies)`, {
-      fontFamily: 'Righteous', fontSize: '26px', color: COLORS.goldHex,
+
+    const titleText = canTrade
+      ? `Your Cards  ·  trade a set for +${setValue(s.setsCashed)} armies`
+      : 'Your Cards';
+    objs.push(this.add.text(cx, cy - H / 2 + 32, titleText, {
+      fontFamily: 'Righteous', fontSize: '22px', color: COLORS.goldHex,
     }).setOrigin(0.5).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 2));
 
+    if (cards.length === 0) {
+      objs.push(this.add.text(cx, cy, 'No cards yet', {
+        fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: '22px', color: COLORS.mutedHex,
+      }).setOrigin(0.5).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 2));
+    }
+
     const selected = new Set();
     const chipObjs = [];
     let tradeBtn = null;
 
     const refreshTradeBtn = () => {
+      if (!tradeBtn) return;
       const sel = [...selected].map((i) => cards[i]);
       const valid = sel.length === 3 && hasValidSet(sel);
       tradeBtn.setAlpha(valid ? 1 : 0.4);
@@ -457,7 +506,8 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
         const on = selected.has(i);
         g.fillStyle(on ? COLORS.gold : 0x2a2418, 1); g.fillRoundedRect(x - cw / 2, yy - ch / 2, cw, ch, 10);
         g.lineStyle(2, on ? 0xffffff : COLORS.accent, 0.9); g.strokeRoundedRect(x - cw / 2, yy - ch / 2, cw, ch, 10);
-        const glyph = this.add.text(x, yy - 30, CARD_GLYPH[card.type], { fontSize: '40px' }).setOrigin(0.5).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 3);
+        const glyph = this.add.text(x, yy - 30, CARD_GLYPH[card.type], { fontSize: '40px' })
+          .setOrigin(0.5).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 3);
         const tl = this.add.text(x, yy + 16, CARD_LABEL[card.type], {
           fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: '15px', color: on ? COLORS.textDarkHex : COLORS.textHex,
         }).setOrigin(0.5).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 3);
@@ -465,51 +515,61 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
           fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: '12px', color: on ? COLORS.textDarkHex : COLORS.mutedHex,
           wordWrap: { width: cw - 12 }, align: 'center',
         }).setOrigin(0.5, 0).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 3);
-        const z = this.add.zone(x, yy, cw, ch).setInteractive({ useHandCursor: true }).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 4);
-        z.on('pointerdown', () => {
-          if (selected.has(i)) selected.delete(i);
-          else { if (selected.size >= 3) selected.delete([...selected][0]); selected.add(i); }
-          drawChips(); refreshTradeBtn();
-        });
-        chipObjs.push(g, glyph, tl, tn, z);
+        chipObjs.push(g, glyph, tl, tn);
+        if (canTrade) {
+          const z = this.add.zone(x, yy, cw, ch).setInteractive({ useHandCursor: true }).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 4);
+          z.on('pointerdown', () => {
+            if (selected.has(i)) selected.delete(i);
+            else { if (selected.size >= 3) selected.delete([...selected][0]); selected.add(i); }
+            drawChips(); refreshTradeBtn();
+          });
+          chipObjs.push(z);
+        }
       });
     };
 
     const close = () => { objs.forEach((o) => o.destroy()); chipObjs.forEach((o) => o.destroy()); this.render(); };
 
-    tradeBtn = new Button(this, cx - 130, cy + H / 2 - 40, 'Trade', () => {
-      if (tradeBtn.disabledForTrade) return;
-      const ids = [...selected].map((i) => cards[i].id);
-      this.gs = tradeCards(this.gs, ids);
-      playSound(this, SFX.COINS);
-      close();
-      if (!mustTradeCards(this.gs, seat)) { /* allow closing */ }
-      else { this.openTradeModal(); return; } // still forced → reopen
-      this.render();
-    }, { width: 220, height: 48, fontSize: 22 }).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 3);
-    objs.push(tradeBtn);
+    if (canTrade) {
+      const tradeBtnX = forced ? cx : cx - 130;
+      tradeBtn = new Button(this, tradeBtnX, cy + H / 2 - 40, 'Trade Set', () => {
+        if (tradeBtn.disabledForTrade) return;
+        const ids = [...selected].map((i) => cards[i].id);
+        this.gs = tradeCards(this.gs, ids);
+        playSound(this, SFX.COINS);
+        close();
+        if (mustTradeCards(this.gs, seat)) { this.openCardsModal(); return; }
+        this.render();
+      }, { width: 220, height: 48, fontSize: 22 }).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 3);
+      objs.push(tradeBtn);
+    }
 
-    if (!mustTradeCards(this.gs, seat)) {
-      const closeBtn = new Button(this, cx + 130, cy + H / 2 - 40, 'Close', close,
+    if (!forced) {
+      const dismissX = canTrade ? cx + 130 : cx;
+      const dismissBtn = new Button(this, dismissX, cy + H / 2 - 40, 'Dismiss', close,
         { width: 220, height: 48, fontSize: 22, variant: 'ghost' }).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 3);
-      objs.push(closeBtn);
+      objs.push(dismissBtn);
     }
 
     drawChips(); refreshTradeBtn();
   }
 
-  // ── move-amount modal (advance after conquest / fortify) ────────────────────────
-  openMoveModal(min, max, initial, onConfirm) {
+  openTradeModal() { this.openCardsModal(); }
+
+  // ── move-amount modal (place armies / advance after conquest / fortify) ───────
+  openMoveModal(min, max, initial, onConfirm, opts = {}) {
     if (max <= min) { onConfirm(min); return; }
     let val = Math.max(min, Math.min(initial, max));
     const objs = [];
     const cx = GAME_WIDTH / 2, cy = GAME_HEIGHT / 2;
-    const W = 640, H = 240;
+    const showTen = opts.showTen ?? false;
+    const title   = opts.title   ?? 'Move armies';
+    const W = showTen ? 860 : 640, H = 240;
     const overlay = this.add.rectangle(cx, cy, GAME_WIDTH, GAME_HEIGHT, 0x000000, 0.55).setInteractive().setDepth(DEPTH.popup); objs.push(overlay);
     const panel = this.add.graphics().setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 1); objs.push(panel);
     panel.fillStyle(COLORS.panel, 1); panel.fillRoundedRect(cx - W / 2, cy - H / 2, W, H, 14);
     panel.lineStyle(2, COLORS.accent, 1); panel.strokeRoundedRect(cx - W / 2, cy - H / 2, W, H, 14);
-    objs.push(this.add.text(cx, cy - H / 2 + 30, 'Move armies', {
+    objs.push(this.add.text(cx, cy - H / 2 + 30, title, {
       fontFamily: 'Righteous', fontSize: '24px', color: COLORS.goldHex,
     }).setOrigin(0.5).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 2));
     const valTxt = this.add.text(cx, cy - 10, String(val), {
@@ -519,10 +579,24 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
       fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: '15px', color: COLORS.mutedHex,
     }).setOrigin(0.5).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 2); objs.push(rng);
     const upd = () => valTxt.setText(String(val));
-    const btnMin  = new Button(this, cx - 230, cy - 4, 'Min', () => { val = min; upd(); }, { width: 80, height: 64, fontSize: 20, variant: 'ghost' }).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 2); objs.push(btnMin);
-    const minus   = new Button(this, cx - 130, cy - 4, '−',   () => { val = Math.max(min, val - 1); upd(); }, { width: 64, height: 64, fontSize: 34 }).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 2); objs.push(minus);
-    const plus    = new Button(this, cx + 130, cy - 4, '+',   () => { val = Math.min(max, val + 1); upd(); }, { width: 64, height: 64, fontSize: 34 }).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 2); objs.push(plus);
-    const btnMax  = new Button(this, cx + 230, cy - 4, 'Max', () => { val = max; upd(); }, { width: 80, height: 64, fontSize: 20, variant: 'ghost' }).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 2); objs.push(btnMax);
+    const mk = (label, x, fn, w, variant) => {
+      const b = new Button(this, cx + x, cy - 4, label, fn,
+        { width: w, height: 64, fontSize: w >= 80 ? 20 : 34, variant }).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 2);
+      objs.push(b); return b;
+    };
+    if (showTen) {
+      mk('Min', -350, () => { val = min; upd(); },                       80, 'ghost');
+      mk('−10', -240, () => { val = Math.max(min, val - 10); upd(); },   80);
+      mk('−',   -140, () => { val = Math.max(min, val - 1);  upd(); },   64);
+      mk('+',   +140, () => { val = Math.min(max, val + 1);  upd(); },   64);
+      mk('+10', +240, () => { val = Math.min(max, val + 10); upd(); },   80);
+      mk('Max', +350, () => { val = max; upd(); },                       80, 'ghost');
+    } else {
+      mk('Min', -230, () => { val = min; upd(); },                       80, 'ghost');
+      mk('−',   -130, () => { val = Math.max(min, val - 1);  upd(); },   64);
+      mk('+',   +130, () => { val = Math.min(max, val + 1);  upd(); },   64);
+      mk('Max', +230, () => { val = max; upd(); },                       80, 'ghost');
+    }
     const ok = new Button(this, cx, cy + H / 2 - 34, 'Confirm', () => { objs.forEach((o) => o.destroy()); onConfirm(val); }, { width: 260, height: 46, fontSize: 22 }).setDepth(DEPTH.popup + 2); objs.push(ok);
   }
 
@@ -630,7 +704,7 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
     const attackerName     = this.gs.players[attackerSeat].name;
     const defenderName     = this.gs.players[defenderSeat].name;
 
-    const W = 560, H = 320;
+    const W = 700, H = 320;
     const cx = GAME_WIDTH / 2, cy = GAME_HEIGHT / 2;
     const startPos = this.boardToScreen(TERRITORIES[b.to].x, TERRITORIES[b.to].y);
 
@@ -706,6 +780,16 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
       });
     });
 
+    // ── Portraits (world-space, appear after zoom so masks align) ─────────────
+    const PORTRAIT_R = 26;
+    const headWorldY = cy + (-H / 2 + 36);
+    const portraitObjs = [
+      ...this.makeStaticPortrait(cx - W / 2 + PORTRAIT_R + 10, headWorldY, PORTRAIT_R, attackerSeat, DEPTH.popup + 1),
+      ...this.makeStaticPortrait(cx + W / 2 - PORTRAIT_R - 10, headWorldY, PORTRAIT_R, defenderSeat, DEPTH.popup + 1),
+    ];
+    portraitObjs.forEach((o) => o.setAlpha(0));
+    this.tweens.add({ targets: portraitObjs, alpha: 1, duration: 300, ease: 'Linear' });
+
     // ── Dice rolling ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
     playSound(this, SFX.DICE_ROLL);
     for (let tick = 0; tick < 10; tick++) {
@@ -738,6 +822,55 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
 
     container.destroy(true);
     diceArrows.forEach((g) => g.destroy());
+    portraitObjs.forEach((o) => o.destroy());
+  }
+
+  makeStaticPortrait(worldX, worldY, radius, seat, depth) {
+    const objs = [];
+    const color = this.colorOf(seat);
+    const size  = radius * 2;
+
+    // Backing circle
+    const backing = this.add.graphics().setDepth(depth);
+    backing.fillStyle(0x1a1a2e, 1); backing.fillCircle(worldX, worldY, radius + 3);
+    backing.fillStyle(COLORS.panel, 1); backing.fillCircle(worldX, worldY, radius + 1);
+    objs.push(backing);
+
+    // Sprite or avatar (circular geometry mask)
+    let textureKey = null;
+    if (seat === this.humanSeat) {
+      textureKey = Object.keys(this.textures.list).find((k) => k.startsWith('player-avatar-')) ?? null;
+    } else {
+      const opp = this.opponents[seat - 1];
+      if (this.textures.exists('opponents') && opp != null) {
+        const maskG = this.make.graphics({ x: 0, y: 0, add: false });
+        maskG.fillStyle(0xffffff); maskG.fillCircle(worldX, worldY, radius);
+        const img = this.add.image(worldX, worldY, 'opponents', opp.spriteIndex ?? 0)
+          .setDisplaySize(size, size).setMask(maskG.createGeometryMask()).setDepth(depth + 1);
+        objs.push(img);
+      }
+    }
+
+    if (textureKey) {
+      const maskG = this.make.graphics({ x: 0, y: 0, add: false });
+      maskG.fillStyle(0xffffff); maskG.fillCircle(worldX, worldY, radius);
+      const img = this.add.image(worldX, worldY, textureKey)
+        .setDisplaySize(size, size).setMask(maskG.createGeometryMask()).setDepth(depth + 1);
+      objs.push(img);
+    } else if (seat === this.humanSeat) {
+      // No avatar cached yet — letter placeholder
+      const initial = this.gs.players[seat].name.charAt(0).toUpperCase();
+      objs.push(this.add.text(worldX, worldY, initial, {
+        fontFamily: '"Julius Sans One"', fontSize: `${Math.round(radius * 0.9)}px`, color: COLORS.accentHex,
+      }).setOrigin(0.5).setDepth(depth + 1));
+    }
+
+    // Colored ring
+    const ring = this.add.graphics().setDepth(depth + 2);
+    ring.lineStyle(5, color, 1); ring.strokeCircle(worldX, worldY, radius + 2);
+    objs.push(ring);
+
+    return objs;
   }
 
   async animateDiceArrow(from, to, color) {
@@ -893,7 +1026,15 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
   async advance() {
     if (this.busy) return;
     if (isGameOver(this.gs)) { this.showGameOver(); return; }
-    if (this.gs.current === this.humanSeat) { this.render(); return; } // wait for input
+    if (this.gs.current === this.humanSeat) {
+      this.render();
+      if (this.gs.phase !== this._lastAnnouncedPhase) {
+        this._lastAnnouncedPhase = this.gs.phase;
+        this.announcePhase(this.gs.phase);
+      }
+      return;
+    }
+    this._lastAnnouncedPhase = null; // reset so next human turn re-announces each phase
     this.busy = true;
     try {
       await this.runAiTurn(this.gs.current);
@@ -905,6 +1046,44 @@ export default class RiskGame extends Phaser.Scene {
     this.time.delayedCall(60, () => this.advance());
   }
 
+  announcePhase(phase) {
+    const label = ({ reinforce: 'Reinforce', attack: 'Attack', fortify: 'Fortify' }[phase] ?? phase) + ' Phase';
+    const mapCx = MAP_X + DISP_W / 2;
+    const mapCy = MAP_Y + DISP_H / 2;
+    const targetX = PANEL_X + PANEL_W / 2;
+    const targetY = this.panelRowY + 25;
+
+    const txt = this.add.text(mapCx, mapCy, label, {
+      fontFamily: 'Righteous',
+      fontSize: '72px',
+      color: '#ffe619',
+      stroke: '#000000',
+      strokeThickness: 5,
+    }).setOrigin(0.5).setDepth(DEPTH.panel - 2);
+
+    this.time.delayedCall(1000, () => {
+      const prog = { t: 0 };
+      this.tweens.add({
+        targets: prog,
+        t: 1,
+        duration: 1000,
+        ease: 'Sine.easeInOut',
+        onUpdate: () => {
+          const t = prog.t;
+          const lerp = (a, b) => a + (b - a) * t;
+          txt.setX(lerp(mapCx, targetX));
+          txt.setY(lerp(mapCy, targetY));
+          txt.setScale(lerp(1, 0.25));
+          const r = Math.round(lerp(0xff, 0xf2));
+          const g = Math.round(lerp(0xe6, 0xea));
+          const b = Math.round(lerp(0x19, 0xd8));
+          txt.setColor(`#${r.toString(16).padStart(2, '0')}${g.toString(16).padStart(2, '0')}${b.toString(16).padStart(2, '0')}`);
+        },
+        onComplete: () => { if (txt.active) txt.destroy(); },
+      });
+    });
+  }
+
   async runAiTurn(seat) {
     const skill = this.gs.players[seat].skill;
     this.setPortraitThinking(seat, true);
diff --git a/public/src/scenes/GameMenuScene.js b/public/src/scenes/GameMenuScene.js
index f5f213a..1f10818 100644
--- a/public/src/scenes/GameMenuScene.js
+++ b/public/src/scenes/GameMenuScene.js
@@ -109,7 +109,7 @@ export default class GameMenuScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     const startKey = allActiveCats.find(c => c.key === _lastCategory) ? _lastCategory : allActiveCats[0].key;
     this.showCategory(startKey);
 
-    new Button(this, cx, GAME_HEIGHT - 100, 'Back', () => this.scene.start('Landing'), { variant: 'ghost' });
+    new Button(this, cx, GAME_HEIGHT - 60, 'Back', () => this.scene.start('Landing'), { variant: 'ghost' });
   }
 
   showCategory(key) {