Preview a match by join code before joining

GET /api/games/preview returns the lobby behind a code plus the game's
name and engine-echoed options. The lobby debounces the lookup as a
complete code is typed and shows the game, seated players, open seats
and option badges rendered from the game's schema, disabling Join when
the lobby is full or the match has already started.

server/README.md

@@ -191,6 +191,7 @@ All endpoints except `/api/health`, `/api/docs`, `/api/openapi.json`,
 | `GET` | `/api/game-types` | The games the platform can host (for the creation dropdown), each with its `options_schema` |
 | `POST` | `/api/games` | Create a lobby game. Optional body `{"game_type": "scopone_scientifico", "options": {"target_score": 11, "napola": true, "asso_pigliatutto": false}}`. Returns the lobby (`{id, join_code, players, seats_open, ...}`) |
 | `POST` | `/api/games/join` | Join with `{"code": "ABC123"}`. The last player triggers the start and gets the game view back |
+| `GET` | `/api/games/preview?code=ABC123` | Pre-join summary of the lobby behind a code: game name/description, seated players, open seats and the engine-echoed options. `404` when the code is unknown |
 | `GET` | `/api/games/{id}` | Personalized snapshot (only your own hand is visible) |
 | `GET` | `/api/me/matches` | Cursor-paginated match history with the engine's `result` and per-player Elo deltas (`?limit=&cursor=&game_type=`) |
 | `GET` | `/api/me/ratings` | The caller's Elo rating per game type |
@@ -272,9 +273,10 @@ must dismiss. A play attempted in this phase is rejected with an
   instantly, regardless of the score.
 - Optional *asso pigliatutto* rule (per-game `asso_pigliatutto` creation
   option, default off): an ace played when no equal rank is on the table
-  sweeps every card on the table. The sweep never scores a scopa, and the
-  mandatory equal-rank capture still applies when another ace is on the
-  table.
+  sweeps every card on the table — or captures itself when the table is
+  empty. The capture never scores a scopa, but it counts as the last
+  capture, and the mandatory equal-rank capture still applies when another
+  ace is on the table.
 - The match ends when a team reaches the target score (default 11,
   configurable per game via the `target_score` creation option) with a
   clear lead; a tie at or above the target is broken by another hand.

server/packages/tavolo-platform/src/tavolo/platform/engine.py

@@ -201,7 +201,13 @@ class GameEngine(ABC):
 
     @abstractmethod
     def lobby_view(self, session: GameSession) -> Dict[str, Any]:
-        """Game-specific fields of the lobby payload (options echo, phase)."""
+        """Game-specific fields of the lobby payload (options echo, phase).
+
+        Echo the creation options under the same keys as
+        :attr:`options_schema`, plus ``phase``, so clients can render a
+        generic pre-join preview (``GET /api/games/preview``) from the
+        schema without game-specific code.
+        """
 
     @abstractmethod
     def in_lobby(self, session: GameSession) -> bool:

server/packages/tavolo-platform/src/tavolo/platform/routes/games.py

@@ -24,7 +24,14 @@ from kaya.openapi import operation
 from ..auth import display_name, require_auth
 from ..engine import GameSession, Seat
 from ..errors import GameError
-from ..http import JsonRequestError, read_json, read_json_optional, send_error, send_json
+from ..http import (
+    JsonRequestError,
+    extract_query_params,
+    read_json,
+    read_json_optional,
+    send_error,
+    send_json,
+)
 
 if TYPE_CHECKING:
     from ..mixin import Platform
@@ -79,6 +86,18 @@ def _view_payload(platform: "Platform", session: GameSession, sub: str) -> Dict[
     }
 
 
+def _preview_payload(platform: "Platform", session: GameSession) -> Dict[str, Any]:
+    """The join-code preview: the lobby payload plus the game's name and
+    description, so a client can render a pre-join summary without a
+    second lookup."""
+    engine = platform.registry.require(session.game_type)
+    return {
+        **_lobby_payload(platform, session),
+        "game_name": engine.name,
+        "game_description": engine.description,
+    }
+
+
 def register(app: KayaApp, platform: "Platform") -> None:
     @app.GET("/api/game-types")
     @operation(summary="List available games",
@@ -262,6 +281,33 @@ def register(app: KayaApp, platform: "Platform") -> None:
         log.info("%s joined game %s (seat %d); match started", user.sub, session.id, seat)
         await send_json(ctx, 200, _view_payload(platform, session, user.sub))
 
+    @app.GET("/api/games/preview")
+    @operation(summary="Preview a game by join code",
+               description="Looks up a game by its join code without "
+                           "joining, for the lobby's pre-join summary: game "
+                           "name and description, seated players, open "
+                           "seats and the game-specific options echoed by "
+                           "its engine.",
+               tags=["games"],
+               responses={
+                   200: {"description": "The lobby preview"},
+                   400: {"description": "Missing code"},
+                   401: {"description": "Authentication required"},
+                   404: {"description": "Unknown join code"},
+               })
+    @require_auth(platform.oidc)
+    async def preview_game(ctx: HttpContext) -> None:
+        values = extract_query_params(ctx.query_string).get("code")
+        code = values[0].strip() if values else ""
+        if not code:
+            await send_error(ctx, 400, "code is required")
+            return
+        session = await platform.game_store.find_by_code(code)
+        if session is None:
+            await send_error(ctx, 404, "unknown join code")
+            return
+        await send_json(ctx, 200, _preview_payload(platform, session))
+
     @app.GET("/api/games/${game_id}")
     @operation(summary="Get a game snapshot",
                description="Only seated players may read a game; the view is "

server/packages/tavolo-platform/tests/test_routes.py

@@ -69,6 +69,56 @@ class GamesRouteTest(unittest.TestCase):
             self.assertEqual(0, state["plays"])
             self.assertTrue(state["viewer_seated"])
 
+    @async_test
+    async def test_preview_requires_auth(self) -> None:
+        app, _, _ = make_platform()
+        transport = ASGITransport(app=app)
+        async with AsyncClient(transport=transport, base_url="http://127.0.0.1") as client:
+            response = await client.get("/api/games/preview?code=ABC123")
+            self.assertEqual(401, response.status_code)
+
+    @async_test
+    async def test_preview_lobby_and_started_game(self) -> None:
+        app, platform, _ = make_platform()
+        transport = ASGITransport(app=app)
+        async with AsyncClient(transport=transport, base_url="http://127.0.0.1") as client:
+            with oidc_user(platform.oidc, "alice"):
+                created = await client.post(
+                    "/api/games", json={"options": {"target": 5}}
+                )
+            code = created.json()["join_code"]
+
+            with oidc_user(platform.oidc, "mallory"):
+                missing = await client.get("/api/games/preview")
+                unknown = await client.get("/api/games/preview?code=ZZZZZZ")
+            self.assertEqual(400, missing.status_code)
+            self.assertEqual(404, unknown.status_code)
+
+            with oidc_user(platform.oidc, "mallory"):
+                preview = await client.get(f"/api/games/preview?code={code}")
+            self.assertEqual(200, preview.status_code)
+            body = preview.json()
+            self.assertEqual("dummy", body["game_type"])
+            self.assertEqual("Dummy game", body["game_name"])
+            self.assertTrue(body["game_description"])
+            self.assertEqual("lobby", body["phase"])
+            self.assertEqual(5, body["target"])
+            self.assertEqual(1, body["seats_open"])
+            self.assertEqual("alice", body["players"][0]["sub"])
+
+            # Join codes are case-insensitive.
+            with oidc_user(platform.oidc, "mallory"):
+                lower = await client.get(f"/api/games/preview?code={code.lower()}")
+            self.assertEqual(200, lower.status_code)
+
+            with oidc_user(platform.oidc, "bob"):
+                await client.post("/api/games/join", json={"code": code})
+            with oidc_user(platform.oidc, "mallory"):
+                started = await client.get(f"/api/games/preview?code={code}")
+            self.assertEqual(200, started.status_code)
+            self.assertEqual("playing", started.json()["phase"])
+            self.assertEqual(0, started.json()["seats_open"])
+
     @async_test
     async def test_create_rejects_bad_options(self) -> None:
         app, platform, _ = make_platform()

server/packages/tavolo-scopone/README.md

@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ implementation.
   (de)serialization. No session envelope, no transport, no I/O.
 - `engine.py` — the pure rules engine: deck, legal captures, plays,
   auto-play, hand scoring (carte, denara, settebello, primiera, scope,
-  napola), the optional asso pigliatutto sweep, hand-end
+  napola), the optional asso pigliatutto capture, hand-end
   acknowledgements. Deterministic and I/O-free apart from logging, so the
   whole rule set is unit-testable.
 - `errors.py` — scopone-specific errors (`CardNotInHand`); every other

server/packages/tavolo-scopone/src/tavolo/scopone/engine.py

@@ -29,9 +29,11 @@ Rules implemented
   it reaches at least three cards (A-2-3 = 3, A-2-3-4 = 4, ...). A team
   capturing the whole denari suit (ace to king) wins the match instantly.
 * Optional ``asso_pigliatutto`` rule (disabled by default): an ace played
-  when no equal rank is on the table sweeps the whole table. The sweep
-  never scores a scopa, even when cards remain in hand. When another ace
-  is on the table the mandatory equal-rank capture still applies.
+  when no equal rank is on the table sweeps the whole table — or captures
+  itself, leaving the table empty, when the table is bare. The sweep never
+  scores a scopa, even when cards remain in hand, but it counts as a
+  capture for the last-taker rule. When another ace is on the table the
+  mandatory equal-rank capture still applies.
 * The match ends when a team reaches the target score with a clear lead; a
   tie at or above the target is broken by playing another hand.
 """
@@ -122,14 +124,15 @@ def legal_captures(
     If an equal-ranked card is on the table, only those single-card
     captures are returned (the rule forbids taking a combination instead).
     Otherwise, when ``asso_pigliatutto`` is enabled and ``card`` is an ace,
-    the only capture is the whole table; without the option every subset of
-    the table whose ranks sum to ``card.rank`` is returned.
+    the only capture is the whole table — or an empty capture when the
+    table is bare, the ace taking itself. Without the option every subset
+    of the table whose ranks sum to ``card.rank`` is returned.
     """
     equal = [c for c in table if c.rank == card.rank]
     if equal:
         return [[c] for c in equal]
     if asso_pigliatutto and card.rank == 1:
-        return [list(table)] if table else []
+        return [list(table)]
 
     candidates = [c for c in table if c.rank <= card.rank]
     captures: List[List[Card]] = []
@@ -255,12 +258,12 @@ def play(
     options = legal_captures(
         table_before, card, asso_pigliatutto=state.asso_pigliatutto
     )
-    # An asso pigliatutto sweep: the ace takes the whole table because no
-    # equal rank was on it. Such a sweep never scores a scopa.
+    # An asso pigliatutto capture: the ace takes the whole table because no
+    # equal rank was on it, or takes itself when the table is bare. Such a
+    # capture never scores a scopa.
     pigliatutto = (
         state.asso_pigliatutto
         and card.rank == 1
-        and bool(table_before)
         and all(c.rank != card.rank for c in table_before)
     )
 
@@ -305,10 +308,12 @@ def play(
 def _match_option(
     options: Sequence[Sequence[Card]], requested: Sequence[Card]
 ) -> Optional[List[Card]]:
-    """Return the option matching ``requested`` exactly, if any."""
+    """Return the option matching ``requested`` exactly, if any.
+
+    An empty request matches only an empty option — the asso pigliatutto
+    self-capture — so requesting nothing never satisfies a real capture.
+    """
     wanted = sorted(c.code for c in requested)
-    if not wanted:
-        return None
     for option in options:
         if sorted(c.code for c in option) == wanted:
             return list(option)
@@ -339,7 +344,7 @@ def auto_play(state: ScoponeState, rng: Optional[random.Random] = None) -> None:
         state,
         player.sub,
         card.code,
-        [c.code for c in capture] if capture else None,
+        [c.code for c in capture] if capture is not None else None,
     )
 
 

server/packages/tavolo-scopone/src/tavolo/scopone/state.py

@@ -92,7 +92,8 @@ class Move:
     card: str
     captured: List[str] = field(default_factory=list)
     scopa: bool = False
-    # The play was an asso pigliatutto sweep (it took the whole table).
+    # The play was an asso pigliatutto capture (the whole table, or the
+    # ace itself when the table was empty).
     pigliatutto: bool = False
 
     def to_json(self) -> Dict[str, Any]:
@@ -159,8 +160,9 @@ class ScoponeState:
     # suit wins the match instantly). Default on.
     napola: bool = True
     # Whether the asso pigliatutto rule is scored (an ace sweeps the whole
-    # table when no equal rank is on it; the sweep never scores a scopa).
-    # Default off, also for states serialized before the option existed.
+    # table when no equal rank is on it, or captures itself when the table
+    # is empty; the capture never scores a scopa). Default off, also for
+    # states serialized before the option existed.
     asso_pigliatutto: bool = False
     phase: str = PHASE_LOBBY
     players: List[PlayerState] = field(default_factory=list)

server/packages/tavolo-scopone/tests/test_engine.py

@@ -353,6 +353,14 @@ class AssoPigliatuttoTest(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(
             [["05C", "02D", "03S"]], [[c.code for c in o] for o in options]
         )
+        # A bare table leaves only the self-capture option; without the
+        # rule the ace stays on the table.
+        self.assertEqual(
+            [[]], engine.legal_captures([], card("01D"), asso_pigliatutto=True)
+        )
+        self.assertEqual(
+            [], engine.legal_captures([], card("01D"), asso_pigliatutto=False)
+        )
         # Non-ace cards keep the normal rules.
         self.assertEqual(
             [],
@@ -388,6 +396,13 @@ class AssoPigliatuttoTest(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual({"05C", "02D", "01D"}, {c.code for c in state.table})
         assert state.last_move is not None
         self.assertFalse(state.last_move.pigliatutto)
+        # ... and on a bare table it stays there too.
+        state = make_state(
+            [["01D", "09C"], ["04D"], ["05D"], ["06D"]], table=[]
+        )
+        engine.play(state, "p0", "01D")
+        self.assertEqual(["01D"], [c.code for c in state.table])
+        self.assertEqual([], state.players[0].captured)
         self.assertEqual(
             [],
             engine.legal_captures(
@@ -395,13 +410,34 @@ class AssoPigliatuttoTest(unittest.TestCase):
             ),
         )
 
-    def test_ace_on_empty_table_is_a_normal_play(self) -> None:
+    def test_ace_on_empty_table_captures_itself(self) -> None:
+        # Other players still hold cards, so the bare table would trigger a
+        # (nonsensical) scopa without the pigliatutto suppression. The
+        # self-capture makes p0 the last taker, replacing seat 1.
         state = make_state(
-            [["01D", "09C"], ["04D"], ["05D"], ["06D"]], table=[]
+            [["01D", "09C"], ["04D"], ["05D"], ["06D"]],
+            table=[],
+            last_taker=1,
         )
         state.asso_pigliatutto = True
         engine.play(state, "p0", "01D")
-        self.assertEqual(["01D"], [c.code for c in state.table])
+        self.assertEqual([], state.table)
+        self.assertEqual(["01D"], [c.code for c in state.players[0].captured])
+        self.assertEqual(0, state.players[0].scope)
+        self.assertEqual(0, state.last_taker)
+        assert state.last_move is not None
+        self.assertTrue(state.last_move.pigliatutto)
+        self.assertEqual([], state.last_move.captured)
+        self.assertFalse(state.last_move.scopa)
+
+    def test_non_ace_on_empty_table_stays(self) -> None:
+        state = make_state(
+            [["02D", "09C"], ["04D"], ["05D"], ["06D"]], table=[]
+        )
+        state.asso_pigliatutto = True
+        engine.play(state, "p0", "02D")
+        self.assertEqual(["02D"], [c.code for c in state.table])
+        self.assertEqual([], state.players[0].captured)
         assert state.last_move is not None
         self.assertFalse(state.last_move.pigliatutto)
 
@@ -444,6 +480,13 @@ class AssoPigliatuttoTest(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertEqual(
             {"01D": [["05C", "02D", "03S"]]}, view["legal_moves"]
         )
+        # On a bare table the ace advertises the self-capture.
+        state = make_state(
+            [["01D"], ["04D"], ["05D"], ["06D"]], table=[]
+        )
+        state.asso_pigliatutto = True
+        view = engine.state_for_player(state, "p0")
+        self.assertEqual({"01D": [[]]}, view["legal_moves"])
 
     def test_auto_play_sweeps_with_the_rule(self) -> None:
         state = make_state(
@@ -456,6 +499,46 @@ class AssoPigliatuttoTest(unittest.TestCase):
         self.assertTrue(state.last_move.pigliatutto)
         self.assertEqual(["05C", "02D"], state.last_move.captured)
 
+    def test_auto_play_self_captures_on_bare_table(self) -> None:
+        state = make_state(
+            [["01D"], ["04D"], ["05D"], ["06D"]], table=[]
+        )
+        state.asso_pigliatutto = True
+        engine.auto_play(state)
+        assert state.last_move is not None
+        self.assertTrue(state.last_move.pigliatutto)
+        self.assertEqual(["01D"], [c.code for c in state.players[0].captured])
+        self.assertEqual([], state.table)
+
+    def test_full_random_match_with_rule_keeps_all_cards(self) -> None:
+        state = engine.create_game(
+            "p0", "p0", target_score=11, asso_pigliatutto=True
+        )
+        for i in range(1, 4):
+            engine.join_game(state, f"p{i}", f"p{i}")
+
+        moves = 0
+        while state.phase != PHASE_FINISHED and moves < 200000:
+            if state.phase == "hand_end":
+                for p in state.players:
+                    engine.acknowledge_hand(state, p.sub)
+                continue
+            player = next(p for p in state.players if p.seat == state.turn)
+            played = player.hand[0]
+            options = engine.legal_captures(
+                state.table, played, asso_pigliatutto=state.asso_pigliatutto
+            )
+            capture = [c.code for c in options[0]] if options else None
+            engine.play(state, player.sub, played.code, capture)
+            moves += 1
+
+        self.assertEqual(PHASE_FINISHED, state.phase)
+        self.assertIn(state.winner, (0, 1))
+        # Self-captures included, all 40 cards end up in capture piles.
+        self.assertEqual([], state.table)
+        self.assertTrue(all(not p.hand for p in state.players))
+        self.assertEqual(40, sum(len(p.captured) for p in state.players))
+
 
 class MatchFlowTest(unittest.TestCase):
     def test_join_starts_when_full(self) -> None:

server/tests/test_routes_games.py

@@ -116,6 +116,55 @@ class GamesRouteTest(unittest.TestCase):
                 )
             self.assertEqual(400, invalid.status_code)
 
+    @async_test
+    async def test_preview_join_code(self) -> None:
+        transport = ASGITransport(app=app)
+        async with AsyncClient(transport=transport, base_url="http://127.0.0.1") as client:
+            with oidc_user("alice"):
+                created = await client.post(
+                    "/api/games",
+                    json={
+                        "options": {
+                            "target_score": 16,
+                            "napola": False,
+                            "asso_pigliatutto": True,
+                        }
+                    },
+                )
+            code = created.json()["join_code"]
+
+            response = await client.get(f"/api/games/preview?code={code}")
+            self.assertEqual(401, response.status_code)
+
+            with oidc_user("bob"):
+                missing = await client.get("/api/games/preview")
+                unknown = await client.get("/api/games/preview?code=ZZZZZZ")
+            self.assertEqual(400, missing.status_code)
+            self.assertEqual(404, unknown.status_code)
+
+            with oidc_user("bob"):
+                preview = await client.get(f"/api/games/preview?code={code}")
+            self.assertEqual(200, preview.status_code)
+            body = preview.json()
+            self.assertEqual("scopone_scientifico", body["game_type"])
+            self.assertEqual("Scopone scientifico", body["game_name"])
+            self.assertTrue(body["game_description"])
+            self.assertEqual("lobby", body["phase"])
+            self.assertEqual(16, body["target_score"])
+            self.assertFalse(body["napola"])
+            self.assertTrue(body["asso_pigliatutto"])
+            self.assertEqual(3, body["seats_open"])
+            self.assertEqual(["alice"], [p["sub"] for p in body["players"]])
+
+            for player in ("bob", "carol", "dave"):
+                with oidc_user(player):
+                    await client.post("/api/games/join", json={"code": code})
+            with oidc_user("bob"):
+                started = await client.get(f"/api/games/preview?code={code}")
+            self.assertEqual(200, started.status_code)
+            self.assertEqual("playing", started.json()["phase"])
+            self.assertEqual(0, started.json()["seats_open"])
+
     @async_test
     async def test_join_errors(self) -> None:
         transport = ASGITransport(app=app)

web/src/api.rs

@@ -70,6 +70,23 @@ pub async fn join_game(code: &str) -> Result<GameView, String> {
     resp.json().await.map_err(|e| e.to_string())
 }
 
+/// Look up a game by join code without joining, for the pre-join summary.
+/// `Ok(None)` means the code names no live game (404); other failures are
+/// `Err`.
+pub async fn join_preview(code: &str) -> Result<Option<JoinPreview>, String> {
+    let resp = Request::get(&format!("/api/games/preview?code={code}"))
+        .send()
+        .await
+        .map_err(|e| e.to_string())?;
+    if resp.status() == 404 {
+        return Ok(None);
+    }
+    if !resp.ok() {
+        return Err(server_error(resp.status()));
+    }
+    resp.json().await.map(Some).map_err(|e| e.to_string())
+}
+
 #[allow(dead_code)]
 pub async fn game_state(game_id: &str) -> Result<GameView, String> {
     let resp = Request::get(&format!("/api/games/{game_id}"))

web/src/model.rs

@@ -337,6 +337,83 @@ pub struct GameTypesPage {
     pub results: Vec<GameTypeInfo>,
 }
 
+/// A join-code lookup result (GET /api/games/preview): the game's lobby
+/// payload plus its display name, for the pre-join summary. The options
+/// echoed by the engine land in `details` under their `options_schema`
+/// keys.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Deserialize)]
+pub struct JoinPreview {
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub game_type: String,
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub game_name: String,
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub game_description: String,
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub players: Vec<PreviewPlayer>,
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub seats_open: Option<usize>,
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub phase: String,
+    #[serde(flatten)]
+    pub details: HashMap<String, serde_json::Value>,
+}
+
+/// One seated player in a join preview.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Deserialize)]
+#[allow(dead_code)]
+pub struct PreviewPlayer {
+    pub name: String,
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub seat: usize,
+    #[serde(default)]
+    pub team: Option<String>,
+}
+
+/// One option to show in the join preview, rendered from the game's
+/// schema and the engine-echoed value.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq)]
+pub struct PreviewOption {
+    pub label: String,
+    pub value: String,
+    /// Present for booleans, for on/off styling.
+    pub on: Option<bool>,
+}
+
+impl JoinPreview {
+    /// Whether the lobby is still waiting for players with a free seat.
+    pub fn joinable(&self) -> bool {
+        self.phase == "lobby" && self.seats_open.map(|n| n > 0).unwrap_or(true)
+    }
+
+    /// The open-seat note for the preview, e.g. `" · 2 seats open"` (empty
+    /// when the engine does not report a seat count).
+    pub fn seats_text(&self) -> String {
+        match self.seats_open {
+            Some(1) => " · 1 seat open".to_string(),
+            Some(n) => format!(" · {n} seats open"),
+            None => String::new(),
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// The options to display: every schema field the engine echoed, in
+    /// schema order. Fields the engine does not echo are skipped.
+    pub fn options(&self, fields: &[OptionField]) -> Vec<PreviewOption> {
+        fields
+            .iter()
+            .filter_map(|field| {
+                let raw = self.details.get(&field.key)?;
+                let value = field.format_value(raw)?;
+                let on = match &field.kind {
+                    OptionKind::Boolean => raw.as_bool(),
+                    _ => None,
+                };
+                Some(PreviewOption { label: field.label.clone(), value, on })
+            })
+            .collect()
+    }
+}
+
 /// One creation option rendered from a game's `options_schema`.
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq)]
 pub enum OptionKind {
@@ -350,14 +427,52 @@ pub enum OptionKind {
 pub struct OptionField {
     pub key: String,
     pub title: String,
+    /// Compact label for badges: the schema `title` when present, else the
+    /// key with underscores turned into spaces.
+    pub label: String,
     pub kind: OptionKind,
     pub default: serde_json::Value,
 }
 
+impl OptionField {
+    /// Human-readable rendering of one engine-echoed option value.
+    pub fn format_value(&self, value: &serde_json::Value) -> Option<String> {
+        match &self.kind {
+            OptionKind::Boolean => value
+                .as_bool()
+                .map(|b| if b { "On" } else { "Off" }.to_string()),
+            OptionKind::Integer { .. } => value
+                .as_i64()
+                .map(|n| n.to_string())
+                .or_else(|| value.as_f64().map(fmt_points)),
+            OptionKind::Text | OptionKind::Enum { .. } => {
+                value.as_str().map(str::to_string)
+            }
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 fn schema_string(schema: &serde_json::Value, key: &str) -> Option<String> {
     schema.get(key).and_then(|v| v.as_str()).map(str::to_string)
 }
 
+/// Turn a schema key into a readable label: `asso_pigliatutto` ->
+/// "Asso pigliatutto".
+fn humanize_key(key: &str) -> String {
+    let spaced = key.replace('_', " ");
+    let spaced = spaced.trim();
+    if spaced.is_empty() {
+        return key.to_string();
+    }
+    let mut chars = spaced.chars();
+    let mut out = String::new();
+    if let Some(first) = chars.next() {
+        out.extend(first.to_uppercase());
+        out.push_str(chars.as_str());
+    }
+    out
+}
+
 fn schema_i64(schema: &serde_json::Value, key: &str) -> Option<i64> {
     schema.get(key).and_then(|v| {
         v.as_i64().or_else(|| {
@@ -378,9 +493,12 @@ impl GameTypeInfo {
         properties
             .iter()
             .filter_map(|(key, schema)| {
-                let title = schema_string(schema, "title")
+                let explicit_title = schema_string(schema, "title");
+                let title = explicit_title
+                    .clone()
                     .or_else(|| schema_string(schema, "description"))
                     .unwrap_or_else(|| key.clone());
+                let label = explicit_title.unwrap_or_else(|| humanize_key(key));
                 let default = schema.get("default").cloned().unwrap_or(serde_json::Value::Null);
                 let kind = match schema.get("type").and_then(|v| v.as_str()) {
                     Some("integer") => OptionKind::Integer {
@@ -403,7 +521,7 @@ impl GameTypeInfo {
                     Some("string") => OptionKind::Text,
                     _ => return None,
                 };
-                Some(OptionField { key: key.clone(), title, kind, default })
+                Some(OptionField { key: key.clone(), title, label, kind, default })
             })
             .collect()
     }
@@ -714,6 +832,111 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(!legacy.pigliatutto);
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn join_preview_parses_scopone_payload() {
+        let p: JoinPreview = serde_json::from_value(json!({
+            "id": "11111111-2222-3333-4444-555555555555",
+            "join_code": "ABC123",
+            "game_type": "scopone_scientifico",
+            "game_name": "Scopone scientifico",
+            "game_description": "Four players in fixed partnerships.",
+            "players": [
+                {"sub": "alice", "name": "Alice", "seat": 0, "team": "A"},
+            ],
+            "seats_open": 3,
+            "phase": "lobby",
+            "target_score": 16,
+            "napola": false,
+            "asso_pigliatutto": true,
+        }))
+        .unwrap();
+        assert_eq!("Scopone scientifico", p.game_name);
+        assert_eq!("lobby", p.phase);
+        assert!(p.joinable());
+        assert_eq!(Some(3), p.seats_open);
+        assert_eq!("Alice", p.players[0].name);
+        assert_eq!(Some("A".to_string()), p.players[0].team);
+        // Options render from the schema, in schema order; keys the
+        // engine did not echo are skipped.
+        let opts = p.options(&scopone_game_type().option_fields());
+        assert_eq!(3, opts.len());
+        let by_label: HashMap<_, _> =
+            opts.into_iter().map(|o| (o.label.clone(), o)).collect();
+        assert_eq!("Target score", by_label["Target score"].label);
+        assert_eq!("16", by_label["Target score"].value);
+        assert_eq!(None, by_label["Target score"].on);
+        assert_eq!("Napola", by_label["Napola"].label);
+        assert_eq!("Off", by_label["Napola"].value);
+        assert_eq!(Some(false), by_label["Napola"].on);
+        assert_eq!("Asso pigliatutto", by_label["Asso pigliatutto"].label);
+        assert_eq!("On", by_label["Asso pigliatutto"].value);
+        assert_eq!(Some(true), by_label["Asso pigliatutto"].on);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn join_preview_joinable_states() {
+        let started: JoinPreview = serde_json::from_value(json!({
+            "game_type": "x", "phase": "playing", "seats_open": 0,
+        }))
+        .unwrap();
+        assert!(!started.joinable());
+        let full: JoinPreview = serde_json::from_value(json!({
+            "game_type": "x", "phase": "lobby", "seats_open": 0,
+        }))
+        .unwrap();
+        assert!(!full.joinable());
+        let open: JoinPreview = serde_json::from_value(json!({
+            "game_type": "x", "phase": "lobby", "seats_open": 1,
+        }))
+        .unwrap();
+        assert!(open.joinable());
+        assert!(open.options(&scopone_game_type().option_fields()).is_empty());
+        // Engines that don't report seats_open are assumed joinable.
+        let unknown: JoinPreview = serde_json::from_value(json!({
+            "game_type": "x", "phase": "lobby",
+        }))
+        .unwrap();
+        assert!(unknown.joinable());
+        assert_eq!("", unknown.seats_text());
+        assert_eq!(" · 1 seat open", open.seats_text());
+        assert_eq!(" · 0 seats open", full.seats_text());
+        let two: JoinPreview = serde_json::from_value(json!({
+            "game_type": "x", "phase": "lobby", "seats_open": 2,
+        }))
+        .unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(" · 2 seats open", two.seats_text());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn option_field_formats_values() {
+        let g: GameTypeInfo = serde_json::from_value(json!({
+            "id": "x",
+            "name": "x",
+            "options_schema": {
+                "type": "object",
+                "properties": {
+                    "flag": {"type": "boolean", "title": "Flag", "default": false},
+                    "count": {"type": "integer", "default": 2},
+                    "mode": {"type": "string", "enum": ["a", "b"], "default": "a"},
+                    "note": {"type": "string"},
+                },
+            },
+        }))
+        .unwrap();
+        let fields: HashMap<_, _> =
+            g.option_fields().into_iter().map(|f| (f.key.clone(), f)).collect();
+        assert_eq!(Some("On".to_string()), fields["flag"].format_value(&json!(true)));
+        assert_eq!(Some("Off".to_string()), fields["flag"].format_value(&json!(false)));
+        assert_eq!(None, fields["flag"].format_value(&json!("yes")));
+        assert_eq!(Some("16".to_string()), fields["count"].format_value(&json!(16)));
+        assert_eq!(Some("2.5".to_string()), fields["count"].format_value(&json!(2.5)));
+        assert_eq!(Some("b".to_string()), fields["mode"].format_value(&json!("b")));
+        assert_eq!(Some("hi".to_string()), fields["note"].format_value(&json!("hi")));
+        // Badges use the schema title, or the humanized key without one.
+        assert_eq!("Flag", fields["flag"].label);
+        assert_eq!("Count", fields["count"].label);
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn game_type_without_schema_has_no_fields() {
         let g: GameTypeInfo = serde_json::from_value(json!({

web/src/pages/lobby.rs

@@ -3,7 +3,9 @@
 //! Match creation is game-generic: the form is rendered from the selected
 //! game's `options_schema` (see [`crate::model::GameTypeInfo`]), so new
 //! games get a working creation UI without frontend changes.
+use std::cell::{Cell, RefCell};
 use std::collections::HashMap;
+use std::rc::Rc;
 
 use wasm_bindgen_futures::spawn_local;
 use sycamore::prelude::*;
@@ -12,7 +14,7 @@ use sycamore_router::navigate;
 use crate::api;
 use crate::components::card::card_back;
 use crate::components::toast::toast;
-use crate::model::{GameTypeInfo, OptionField, OptionKind, PlayerRating, User};
+use crate::model::{GameTypeInfo, JoinPreview, OptionField, OptionKind, PlayerRating, User};
 
 /// Used when the game-types fetch fails: match creation must still work.
 fn fallback_game_types() -> Vec<GameTypeInfo> {
@@ -181,6 +183,102 @@ fn OptionInput(props: OptionInputProps) -> View {
     }
 }
 
+/// Pre-join summary of the match behind the entered code: game name,
+/// seated players and the engine-echoed options, rendered from the game's
+/// `options_schema` so every game gets a preview without custom code.
+fn join_preview_panel(
+    preview: Option<JoinPreview>,
+    game_types: Vec<GameTypeInfo>,
+    checking: bool,
+    not_found: bool,
+) -> View {
+    let Some(p) = preview else {
+        if checking {
+            return view! {
+                p(class="text-secondary small mb-0") { "Checking code…" }
+            };
+        }
+        if not_found {
+            return view! {
+                p(class="text-secondary small mb-0") { "No match with this code." }
+            };
+        }
+        return view! {};
+    };
+
+    let game = game_types.into_iter().find(|g| g.id == p.game_type);
+    let name = if p.game_name.is_empty() {
+        game.as_ref()
+            .map(|g| g.name.clone())
+            .unwrap_or_else(|| p.game_type.clone())
+    } else {
+        p.game_name.clone()
+    };
+    let description = if p.game_description.is_empty() {
+        game.as_ref().map(|g| g.description.clone()).unwrap_or_default()
+    } else {
+        p.game_description.clone()
+    };
+    let description_view = (!description.is_empty()).then(|| view! {
+        p(class="text-secondary small mb-2") { (description) }
+    });
+    let option_badges = game
+        .as_ref()
+        .map(|g| p.options(&g.option_fields()))
+        .unwrap_or_default()
+        .into_iter()
+        .map(|o| {
+            let cls = if o.on == Some(true) {
+                "badge text-bg-success me-1"
+            } else {
+                "badge text-bg-secondary me-1"
+            };
+            view! { span(class=cls) { (o.label) ": " (o.value) } }
+        })
+        .collect::<Vec<_>>();
+    let seated = p.players.len();
+    let players = p
+        .players
+        .iter()
+        .map(|player| {
+            let name = player.name.clone();
+            let team = player.team.as_ref().map(|t| {
+                let label = t.clone();
+                view! { span(class="badge text-bg-info ms-2") { "Team " (label) } }
+            });
+            view! {
+                li(
+                    class="list-group-item d-flex justify-content-between \
+                           align-items-center py-1 px-0"
+                ) {
+                    span { (name) }
+                    (team)
+                }
+            }
+        })
+        .collect::<Vec<_>>();
+    let seats_text = p.seats_text();
+    let status_view = match p.phase.as_str() {
+        "lobby" if p.seats_open == Some(0) => Some("Lobby full"),
+        "lobby" => None,
+        _ => Some("Match in progress"),
+    }
+    .map(|text| view! { p(class="text-warning small mb-0") { (text) } });
+
+    view! {
+        div(class="join-preview border-top mt-3 pt-3") {
+            h3(class="h6 mb-1") { (name) }
+            (description_view)
+            p(class="text-secondary small mb-2") {
+                (seated) " seated" (seats_text)
+            }
+            ul(class="list-group list-group-flush mb-2") { (players) }
+            div(class="d-flex flex-wrap gap-1") { (option_badges) }
+            (status_view)
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 #[component]
 pub fn LobbyPage() -> View {
     // Outer None = still loading; Some(None) = logged out.
@@ -211,6 +309,68 @@ pub fn LobbyPage() -> View {
         }
     });
 
+    // Pre-join preview: once a complete code is typed, look it up
+    // (debounced) and show the match's details before joining.
+    let preview = create_signal(Option::<JoinPreview>::None);
+    let preview_not_found = create_signal(false);
+    let checking_code = create_signal(false);
+    let check_seq = Rc::new(Cell::new(0u64));
+    let check_timer: Rc<RefCell<Option<gloo_timers::callback::Timeout>>> =
+        Rc::new(RefCell::new(None));
+    let alive = Rc::new(Cell::new(true));
+    on_cleanup({
+        let check_timer = check_timer.clone();
+        let alive = alive.clone();
+        move || {
+            alive.set(false);
+            check_timer.borrow_mut().take();
+        }
+    });
+    create_effect({
+        let check_seq = check_seq.clone();
+        let check_timer = check_timer.clone();
+        let alive = alive.clone();
+        move || {
+            let value = code.get_clone().trim().to_uppercase();
+            // Any edit invalidates an in-flight lookup.
+            check_seq.set(check_seq.get() + 1);
+            check_timer.borrow_mut().take();
+            if value.len() != 6 {
+                preview.set(None);
+                preview_not_found.set(false);
+                checking_code.set(false);
+                return;
+            }
+            checking_code.set(true);
+            preview_not_found.set(false);
+            let seq = check_seq.get();
+            let seq_cell = check_seq.clone();
+            let alive_async = alive.clone();
+            *check_timer.borrow_mut() = Some(gloo_timers::callback::Timeout::new(
+                400,
+                move || {
+                    let seq_cell = seq_cell.clone();
+                    let alive = alive_async.clone();
+                    spawn_local(async move {
+                        let result = api::join_preview(&value).await;
+                        if !alive.get() || seq_cell.get() != seq {
+                            return;
+                        }
+                        match result {
+                            Ok(Some(found)) => preview.set(Some(found)),
+                            Ok(None) => {
+                                preview.set(None);
+                                preview_not_found.set(true);
+                            }
+                            Err(_) => preview.set(None),
+                        }
+                        checking_code.set(false);
+                    });
+                },
+            ));
+        }
+    });
+
     spawn_local(async move {
         match api::me().await {
             Ok(me) => {
@@ -265,6 +425,22 @@ pub fn LobbyPage() -> View {
         });
     };
 
+    // Join is disabled only when the previewed lobby is full or already
+    // started; without a preview it stays enabled (the server still
+    // validates).
+    let join_button = move || {
+        let disabled = preview.get_clone().map(|p| !p.joinable()).unwrap_or(false);
+        view! {
+            button(
+                class="btn btn-warning btn-lg",
+                disabled=disabled,
+                on:click=on_join,
+            ) {
+                "Join"
+            }
+        }
+    };
+
     view! {
         div {
             (toast(error))
@@ -427,13 +603,14 @@ pub fn LobbyPage() -> View {
                                                     maxlength="6",
                                                     bind:value=code,
                                                 )
-                                                button(
-                                                    class="btn btn-warning btn-lg",
-                                                    on:click=on_join,
-                                                ) {
-                                                    "Join"
-                                                }
+                                                (join_button)
                                             }
+                                            (move || join_preview_panel(
+                                                preview.get_clone(),
+                                                game_types.get_clone(),
+                                                checking_code.get(),
+                                                preview_not_found.get(),
+                                            ))
                                         }
                                     }
                                 }