diff --git a/src/game/ai.ts b/src/game/ai.ts
index 163f4ba..1df8b3b 100644
--- a/src/game/ai.ts
+++ b/src/game/ai.ts
@@ -1,37 +1,61 @@
-import { Card, GameState, PlayerIndex } from './types';
-import { findCaptures, canCapture, calcPrimiera, teamOf } from './engine';
+import { Card, GameState, PlayerIndex, Difficulty, PRIMIERA_VALUES } from './types';
+import { findCaptures, canCapture, calcPrimiera, teamOf, applyMove, buildDeck } from './engine';
+import { CardTracker } from './card-tracker';
 
 export interface AIMove {
   card: Card;
   capture: Card[];
 }
 
-/**
- * Heuristic AI for Scopone Scientifico.
- * Evaluates moves by scoring the value of captured cards.
- */
-export function chooseMove(state: GameState, playerIdx: PlayerIndex): AIMove {
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// Main entry point — dispatches by difficulty
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+export function chooseMove(
+  state: GameState,
+  playerIdx: PlayerIndex,
+  difficulty: Difficulty = 'advanced',
+  tracker?: CardTracker,
+): AIMove {
+  switch (difficulty) {
+    case 'beginner':  return beginnerMove(state, playerIdx);
+    case 'advanced':  return advancedMove(state, playerIdx, tracker);
+    case 'master':    return masterMove(state, playerIdx, tracker);
+  }
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// BEGINNER — weakened heuristic with random noise
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+function beginnerMove(state: GameState, playerIdx: PlayerIndex): AIMove {
   const player = state.players[playerIdx];
-  const hand = player.hand;
   const table = state.table;
   const myTeam = teamOf(playerIdx);
 
+  // 20% chance to pick a completely random legal move
+  if (Math.random() < 0.2) {
+    return randomMove(state, playerIdx);
+  }
+
   let bestMove: AIMove | null = null;
   let bestScore = -Infinity;
 
-  for (const card of hand) {
+  for (const card of player.hand) {
     const captures = findCaptures(card, table);
     if (captures.length > 0) {
       for (const captureSet of captures) {
-        const score = scoreCapture(card, captureSet, table, state, myTeam);
+        // Weakened heuristic: half weights + random noise
+        const base = scoreCaptureBasic(card, captureSet, table);
+        const score = base * 0.5 + (Math.random() - 0.5) * base * 0.6;
         if (score > bestScore) {
           bestScore = score;
           bestMove = { card, capture: captureSet };
         }
       }
     } else {
-      // No capture — score the "dump" move
-      const score = scoreDump(card, table, state, myTeam);
+      const base = scoreDumpBasic(card);
+      const score = base * 0.5 + (Math.random() - 0.5) * Math.abs(base) * 0.6;
       if (score > bestScore) {
         bestScore = score;
         bestMove = { card, capture: [] };
@@ -42,122 +66,396 @@ export function chooseMove(state: GameState, playerIdx: PlayerIndex): AIMove {
   return bestMove!;
 }
 
-function scoreCapture(
-  played: Card,
-  captured: Card[],
-  table: Card[],
-  state: GameState,
-  myTeam: 0 | 1
-): number {
-  let score = 100; // base for capturing anything
+function randomMove(state: GameState, playerIdx: PlayerIndex): AIMove {
+  const hand = state.players[playerIdx].hand;
+  const card = hand[Math.floor(Math.random() * hand.length)];
+  const captures = findCaptures(card, state.table);
+  if (captures.length > 0) {
+    return { card, capture: captures[Math.floor(Math.random() * captures.length)] };
+  }
+  return { card, capture: [] };
+}
 
+// Basic scoring (no cheating, no card counting)
+function scoreCaptureBasic(played: Card, captured: Card[], table: Card[]): number {
+  let score = 100;
   const allCaptured = [played, ...captured];
   const afterTable = table.filter(c => !captured.some(cc => cc.id === c.id));
-  const isScopa = afterTable.length === 0;
 
-  // Scopa is very valuable
-  if (isScopa) score += 500;
-
-  // Settebello
+  if (afterTable.length === 0) score += 500;
   if (allCaptured.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7)) score += 300;
-
-  // Table has settebello and this capture takes it
-  if (table.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7) &&
-      captured.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7)) score += 200;
-
-  // Denari cards
   score += allCaptured.filter(c => c.suit === 'denara').length * 50;
-
-  // More cards = better
   score += captured.length * 20;
-
-  // High-value primiera cards
-  score += allCaptured.reduce((s, c) => s + primieraScore(c), 0);
-
-  // Avoid leaving settebello on table for opponent
-  const settebelloOnTable = afterTable.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7);
-  if (settebelloOnTable) score -= 150;
-
-  // Opponent could easily capture remaining table
-  score -= opponentThreatScore(afterTable, state, myTeam) * 30;
+  score += allCaptured.reduce((s, c) => s + primieraValue(c), 0);
 
   return score;
 }
 
-function scoreDump(
-  card: Card,
-  table: Card[],
-  state: GameState,
-  myTeam: 0 | 1
-): number {
+function scoreDumpBasic(card: Card): number {
   let score = 0;
-
-  // Don't dump cards that complete opponent captures
-  const afterTable = [...table, card];
-
-  // Check if opponent can make a scopa after this dump
-  const opponentTeam = myTeam === 0 ? 1 : 0;
-  const opponentPlayers = state.players.filter(p => teamOf(p.index) === opponentTeam);
-  for (const opp of opponentPlayers) {
-    for (const oppCard of opp.hand) {
-      const caps = findCaptures(oppCard, afterTable);
-      for (const cap of caps) {
-        const leftAfter = afterTable.filter(c => !cap.some(cc => cc.id === c.id));
-        if (leftAfter.length === 0) score -= 400; // would give opponent scopa
-      }
-    }
-  }
-
-  // Prefer to dump low-value non-denari cards
   if (card.suit !== 'denara') score += 30;
   if (card.suit === 'denara') score -= 40;
-  if (card.suit === 'denara' && card.value === 7) score -= 300; // never dump settebello
-
-  // Prefer dumping face cards (10, 9, 8) that are less useful
+  if (card.suit === 'denara' && card.value === 7) score -= 300;
   if (card.value >= 8) score += 10;
-
-  // Don't dump 7s (primiera value)
   if (card.value === 7) score -= 50;
-
-  // Don't dump 1s (primiera value)
   if (card.value === 1) score -= 30;
-
-  // Penalty for making easy captures for opponents
-  const capturable = state.players
-    .filter(p => teamOf(p.index) !== myTeam)
-    .flatMap(p => p.hand)
-    .some(oppCard => canCapture(oppCard, afterTable));
-  if (capturable) score -= 20;
-
   return score;
 }
 
-function primieraScore(card: Card): number {
-  // Reward for capturing high-primiera cards
+function primieraValue(card: Card): number {
   const vals: Record<number, number> = { 7: 8, 6: 6, 1: 5, 5: 4, 4: 3, 3: 2, 2: 1 };
   return vals[card.value] ?? 0;
 }
 
-function opponentThreatScore(
-  table: Card[],
-  state: GameState,
-  myTeam: 0 | 1
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// ADVANCED — improved heuristic with card counting
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+function advancedMove(state: GameState, playerIdx: PlayerIndex, tracker?: CardTracker): AIMove {
+  const player = state.players[playerIdx];
+  const table = state.table;
+  const myTeam = teamOf(playerIdx);
+  const allyIdx = ((playerIdx + 2) % 4) as PlayerIndex;
+  const allyIsNext = state.currentPlayer === playerIdx &&
+    ((playerIdx + 1) % 4) === allyIdx;
+
+  let bestMove: AIMove | null = null;
+  let bestScore = -Infinity;
+
+  for (const card of player.hand) {
+    const captures = findCaptures(card, table);
+    if (captures.length > 0) {
+      for (const captureSet of captures) {
+        const score = scoreCaptureAdvanced(card, captureSet, table, state, myTeam, tracker, player.hand, allyIsNext);
+        if (score > bestScore) {
+          bestScore = score;
+          bestMove = { card, capture: captureSet };
+        }
+      }
+    } else {
+      const score = scoreDumpAdvanced(card, table, state, myTeam, tracker, player.hand, allyIsNext);
+      if (score > bestScore) {
+        bestScore = score;
+        bestMove = { card, capture: [] };
+      }
+    }
+  }
+
+  return bestMove!;
+}
+
+function scoreCaptureAdvanced(
+  played: Card, captured: Card[], table: Card[], state: GameState,
+  myTeam: 0 | 1, tracker: CardTracker | undefined, myHand: Card[],
+  allyIsNext: boolean,
 ): number {
-  const opponentTeam = myTeam === 0 ? 1 : 0;
-  let threat = 0;
-  for (const player of state.players) {
-    if (teamOf(player.index) !== opponentTeam) continue;
-    for (const card of player.hand) {
-      const caps = findCaptures(card, table);
-      if (caps.length > 0) {
-        threat += caps[0].length;
-        // Extra threat if settebello is capturable
-        if (table.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7) &&
-            caps.some(cap => cap.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7))) {
-          threat += 5;
+  let score = 100;
+  const allCaptured = [played, ...captured];
+  const afterTable = table.filter(c => !captured.some(cc => cc.id === c.id));
+  const isScopa = afterTable.length === 0;
+
+  // Scopa bonus
+  if (isScopa) score += 600;
+
+  // Settebello — highest priority
+  if (allCaptured.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7)) score += 400;
+  if (table.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7) &&
+      captured.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7)) score += 250;
+
+  // Denari cards
+  score += allCaptured.filter(c => c.suit === 'denara').length * 60;
+
+  // Card count (carte majority)
+  score += captured.length * 25;
+
+  // Primiera — prefer capturing 7s, then 6s, then aces
+  for (const c of allCaptured) {
+    score += PRIMIERA_VALUES[c.value] * 2;
+  }
+
+  // Card counting: avoid leaving settebello on table
+  if (afterTable.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7)) score -= 200;
+
+  // Anti-scopa: prefer leaving table total ≥ 11
+  if (!isScopa) {
+    const tableSum = afterTable.reduce((s, c) => s + c.value, 0);
+    if (tableSum >= 11) score += 40;
+    if (tableSum < 5) score -= 30;
+  }
+
+  // Card tracking threat assessment (no cheating)
+  if (tracker) {
+    const unseen = tracker.getUnseenCards(myHand, afterTable);
+    // Check if any unseen card could scopa the remaining table
+    for (const uc of unseen) {
+      const caps = findCaptures(uc, afterTable);
+      for (const cap of caps) {
+        if (afterTable.filter(c => !cap.some(cc => cc.id === c.id)).length === 0) {
+          score -= 200; // potential opponent scopa
+          break;
         }
       }
     }
   }
-  return threat;
+
+  // Cooperative: if ally is next, allow leaving cards ally can capture
+  if (allyIsNext && !isScopa) {
+    score += 15; // slight preference if we leave cards and ally plays next
+  }
+
+  return score;
+}
+
+function scoreDumpAdvanced(
+  card: Card, table: Card[], state: GameState,
+  myTeam: 0 | 1, tracker: CardTracker | undefined, myHand: Card[],
+  allyIsNext: boolean,
+): number {
+  let score = 0;
+  const afterTable = [...table, card];
+
+  // Never dump settebello
+  if (card.suit === 'denara' && card.value === 7) score -= 500;
+
+  // Avoid dumping denari
+  if (card.suit === 'denara') score -= 50;
+  if (card.suit !== 'denara') score += 30;
+
+  // Avoid dumping 7s (primiera)
+  if (card.value === 7) score -= 60;
+  if (card.value === 1) score -= 35;
+
+  // Prefer dumping face cards
+  if (card.value >= 8) score += 15;
+
+  // Anti-scopa: prefer leaving table total ≥ 11
+  const tableSum = afterTable.reduce((s, c) => s + c.value, 0);
+  if (tableSum >= 11) score += 50;
+  if (tableSum < 5) score -= 40;
+
+  // Card tracking: check if unseen cards could scopa after this dump
+  if (tracker) {
+    const unseen = tracker.getUnseenCards(myHand, afterTable);
+    let scopaThreat = 0;
+    for (const uc of unseen) {
+      const caps = findCaptures(uc, afterTable);
+      for (const cap of caps) {
+        if (afterTable.filter(c => !cap.some(cc => cc.id === c.id)).length === 0) {
+          scopaThreat++;
+          break;
+        }
+      }
+    }
+    score -= scopaThreat * 80;
+  }
+
+  // Cooperative: if ally is next, leaving captures for ally is OK
+  if (allyIsNext) {
+    score += 10;
+  }
+
+  return score;
+}
+
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+// MASTER — minimax with alpha-beta pruning and determinization
+// ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+function masterMove(state: GameState, playerIdx: PlayerIndex, tracker?: CardTracker): AIMove {
+  const player = state.players[playerIdx];
+  const table = state.table;
+  const myTeam = teamOf(playerIdx);
+  const NUM_SAMPLES = 12;
+  const MAX_DEPTH = 4; // 4 plies = one full rotation
+
+  // Generate all legal moves for this player
+  const legalMoves = getLegalMoves(state, playerIdx);
+  if (legalMoves.length === 1) return legalMoves[0];
+
+  // Score accumulator for each move
+  const moveScores = new Map<string, number>();
+  for (const m of legalMoves) {
+    moveScores.set(moveKey(m), 0);
+  }
+
+  // Determinization: sample possible opponent hand assignments
+  const samples = generateSamples(state, playerIdx, tracker, NUM_SAMPLES);
+
+  for (const sample of samples) {
+    for (const move of legalMoves) {
+      const result = applyMove(sample, playerIdx, move.card, move.capture.length > 0 ? move.capture : undefined);
+      const score = alphaBeta(result.nextState, MAX_DEPTH - 1, -Infinity, Infinity, false, myTeam, playerIdx);
+      moveScores.set(moveKey(move), (moveScores.get(moveKey(move)) ?? 0) + score);
+    }
+  }
+
+  // Pick move with highest total score across samples
+  let bestMove = legalMoves[0];
+  let bestScore = -Infinity;
+  for (const move of legalMoves) {
+    const totalScore = moveScores.get(moveKey(move)) ?? 0;
+    if (totalScore > bestScore) {
+      bestScore = totalScore;
+      bestMove = move;
+    }
+  }
+
+  return bestMove;
+}
+
+function moveKey(move: AIMove): string {
+  const capIds = move.capture.map(c => c.id).sort().join(',');
+  return `${move.card.id}|${capIds}`;
+}
+
+function getLegalMoves(state: GameState, playerIdx: PlayerIndex): AIMove[] {
+  const moves: AIMove[] = [];
+  const player = state.players[playerIdx];
+  const table = state.table;
+
+  for (const card of player.hand) {
+    const captures = findCaptures(card, table);
+    if (captures.length > 0) {
+      for (const captureSet of captures) {
+        moves.push({ card, capture: captureSet });
+      }
+    } else {
+      moves.push({ card, capture: [] });
+    }
+  }
+  return moves;
+}
+
+function generateSamples(
+  state: GameState, playerIdx: PlayerIndex, tracker: CardTracker | undefined, count: number,
+): GameState[] {
+  const myHand = state.players[playerIdx].hand;
+  const samples: GameState[] = [];
+
+  // Cards we know about: our hand + table + tracked
+  const unseen = tracker
+    ? tracker.getUnseenCards(myHand, state.table)
+    : getUnseenWithoutTracker(state, playerIdx);
+
+  for (let s = 0; s < count; s++) {
+    const sample = JSON.parse(JSON.stringify(state)) as GameState;
+    const shuffled = shuffleArray([...unseen]);
+
+    // Distribute unseen cards among other players proportionally to their hand sizes
+    let idx = 0;
+    for (let p = 0; p < 4; p++) {
+      if (p === playerIdx) continue;
+      const need = sample.players[p].hand.length;
+      sample.players[p].hand = shuffled.slice(idx, idx + need);
+      idx += need;
+    }
+
+    samples.push(sample);
+  }
+
+  return samples;
+}
+
+function getUnseenWithoutTracker(state: GameState, playerIdx: PlayerIndex): Card[] {
+  // Without tracker, we only know our own hand and the table
+  const known = new Set<string>();
+  for (const c of state.players[playerIdx].hand) known.add(c.id);
+  for (const c of state.table) known.add(c.id);
+  // Also know cards in all players' piles (they've been captured visibly)
+  for (const p of state.players) {
+    for (const c of p.pile) known.add(c.id);
+  }
+
+  const unseen: Card[] = [];
+  const deck = buildDeck();
+  for (const c of deck) {
+    if (!known.has(c.id)) unseen.push(c);
+  }
+  return unseen;
+}
+
+function shuffleArray<T>(arr: T[]): T[] {
+  for (let i = arr.length - 1; i > 0; i--) {
+    const j = Math.floor(Math.random() * (i + 1));
+    [arr[i], arr[j]] = [arr[j], arr[i]];
+  }
+  return arr;
+}
+
+function alphaBeta(
+  state: GameState, depth: number, alpha: number, beta: number,
+  maximizing: boolean, myTeam: 0 | 1, rootPlayer: PlayerIndex,
+): number {
+  if (depth === 0 || state.roundOver) {
+    return evaluate(state, myTeam);
+  }
+
+  const cur = state.currentPlayer;
+  const isMyTeam = teamOf(cur) === myTeam;
+  const moves = getLegalMoves(state, cur);
+
+  if (moves.length === 0) return evaluate(state, myTeam);
+
+  if (isMyTeam) {
+    let value = -Infinity;
+    for (const move of moves) {
+      const result = applyMove(state, cur, move.card, move.capture.length > 0 ? move.capture : undefined);
+      const child = alphaBeta(result.nextState, depth - 1, alpha, beta, !isMyTeam, myTeam, rootPlayer);
+      value = Math.max(value, child);
+      alpha = Math.max(alpha, value);
+      if (beta <= alpha) break;
+    }
+    return value;
+  } else {
+    let value = Infinity;
+    for (const move of moves) {
+      const result = applyMove(state, cur, move.card, move.capture.length > 0 ? move.capture : undefined);
+      const child = alphaBeta(result.nextState, depth - 1, alpha, beta, !isMyTeam, myTeam, rootPlayer);
+      value = Math.min(value, child);
+      beta = Math.min(beta, value);
+      if (beta <= alpha) break;
+    }
+    return value;
+  }
+}
+
+function evaluate(state: GameState, myTeam: 0 | 1): number {
+  const oppTeam = myTeam === 0 ? 1 : 0;
+  const myPlayers = myTeam === 0 ? [state.players[0], state.players[2]] : [state.players[1], state.players[3]];
+  const oppPlayers = oppTeam === 0 ? [state.players[0], state.players[2]] : [state.players[1], state.players[3]];
+
+  const myPile = myPlayers.flatMap(p => p.pile);
+  const oppPile = oppPlayers.flatMap(p => p.pile);
+
+  let score = 0;
+
+  // Cards (20 = majority)
+  score += (myPile.length - oppPile.length) * 10;
+
+  // Denari
+  const myDenari = myPile.filter(c => c.suit === 'denara').length;
+  const oppDenari = oppPile.filter(c => c.suit === 'denara').length;
+  score += (myDenari - oppDenari) * 30;
+
+  // Settebello
+  if (myPile.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7)) score += 200;
+  if (oppPile.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7)) score -= 200;
+
+  // Primiera
+  const myPrim = calcPrimiera(myPile);
+  const oppPrim = calcPrimiera(oppPile);
+  if (myPrim > 0 && oppPrim > 0) {
+    score += (myPrim - oppPrim) * 2;
+  } else if (myPrim > 0) {
+    score += 100;
+  } else if (oppPrim > 0) {
+    score -= 100;
+  }
+
+  // Scope
+  const myScope = myPlayers.reduce((s, p) => s + p.scope, 0);
+  const oppScope = oppPlayers.reduce((s, p) => s + p.scope, 0);
+  score += (myScope - oppScope) * 150;
+
+  return score;
 }
diff --git a/src/game/card-tracker.ts b/src/game/card-tracker.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..33432ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/game/card-tracker.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,68 @@
+import { Card, Suit, SUITS } from './types';
+
+/**
+ * Tracks which cards have been played/captured during a round.
+ * Used by AI to infer opponent hands WITHOUT cheating.
+ */
+export class CardTracker {
+  private played: Set<string> = new Set(); // card IDs that have been seen
+
+  /** Record a card being played to the table */
+  trackPlay(card: Card): void {
+    this.played.add(card.id);
+  }
+
+  /** Record cards captured from the table */
+  trackCapture(cards: Card[]): void {
+    for (const c of cards) {
+      this.played.add(c.id);
+    }
+  }
+
+  /** Reset for a new round */
+  reset(): void {
+    this.played.clear();
+  }
+
+  /** Has a specific card been seen played? */
+  hasBeenPlayed(cardId: string): boolean {
+    return this.played.has(cardId);
+  }
+
+  /** Is the settebello (7 of denara) still unseen (not played/captured)? */
+  isSettebelloUnseen(): boolean {
+    return !this.played.has('denara_7');
+  }
+
+  /**
+   * Get cards that could be in opponent hands.
+   * = full 40-card deck minus: already played, my hand, currently on table
+   */
+  getUnseenCards(myHand: Card[], table: Card[]): Card[] {
+    const known = new Set<string>();
+    for (const id of this.played) known.add(id);
+    for (const c of myHand) known.add(c.id);
+    for (const c of table) known.add(c.id);
+
+    const unseen: Card[] = [];
+    for (const suit of SUITS) {
+      for (let v = 1; v <= 10; v++) {
+        const id = `${suit}_${v}`;
+        if (!known.has(id)) {
+          unseen.push({ suit, value: v, id });
+        }
+      }
+    }
+    return unseen;
+  }
+
+  /** Count how many cards of a suit are still unseen */
+  countRemainingSuit(suit: Suit, myHand: Card[], table: Card[]): number {
+    return this.getUnseenCards(myHand, table).filter(c => c.suit === suit).length;
+  }
+
+  /** Get count of all played/seen cards */
+  get playedCount(): number {
+    return this.played.size;
+  }
+}
diff --git a/src/game/types.ts b/src/game/types.ts
index 324d136..aef0f40 100644
--- a/src/game/types.ts
+++ b/src/game/types.ts
@@ -14,6 +14,8 @@ export interface Capture {
 
 export type PlayerIndex = 0 | 1 | 2 | 3;
 
+export type Difficulty = 'beginner' | 'advanced' | 'master';
+
 export interface Player {
   index: PlayerIndex;
   hand: Card[];
diff --git a/src/scenes/GameScene.ts b/src/scenes/GameScene.ts
index 86f7870..88e4fcc 100644
--- a/src/scenes/GameScene.ts
+++ b/src/scenes/GameScene.ts
@@ -1,9 +1,10 @@
 import Phaser from 'phaser';
-import { Card, PlayerIndex, GameState } from '../game/types';
+import { Card, PlayerIndex, GameState, Difficulty } from '../game/types';
 import {
   createInitialState, applyMove, findCaptures, getScoreBreakdown, teamOf, calcPrimiera
 } from '../game/engine';
 import { chooseMove } from '../game/ai';
+import { CardTracker } from '../game/card-tracker';
 
 // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 // Layout constants
@@ -46,13 +47,20 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
   private state!: GameState;
   private cardImages: Map<string, Phaser.GameObjects.Image> = new Map();
 
+  // Difficulty & card tracker
+  private difficulty: Difficulty = 'advanced';
+  private tracker: CardTracker = new CardTracker();
+
+  // Active player highlight
+  private activeHighlightRect: Phaser.GameObjects.Graphics | null = null;
+
   // Live score bar texts
   private hudA!: { scope: Phaser.GameObjects.Text; cards: Phaser.GameObjects.Text;
-                   denari: Phaser.GameObjects.Text; prim: Phaser.GameObjects.Text;
-                   total: Phaser.GameObjects.Text };
+                   denari: Phaser.GameObjects.Text; sette: Phaser.GameObjects.Text;
+                   prim: Phaser.GameObjects.Text; total: Phaser.GameObjects.Text };
   private hudB!: { scope: Phaser.GameObjects.Text; cards: Phaser.GameObjects.Text;
-                   denari: Phaser.GameObjects.Text; prim: Phaser.GameObjects.Text;
-                   total: Phaser.GameObjects.Text };
+                   denari: Phaser.GameObjects.Text; sette: Phaser.GameObjects.Text;
+                   prim: Phaser.GameObjects.Text; total: Phaser.GameObjects.Text };
   private roundText!: Phaser.GameObjects.Text;
 
   // Status bar
@@ -90,11 +98,15 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
   // Create
   // ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
-  create(): void {
+  create(data?: { difficulty?: Difficulty }): void {
     const W = this.scale.width;
     const H = this.scale.height;
     this.tableCenter = { x: W / 2, y: (H + SCOREBAR_H) / 2 + 10 };
 
+    // Read difficulty from scene data (MenuScene passes it)
+    this.difficulty = data?.difficulty ?? 'advanced';
+    this.tracker = new CardTracker();
+
     this.generateParticleTextures();
     this.drawBackground(W, H);
     this.buildScoreBar(W);
@@ -245,12 +257,12 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     this.roundText = mkTxt(W / 2, SCOREBAR_H / 2, 'Mano 1', '#ffd700', '16px');
 
     // Column headers (shared, centered-ish)
-    const cols = ['Scope', 'Carte', 'Denari', 'Primiera', 'TOTALE'];
-    const xA = [240, 320, 410, 510, 620];
-    const xB = [W - 240, W - 320, W - 410, W - 510, W - 620];
+    const cols = ['Scope', 'Carte', 'Denari', '7Bello', 'Primiera', 'TOTALE'];
+    const xA = [230, 295, 370, 445, 520, 610];
+    const xB = [W - 230, W - 295, W - 370, W - 445, W - 520, W - 610];
 
     cols.forEach((_, i) => {
-      const label = ['Sc', 'Ca', 'De', 'Pr', 'Pt'][i];
+      const label = ['Sc', 'Ca', 'De', '7B', 'Pr', 'Pt'][i];
       this.add.text(xA[i], SCOREBAR_H * 0.28, label, {
         fontFamily: 'monospace', fontSize: '10px', color: '#999999', resolution: 2,
       }).setOrigin(0.5).setDepth(9);
@@ -264,15 +276,15 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     const mkB = (xi: number) => mkTxt(xB[xi], SCOREBAR_H * 0.72, '0', '#ffaaaa', '17px');
 
     this.hudA = {
-      scope:  mkA(0), cards: mkA(1), denari: mkA(2), prim: mkA(3),
-      total:  this.add.text(xA[4], SCOREBAR_H * 0.72, '0', {
+      scope:  mkA(0), cards: mkA(1), denari: mkA(2), sette: mkA(3), prim: mkA(4),
+      total:  this.add.text(xA[5], SCOREBAR_H * 0.72, '0', {
         fontFamily: 'Georgia, serif', fontSize: '20px', color: '#aaffaa',
         stroke: '#000', strokeThickness: 2, resolution: 2,
       }).setOrigin(0.5).setDepth(9),
     };
     this.hudB = {
-      scope:  mkB(0), cards: mkB(1), denari: mkB(2), prim: mkB(3),
-      total:  this.add.text(xB[4], SCOREBAR_H * 0.72, '0', {
+      scope:  mkB(0), cards: mkB(1), denari: mkB(2), sette: mkB(3), prim: mkB(4),
+      total:  this.add.text(xB[5], SCOREBAR_H * 0.72, '0', {
         fontFamily: 'Georgia, serif', fontSize: '20px', color: '#ffaaaa',
         stroke: '#000', strokeThickness: 2, resolution: 2,
       }).setOrigin(0.5).setDepth(9),
@@ -294,6 +306,8 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     const den1    = pile1.filter(c => c.suit === 'denara').length;
     const prim0   = calcPrimiera(pile0);
     const prim1   = calcPrimiera(pile1);
+    const sette0  = pile0.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7);
+    const sette1  = pile1.some(c => c.suit === 'denara' && c.value === 7);
 
     const setAnim = (txt: Phaser.GameObjects.Text, val: string | number) => {
       const v = String(val);
@@ -305,12 +319,14 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     setAnim(this.hudA.scope,  scope0);
     setAnim(this.hudA.cards,  pile0.length);
     setAnim(this.hudA.denari, den0);
+    setAnim(this.hudA.sette,  sette0 ? '✓' : '–');
     setAnim(this.hudA.prim,   prim0 > 0 ? prim0 : '-');
     setAnim(this.hudA.total,  t0.totalPoints);
 
     setAnim(this.hudB.scope,  scope1);
     setAnim(this.hudB.cards,  pile1.length);
     setAnim(this.hudB.denari, den1);
+    setAnim(this.hudB.sette,  sette1 ? '✓' : '–');
     setAnim(this.hudB.prim,   prim1 > 0 ? prim1 : '-');
     setAnim(this.hudB.total,  t1.totalPoints);
 
@@ -408,12 +424,37 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
   }
 
   private pulseLabel(playerIdx: PlayerIndex): void {
-    // Reset all
+    // Reset all labels
     for (const [idx, lbl] of this.playerLabels) {
-      lbl.setAlpha(idx === playerIdx ? 1 : 0.5);
+      lbl.setAlpha(idx === playerIdx ? 1 : 0.4);
     }
-    // Pulse active
+
+    // Remove old highlight
+    if (this.activeHighlightRect) {
+      this.activeHighlightRect.destroy();
+      this.activeHighlightRect = null;
+    }
+
+    // Draw glow rectangle behind active player label
     const lbl = this.playerLabels.get(playerIdx)!;
+    const bounds = lbl.getBounds();
+    const pad = 6;
+    const color = teamOf(playerIdx) === 0 ? 0x00ff44 : 0xff4444;
+    const gfx = this.add.graphics().setDepth(1);
+    gfx.fillStyle(color, 0.25);
+    gfx.fillRoundedRect(bounds.x - pad, bounds.y - pad, bounds.width + pad * 2, bounds.height + pad * 2, 6);
+    gfx.lineStyle(2, color, 0.8);
+    gfx.strokeRoundedRect(bounds.x - pad, bounds.y - pad, bounds.width + pad * 2, bounds.height + pad * 2, 6);
+    this.activeHighlightRect = gfx;
+
+    // Pulse the glow
+    this.tweens.add({
+      targets: gfx,
+      alpha: { from: 1, to: 0.4 },
+      duration: 600, yoyo: true, repeat: -1, ease: 'Sine.InOut',
+    });
+
+    // Pulse the label
     this.tweens.add({
       targets: lbl,
       scaleX: 1.2, scaleY: 1.2,
@@ -548,7 +589,7 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
   }
 
   private doAIMove(playerIdx: PlayerIndex): void {
-    const move = chooseMove(this.state, playerIdx);
+    const move = chooseMove(this.state, playerIdx, this.difficulty, this.tracker);
     this.aiThinking = false;
     this.executeMove(playerIdx, move.card, move.capture);
   }
@@ -750,6 +791,12 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     const oldState = this.state;
     this.state = nextState;
 
+    // Update card tracker
+    this.tracker.trackPlay(card);
+    if (captureResult) {
+      this.tracker.trackCapture(captureResult.captured);
+    }
+
     const cardImg = this.cardImages.get(card.id)!;
     cardImg.setDepth(15);
 
@@ -1318,6 +1365,7 @@ export class GameScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     const startingPlayer = ((nextRound - 1) % 4) as PlayerIndex;
     for (const img of this.cardImages.values()) img.destroy();
     this.cardImages.clear();
+    this.tracker.reset();
     this.state = createInitialState(startingPlayer);
     this.state.teamScores[0].totalPoints = totals[0];
     this.state.teamScores[1].totalPoints = totals[1];
diff --git a/src/scenes/MenuScene.ts b/src/scenes/MenuScene.ts
index daea9ae..76c17ad 100644
--- a/src/scenes/MenuScene.ts
+++ b/src/scenes/MenuScene.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import Phaser from 'phaser';
+import { Difficulty } from '../game/types';
 
 export class MenuScene extends Phaser.Scene {
   constructor() {
@@ -13,7 +14,7 @@ export class MenuScene extends Phaser.Scene {
     this.add.rectangle(0, 0, W, H, 0x1a5c2a).setOrigin(0);
 
     // Title
-    this.add.text(W / 2, H * 0.2, 'Scopone Scientifico', {
+    this.add.text(W / 2, H * 0.18, 'Scopone Scientifico', {
       fontFamily: 'Georgia, serif',
       fontSize: '52px',
       color: '#ffd700',
@@ -22,7 +23,7 @@ export class MenuScene extends Phaser.Scene {
       resolution: 2,
     }).setOrigin(0.5);
 
-    this.add.text(W / 2, H * 0.32, '2 vs 2 · Tu + Compagno vs 2 AI', {
+    this.add.text(W / 2, H * 0.30, '2 vs 2 · Tu + Compagno vs 2 AI', {
       fontFamily: 'serif',
       fontSize: '22px',
       color: '#ccffcc',
@@ -37,36 +38,63 @@ export class MenuScene extends Phaser.Scene {
       'Prima squadra a 11 punti vince',
     ];
     rules.forEach((line, i) => {
-      this.add.text(W / 2, H * 0.44 + i * 28, line, {
+      this.add.text(W / 2, H * 0.40 + i * 26, line, {
         fontFamily: 'serif',
-        fontSize: '18px',
+        fontSize: '17px',
         color: '#ffffff',
         resolution: 2,
       }).setOrigin(0.5);
     });
 
-    // Start button
-    const btn = this.add.rectangle(W / 2, H * 0.72, 220, 60, 0xffd700, 1)
-      .setInteractive({ useHandCursor: true });
-    const btnText = this.add.text(W / 2, H * 0.72, 'INIZIA PARTITA', {
+    // Difficulty selection label
+    this.add.text(W / 2, H * 0.60, 'Scegli la difficoltà:', {
       fontFamily: 'Georgia, serif',
-      fontSize: '22px',
-      color: '#1a5c2a',
+      fontSize: '20px',
+      color: '#ffd700',
       resolution: 2,
     }).setOrigin(0.5);
 
-    btn.on('pointerover', () => btn.setFillStyle(0xffec6e));
-    btn.on('pointerout', () => btn.setFillStyle(0xffd700));
-    btn.on('pointerdown', () => {
-      this.cameras.main.fadeOut(300, 0, 30, 0);
-      this.cameras.main.once('camerafadeoutcomplete', () => {
-        this.scene.start('GameScene');
+    // Difficulty buttons
+    const difficulties: Array<{ label: string; value: Difficulty; color: number; hoverColor: number }> = [
+      { label: 'Principiante', value: 'beginner',  color: 0x4caf50, hoverColor: 0x66bb6a },
+      { label: 'Avanzato',     value: 'advanced',  color: 0xff9800, hoverColor: 0xffb74d },
+      { label: 'Maestro',      value: 'master',    color: 0xf44336, hoverColor: 0xef5350 },
+    ];
+
+    const btnWidth = 200;
+    const btnHeight = 50;
+    const totalWidth = difficulties.length * btnWidth + (difficulties.length - 1) * 20;
+    const startX = (W - totalWidth) / 2 + btnWidth / 2;
+
+    difficulties.forEach((d, i) => {
+      const x = startX + i * (btnWidth + 20);
+      const y = H * 0.70;
+
+      const btn = this.add.rectangle(x, y, btnWidth, btnHeight, d.color, 1)
+        .setInteractive({ useHandCursor: true });
+
+      this.add.text(x, y, d.label, {
+        fontFamily: 'Georgia, serif',
+        fontSize: '20px',
+        color: '#ffffff',
+        stroke: '#000000',
+        strokeThickness: 2,
+        resolution: 2,
+      }).setOrigin(0.5);
+
+      btn.on('pointerover', () => btn.setFillStyle(d.hoverColor));
+      btn.on('pointerout', () => btn.setFillStyle(d.color));
+      btn.on('pointerdown', () => {
+        this.cameras.main.fadeOut(300, 0, 30, 0);
+        this.cameras.main.once('camerafadeoutcomplete', () => {
+          this.scene.start('GameScene', { difficulty: d.value });
+        });
       });
     });
 
     // Show some face-down cards decoratively
     const positions = [
-      [W * 0.1, H * 0.5], [W * 0.15, H * 0.52], [W * 0.9, H * 0.5], [W * 0.85, H * 0.52],
+      [W * 0.08, H * 0.85], [W * 0.14, H * 0.87], [W * 0.92, H * 0.85], [W * 0.86, H * 0.87],
     ];
     for (const [x, y] of positions) {
       this.add.image(x, y, 'retro').setScale(0.08).setAngle(Phaser.Math.Between(-15, 15));