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Running the Game

Once the lobby is open and players have joined, the Game Master (GM) Dashboard becomes your control center. This interface gives you God-mode powers over the session.

📱 Accessing the Dashboard​

If you haven't already, log in to the dashboard using your mobile device:

  1. Go to /gamemaster/.
  2. Scan the QR Code displayed on the big Lobby screen.
  3. Alternatively, type the Room Code manually.

🎮 Game Flow Controls​

The primary controls are located at the top of the dashboard. They change dynamically based on the state of the game.

The Basic Loop​

  1. Start Game: Triggers the first question.
  2. Next Question: Moves to the next slide.
  3. Previous: Go back if you accidentally skipped a slide.

Playlist Transition (Intermediate State)​

If you queued multiple quizzes, the game won't just end after the first quiz. It enters an "Intermediate State".

  • The Screen: Shows a "Leaderboard" for the finished quiz.
  • Your Dashboard: Shows a "Start Next Quiz" button.
  • Action: Click this to load the next quiz from your playlist without disconnecting players.

⏱️ Timer Control​

Sometimes you need to improvise. The "Timer Control" section lets you manipulate time itself.

  • Pause / Resume: Great for explaining a question in more detail or resolving a dispute.
  • Force Stop: Ends the question immediately (useful if everyone has answered).
  • +10s / -10s: Add time if the question is too hard, or reduce it to put on pressure.

👥 Player Management​

You have full moderation tools available live. Scroll down to the Player Management list.

Kicking Players​

  • Action: Click the "Kick" button next to a name.
  • Result: The player is disconnected and their screen shows a "You have been removed" message.

Advanced: Player Exclusion​

This is a powerful feature for "handicaps" or managing special guests.

  1. Click the Gear Icon (⚙️) next to a player.
  2. A modal opens showing all questions in the current quiz.
  3. Toggle Switch: Exclude the player from specific questions.
    • Compensate Points: You can choose to give them free points for that round (e.g., if they arrived late).
    • Custom Message: Send them a private message like "You are skipping this round."
Live Leaderboard

Want to check the scores without showing them on the big screen? Click the "📊 Live Leaderboard" button at the bottom of your dashboard.

🚨 Emergency & Manual Actions​

Things don't always go to plan. Here is how to fix them.

Quiz Injection​

Did the audience demand an encore? You can load a new quiz into the running session without players needing to reconnect.

  1. Go to "Quiz Injection".
  2. Select a quiz from the dropdown.
  3. Click "Load this Quiz".
  4. Optional: You can choose to reset everyone's scores to 0 or keep the running total.

Emergency Resets​

Located under "Manual Options":

  • Restart Quiz: Resets the current quiz to Question 1. Scores for this quiz are wiped.
  • Reset Session: The "Nuclear Option". Resets the entire playlist, scores, and state back to the lobby. Use with caution!

Changing the Room Code​

If a "troll" joined your game and shared the code online:

  1. Go to "Room Settings".
  2. Enter a new code (e.g., "SECRET").
  3. Click Change.
  4. All connected players are automatically moved to the new room. The old code becomes invalid immediately.