> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hightable.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hightable.app/hightable/user-guide/player-journey.md). # Player Journey This guide is for players who want to join and play poker games on Hightable. Learn how to get started, join tables, and play in real time.
### Table of Contents 1\. [Onboarding](#id-1.-onboarding) * Browser Access * Sign In * Add Tokens 2\. [Navigating the Lobby](#id-2.-navigating-the-lobby) * Browse Tables * Join a Table 3\. [Joining and Playing](#id-3.-joining-and-playing) * Entering the Table * During the Game * Rebuy (Timed Tournament only) * Table Information and Settings 4\. [Game Results and Payouts](#id-4.-game-results-and-payouts) * Timed Tournaments * Sit & Go Tournament * Satellite Tournament 5. [Your Tickets](#id-5.-your-tickets) 6. [Quick Fixes](#id-5.-quick-fixes) *** ### **1. Onboarding** * **Browser Access:** Use a modern browser (Chrome and Safari are recommended) on your phone and open the Hightable link provided by your group or host. * **Sign In:** Sign in with your Google account to access. On first login, Hightable automatically creates your account and generates a wallet for you. * **Add Tokens:** Contact your host to top up your balance. The host can transfer tokens directly to your account balance, which will be available immediately for gameplay. ### **2. Navigating the Lobby** **Browse Tables** Check out the tables that are open for seating or already in play. If you are currently in a game, your active table is highlighted in the lobby so you can quickly return to it. **Table Information:** * Game format (Timed Tournament, Sit & Go, or Satellite Tournament) * Buy-in price (including club service fee) and chips you'll receive for the buy-in * Small blind, big blind, and ante amounts * Current player count and maximum seats * Table status (waiting, playing, or closed) * Elapsed time (and total tournament duration) **Join a Table** Tap on a table when you find the right spot. Some tables may require approval from the host. Once you tap, you'll enter the table as a spectator first. ### **3. Joining and Playing** #### Entering the Table * **Spectate First:** When you enter a table, you automatically join as a spectator and can watch the current game in progress. * **Join the Game:** Tap `JOIN GAME` to get a seat. Hightable checks your balance before processing the entry fee: * If your balance is insufficient, you'll see an error message and need to top up before joining. * The entry fee (buy-in price + club service fee) is deducted from your balance immediately. * You'll receive the specified number of chips for the buy-in. #### During the Game * **Your Position:** Once you're in the game, you'll see your position at the table and chip count instantly. * **Wait for Start:** How the game starts depends on the format: * **Timed Tournament:** The host manually starts the game. Wait for the host to press Start once enough players have joined. * **Sit & Go / Satellite:** The game starts **automatically** the moment all seats are filled — no host action needed. You'll see a countdown before the first hand is dealt. If a game is already in progress when you join, wait for the current hand to finish before you're seated. * **View Your Cards:** You can see your hole cards when they're dealt. Cards are only visible to you. * **Play Your Turn:** When it's your turn, you'll see action buttons: * **Fold:** Give up your hand * **Check:** Pass when no bet is required * **Call:** Match the current bet * **Bet/Raise:** Place a bet or raise the current bet (minimum increment is the big blind amount) * **Real-Time Updates:** The interface updates automatically as cards, bets, and pots are revealed. You'll see: * Community cards (flop, turn, river) * Current pot size and side pots (if any) * Each player's current bet and chip count * Turn timer and remaining time * Showdown results when hands are revealed #### Rebuy (Timed Tournament only) Rebuys are only available in **Timed Tournaments**. Sit & Go and Satellite tournaments do not allow rebuys — if you bust out, you are eliminated. * **Need More Chips?** Click on the side menu and use the `REBUY` button. The system will: * Check if rebuy is allowed (within time limit and count limit) * Verify you have sufficient balance for the rebuy price and fee * Deduct the cost from your balance immediately * Add chips to your stack, available at the start of your next hand * **Rebuy Rules:** Rebuy availability depends on: * Tournament time elapsed (must be before the rebuy deadline) * Your rebuy count (must be within the limit set by the host) * Table capacity (must have available seats) #### Table Information and Settings * **Side Menu:** Access the side menu to view: * Table information and payout schedule * Game history (for completed hands) * Settings and preferences * Rebuy options (for timed tournaments) ### 4. Game Results and Payouts #### Timed Tournaments * **Tournament End:** Once the tournament time is up or only one player remains, the game ends automatically. * **Review Results:** After the game ends, review the results: * **Summary Modal:** Shows your finishing rank, chip count, and corresponding payout * **Profile History:** View detailed tournament history in your profile * **ICM Payout:** Payouts are calculated using the Independent Chip Model (ICM) based on: * Your final chip count relative to other players * Your finishing position probability * The total prize pool * **Automatic Deposit:** Payouts are automatically saved to your account balance immediately after the tournament ends. You can view the transaction in your balance history. #### Timed Tournament **Tournament End:** The tournament ends when the time is up or only one player remains. **Review Results:** After the game ends, a summary modal shows your finishing rank, chip count, and payout amount. You can also view detailed hand history in your profile. **ICM Payout:** Payouts are calculated using the Independent Chip Model (ICM) based on each player's final chip count relative to the total chips in play. A player with more chips receives a larger share, but the relationship is non-linear — see [Game Rules & Mechanics](/hightable/user-guide/game-rules-and-mechanics.md#tournament-payouts) for a full explanation. **Automatic Deposit:** Your payout is automatically credited to your account balance when the tournament ends. #### Sit & Go Tournament **Tournament End:** The game ends when only one player remains. **Fixed Payout:** Prize money is distributed using a fixed percentage structure based on the number of players at the table: | Table Size | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | | ---------- | --- | --- | --- | | 6 players | 65% | 35% | — | | 9 players | 50% | 30% | 20% | **Automatic Deposit:** Payouts are credited to your balance automatically when the tournament ends. #### Satellite Tournament **Tournament End:** Same as Sit & Go — ends when one player remains. **Payout:** Instead of (or in addition to) cash, qualifying finishers receive tickets. The specific rewards for each finishing rank are configured by the host and shown in the payout schedule before you join. * Players who finish in a **ticket rank** receive a ticket added to their account * Players who finish in a **cash rank** receive a percentage of the prize pool credited directly to their balance * Any unclaimed prize pool goes back to the host **Your Tickets:** Tickets appear in your **Tickets** page immediately after the tournament ends. See the [next section](#id-5.-your-tickets) for how to use them. ### 5. Your Tickets Tickets are prizes earned from Satellite Tournaments that qualify you for other events. You can view and manage all your tickets from the **Tickets** page (accessible from the lobby). #### Ticket Statuses | Status | Meaning | | ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- | | **Available** | Ticket received; not yet activated | | **Waiting Confirm** | You've activated the ticket to present to the host for redemption | | **Redeemed** | Host has confirmed and completed the exchange | | **Expired** | Ticket was not redeemed before the expiry date | #### How to Use a Ticket 1. Go to the **Tickets** page and find your ticket under the **Available** tab 2. Tap `Redeem Ticket` to mark the ticket as ready for redemption — this signals to the host that you're presenting it 3. Show the activated ticket to your host 4. The host confirms and redeems the ticket on their end 5. The ticket moves to the **Redeemed** tab once redeemed **Important:** Activation has a time window. If the host does not redeem it within that window, the ticket reverts to **Available** and you can activate it again. Tickets also have an expiry date set by the host — make sure to use yours before it expires. ### 6. Quick Fixes * **Lobby not updating?** Refresh the page to see the latest table status and availability. * **No table to play?** Ask the host to create one—only designated accounts (hosts) can create tables. * **No tokens to play?** Contact your host to top up your balance via transfer. * **Can't join a table?** Check that: * You have sufficient balance for the buy-in and service fee * The table hasn't reached maximum capacity * For Timed Tournaments, the join deadline hasn't passed * For Sit & Go / Satellite, the table is still in **waiting** status (once it auto-starts, no new players can join) * **Connection issues?** Refresh the page or reconnect. Your game state is preserved on the server. * **Want to review past games?** Access the table history from the side menu to see detailed hand-by-hand logs (available to players who participated or the table host).