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Getting Started

This page takes you from a fresh install to finishing your first game.

1. Install the app​

TileBuddy works offline. Scoring, tracking, and the Faan Wiki all work without a connection — you only need internet for AI tile scanning and cloud sync.

2. Do you need an account?​

No. Open the app and start tracking a game immediately — everything saves locally on your device.

Signing in (with Apple, Google, or email) is optional and adds:

  • Cloud sync — your game history follows you across devices.
  • A profile — lifetime stats and your subscription status.

See History & Recaps for how sync works.

3. Set up your first game​

First time in, an onboarding walkthrough runs through the basics. You can replay it later from Settings.

  1. Open TileBuddy and tap Setup New Game (during a game, tap the settings icon instead).
  2. Set the match up:
    • Players — a name per seat. Tap a seat number to set who starts as East 東 (the dealer).
    • Stakes — play for money (the value of one unit) or turn on Points Only.
    • Rules — hand style (Classic / New 6 / New 18), max faan, and whether flowers count. Tap Show Advanced for more: payment structure, dealer-rotates-on-draw, and the faan table.
  3. Tap Start Game. Each player card shows the seat's wind (East / South / West / North) and running balance.
Set names, dealer, stakes, and the main rules.
1/3Set names, dealer, stakes, and the main rules.

Full detail: Game Settings.

4. Record your first win​

When someone wins, tap Record Win (the main button under the scorecard). For a hand with no winner, tap Draw instead. Then step through a few quick taps:

Who won? — tap the winning player.
1/4Who won? — tap the winning player.

TileBuddy then updates every balance and rotates the dealer if the rules call for it.

Full detail: Recording a Win.

5. Finish and review​

When the game ends (or you end it early), TileBuddy shows the final tally — standings, win counts, and the biggest hand of the night. You can share a recap image to your group chat.

The Final Tally — standings, wins, and the biggest hand of the night

Full detail: History & Recaps.

What next?​

  • Hosting a bigger night across multiple tables? See TileBuddy Club.
  • Not sure what a hand is worth? Browse the Faan Wiki.
  • Got a question? Check the FAQ.