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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. You can open the app and start tracking a game immediately — everything is saved locally on your device.

Signing in (with Apple 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​

  1. Open TileBuddy — you land on the Score Tracker, the four-player scorecard.
  2. Tap the settings icon (three sliders) to set things up:
    • Player names — one per seat.
    • Stakes — the value of one unit (e.g. $0.10) or plain points.
    • Rules — hand style (Classic / New 6 / New 18), payment structure, faan table, and whether flowers count.
  3. Close Settings. The four player cards show each seat's wind (East / South / West / North) and running balance.

First time in? An onboarding walkthrough highlights each part of the screen. You can replay it later from Settings.

Full detail: Game Settings.

4. Play a hand, then record it​

When someone wins:

  1. Tap the winning player's card.
  2. Choose how they won — self-pick or won on a discard (and from whom).
  3. Enter the hand's faan, either directly or by entering the tiles (type them in, or scan them with the camera).
  4. Confirm. TileBuddy calculates the payouts, updates every balance, and rotates the dealer if the rules call for it.

Or tap Draw on the main scorecard to record a drawn hand (no winner).

Full detail: Recording a Win.

5. Finish and review​

When the game ends (or you tap to 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.

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.