From 058432130628d00764663ecf819a9adc6793768d Mon Sep 17 00:00:00 2001
From: salmonik <salmonik@tuta.io>
Date: Sun, 8 Nov 2026 03:29:35 +0100
Subject: v5.0.0: protocol v5 and the browser frontend

Protocol v5 replaces newline lines with bounded [u32 len][text] frames and REQ/RES/EVT envelopes. Requests carry correlation ids and the server replays the last 256 replies per connection, so a gateway retry cannot double-debit and a late reply cannot clobber a newer request. HELLO/PONG carry server time; crash rounds announce started_at and push coalesced 10 Hz ticks. Crash now commits sha256(seed) before a round and reveals the seed when it ends, so clients recompute the crash point.

Adds the webd/ gateway: one blocking thread, one ClientCore and one pinned upstream TLS connection per session, an HttpOnly session cookie, takeover, and a 60-second grace window. The browser sends Command JSON and renders View JSON; it never speaks the game protocol or stores credentials.

Adds the vanilla TypeScript browser app at /play/ (login, lobby, all four games, history, notices, crash verification), the nginx /play and /ws routes, and the headless DOM smoke test. webd and the app stay out of the TUI/GUI/server build graph.

The client/server version moves to 5.0.0 in lockstep; v4 peers are refused at HELLO.
---
 src/bin/client/connection.rs |   6 +-
 src/bin/client/repl.rs       |  95 +++++++++---------
 src/bin/server/handler.rs    |  47 ++++++---
 src/bin/server/tls.rs        |  27 +++---
 src/client/core.rs           | 182 +++++++++++++++++++++++++---------
 src/client/games/manager.rs  |  21 ++--
 src/client/games/roulette.rs |   9 +-
 src/client/transport.rs      | 171 ++++++++++++++++++++------------
 src/client/view.rs           |  60 +++++++++---
 src/crash.rs                 |  54 +++++++++++
 src/protocol.rs              | 226 +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++------
 src/server/core.rs           |  81 ++++++++++++++--
 src/server/games/crash.rs    |  76 +++++++++++++--
 src/version.rs               |  34 ++++++-
 14 files changed, 829 insertions(+), 260 deletions(-)

(limited to 'src')

diff --git a/src/bin/client/connection.rs b/src/bin/client/connection.rs
index f88f62b..e808d90 100644
--- a/src/bin/client/connection.rs
+++ b/src/bin/client/connection.rs
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ use parking_lot::Mutex;
 use std::error::Error;
 use zagan_bet::client::transport::{self, TrustPrompt};
 use zagan_bet::client::ui::first_contact_lines;
-use zagan_bet::version::{is_newer, VERSION};
+use zagan_bet::version::{VERSION, is_newer};
 
 pub use zagan_bet::client::transport::TlsStream;
 
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ pub fn set_unsafe_mode(unsafe_mode: bool) {
 pub fn connect(
     addr: &str,
     conn: &rusqlite::Connection,
-) -> Result<(TlsStream, Option<String>), Box<dyn Error>> {
+) -> Result<(TlsStream, Option<String>, u64), Box<dyn Error>> {
     let unsafe_mode = *UNSAFE_MODE.lock();
 
     // The terminal has no dialog: print the first-contact notice and trust.
@@ -53,5 +53,5 @@ pub fn connect(
         println!("Authentication failed: {error}");
     }
 
-    Ok((connected.stream, connected.user))
+    Ok((connected.stream, connected.user, connected.server_time))
 }
diff --git a/src/bin/client/repl.rs b/src/bin/client/repl.rs
index cfdcdd5..deb5743 100644
--- a/src/bin/client/repl.rs
+++ b/src/bin/client/repl.rs
@@ -14,15 +14,15 @@ use crossterm::{
 use sha2::{Digest, Sha256};
 
 use zagan_bet::client::core::{ClientCore, Effect};
-use zagan_bet::client::input::{game_input, Editor, GameInput, Input, Key};
-use zagan_bet::client::shell::{self, Shell};
-use zagan_bet::client::view::{RoulettePhase, View};
 use zagan_bet::client::database;
+use zagan_bet::client::input::{Editor, GameInput, Input, Key, game_input};
+use zagan_bet::client::shell::{self, Shell};
 use zagan_bet::client::ui::{
-    display_width, format_pong, help_lines, host_lines, input_cursor_column,
-    lines_to_move_up, terminal_size_warning, visual_line_count, MIN_COLUMNS, MIN_ROWS,
+    MIN_COLUMNS, MIN_ROWS, display_width, format_pong, help_lines, host_lines, input_cursor_column,
+    lines_to_move_up, terminal_size_warning, visual_line_count,
 };
-use zagan_bet::protocol::io_failure_message;
+use zagan_bet::client::view::{RoulettePhase, View};
+use zagan_bet::protocol::{Packet, io_failure_message};
 use zagan_bet::roulette::{WHEEL, color as roulette_color};
 
 use crate::connection::TlsStream;
@@ -78,9 +78,10 @@ impl ClientState {
     pub fn connect_to(&mut self, addr: &str) {
         self.addr = Some(addr.to_string());
         match crate::connection::connect(addr, &self.conn) {
-            Ok((stream, authed_user)) => {
+            Ok((stream, authed_user, server_time)) => {
                 self.stream = Some(stream);
                 self.core.set_connected(true);
+                self.core.set_server_time(server_time);
                 self.core.set_logged_in(authed_user);
                 let fingerprint = database::get_fingerprint(&self.conn, addr);
                 self.core.set_host_info(Some(addr.to_string()), fingerprint);
@@ -126,9 +127,7 @@ impl ClientState {
                                         key,
                                     ) {
                                         GameInput::Quit => vec![Effect::Quit],
-                                        GameInput::Command(command) => {
-                                            self.core.command(command)
-                                        }
+                                        GameInput::Command(command) => self.core.command(command),
                                         GameInput::None => Vec::new(),
                                     }
                                 } else {
@@ -189,10 +188,10 @@ impl ClientState {
             let Some(mut stream) = self.stream.take() else {
                 return false;
             };
-            let line = match stream.read_available_line() {
-                Ok(line) => {
+            let packet = match stream.read_available_packet() {
+                Ok(packet) => {
                     self.stream = Some(stream);
-                    line
+                    packet
                 }
                 Err(_) => {
                     self.core.set_connected(false);
@@ -201,13 +200,15 @@ impl ClientState {
                 }
             };
 
-            let Some(line) = line else {
+            let Some(packet) = packet else {
                 return false;
             };
 
-            let effects = match self.core.handle_async_line(&line) {
-                Some(effects) => effects,
-                None => self.core.handle_reply(&line),
+            let effects = match packet {
+                Packet::Event { body, .. } => {
+                    self.core.handle_async_line(&body).unwrap_or_default()
+                }
+                Packet::Reply { id, body } => self.core.handle_reply_id(id, &body),
             };
             if self.apply_effects(effects) {
                 return true;
@@ -259,13 +260,13 @@ impl ClientState {
                     self.draw_region(&lines);
                 }
                 Effect::ClearRegion => self.clear_region(),
-                Effect::SendLine(line) => {
-                    let is_ping = line == "PING";
+                Effect::SendRequest { id, payload } => {
+                    let is_ping = payload == "PING";
                     let started = Instant::now();
-                    let reply = self.send_and_read(&line);
+                    let reply = self.send_and_read(id, &payload);
                     let elapsed = started.elapsed();
-                    let mut more = self.core.handle_reply(&reply);
-                    if is_ping && reply.trim() == "PONG" {
+                    let mut more = self.core.handle_reply_id(id, &reply);
+                    if is_ping && reply.trim().starts_with("PONG") {
                         for effect in &mut more {
                             if let Effect::Print(lines) = effect {
                                 for text in lines {
@@ -488,31 +489,30 @@ impl ClientState {
         self.prompt_text = text.to_string();
     }
 
-    fn send_and_read(&mut self, line: &str) -> String {
+    fn send_and_read(&mut self, id: u64, line: &str) -> String {
         let Some(mut stream) = self.stream.take() else {
             return "ERROR Not connected".to_string();
         };
 
         // A crash event can be pushed while a request is in flight. Route those
-        // lines as they arrive and keep waiting for the actual reply.
+        // events as they arrive and keep waiting for the reply with this id.
         let mut pushed: Vec<String> = Vec::new();
         let result = (|| -> std::io::Result<String> {
-            stream.write_line(line)?;
+            stream.write_request(id, None, line)?;
             loop {
-                let mut response = String::new();
-                let read = stream.read_line(&mut response)?;
-                if read == 0 {
-                    return Err(std::io::Error::new(
-                        std::io::ErrorKind::UnexpectedEof,
-                        "connection closed",
-                    ));
-                }
-                let response = response.trim_end().to_string();
-                if self.core.is_async(&response) {
-                    pushed.push(response);
-                    continue;
+                match stream.read_packet()? {
+                    None => {
+                        return Err(std::io::Error::new(
+                            std::io::ErrorKind::UnexpectedEof,
+                            "connection closed",
+                        ));
+                    }
+                    Some(Packet::Event { body, .. }) => pushed.push(body),
+                    Some(Packet::Reply { id: reply_id, body }) if reply_id == id => {
+                        return Ok(body);
+                    }
+                    Some(Packet::Reply { .. }) => continue,
                 }
-                return Ok(response);
             }
         })();
 
@@ -614,7 +614,11 @@ impl ClientState {
                 short_fingerprint(&identity),
                 host
             ),
-            Ok(false) => println!("No saved login for server {} ({}).", short_fingerprint(&identity), host),
+            Ok(false) => println!(
+                "No saved login for server {} ({}).",
+                short_fingerprint(&identity),
+                host
+            ),
             Err(error) => println!("Failed to forget the saved login: {}", error),
         }
     }
@@ -625,10 +629,9 @@ impl ClientState {
             return;
         };
         match database::forget_host(&self.conn, &target) {
-            Ok(outcome) if outcome.credentials_removed => println!(
-                "Cleared trust and stored credentials for {}.",
-                target
-            ),
+            Ok(outcome) if outcome.credentials_removed => {
+                println!("Cleared trust and stored credentials for {}.", target)
+            }
             Ok(outcome) => {
                 println!("Cleared trust for {}.", target);
                 if !outcome.siblings.is_empty() {
@@ -665,7 +668,8 @@ impl ClientState {
 
             let hashed = format!("{:x}", Sha256::digest(password.as_bytes()));
             let message = format!("AUTH {} {}", username, hashed);
-            let response = self.send_and_read(&message);
+            let id = self.core.allocate_request_id();
+            let response = self.send_and_read(id, &message);
             let response = response.trim();
 
             if response.starts_with("OK") {
@@ -709,7 +713,8 @@ impl ClientState {
 
         let hashed = format!("{:x}", Sha256::digest(password.as_bytes()));
         let message = format!("REGISTER {} {}", username, hashed);
-        let response = self.send_and_read(&message);
+        let id = self.core.allocate_request_id();
+        let response = self.send_and_read(id, &message);
         let response = response.trim();
 
         if response == format!("REGISTERED {}", username) {
diff --git a/src/bin/server/handler.rs b/src/bin/server/handler.rs
index dffae69..e6b623f 100644
--- a/src/bin/server/handler.rs
+++ b/src/bin/server/handler.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 use std::time::Duration;
 
 use crate::tls::TlsStream;
+use zagan_bet::protocol::{event_line, parse_request, reply_line};
 use zagan_bet::server::core::{ConnectionState, ServerCore};
 
 /// How long the connection waits for a request before advancing timed games.
@@ -30,24 +31,35 @@ pub fn handle_client_tls(mut stream: TlsStream) {
     }
 
     let mut state = ConnectionState::default();
+    let mut event_seq = 0u64;
     println!("[TLS Client connected] {client_addr}");
 
     'connection: loop {
-        let mut line = String::new();
-        match stream.read_line(&mut line) {
+        let mut frame = String::new();
+        match stream.read_frame(&mut frame) {
             Ok(0) => break,
             Ok(_) => {
-                let line = line.trim();
-                if !line.is_empty() {
-                    let user = state.user().unwrap_or("guest").to_string();
-                    println!("[{user} @ {client_addr}] Received: {line}");
-                    let response = core.handle_message(&mut state, line);
-                    if let Err(error) = stream.write_line(&response) {
-                        eprintln!("Write error: {error}");
-                        break;
+                let user = state.user().unwrap_or("guest").to_string();
+                println!("[{user} @ {client_addr}] Received: {frame}");
+                match parse_request(&frame) {
+                    Ok(request) => {
+                        let response = core.handle_request(&mut state, &request);
+                        let reply = reply_line(request.id, &response);
+                        if let Err(error) = stream.write_frame(&reply) {
+                            eprintln!("Write error: {error}");
+                            break;
+                        }
+                        let user = state.user().unwrap_or("guest");
+                        println!("[{user} @ {client_addr}] Sent: {reply}");
+                    }
+                    Err(message) => {
+                        let reply = reply_line(0, &format!("ERROR {message}"));
+                        if let Err(error) = stream.write_frame(&reply) {
+                            eprintln!("Write error: {error}");
+                            break;
+                        }
+                        eprintln!("Malformed request from {client_addr}: {reply}");
                     }
-                    let user = state.user().unwrap_or("guest");
-                    println!("[{user} @ {client_addr}] Sent: {response}");
                 }
             }
             Err(error)
@@ -65,12 +77,17 @@ pub fn handle_client_tls(mut stream: TlsStream) {
         }
 
         for push in core.poll(&state) {
-            if let Err(error) = stream.write_line(&push) {
+            event_seq = event_seq.wrapping_add(1);
+            let event = event_line(event_seq, &push);
+            if let Err(error) = stream.write_frame(&event) {
                 eprintln!("Write error: {error}");
                 break 'connection;
             }
-            let user = state.user().unwrap_or("guest");
-            println!("[{user} @ {client_addr}] Pushed: {push}");
+            // Ticks are 10 Hz per live round; logging them floods the disk.
+            if !push.starts_with("crash.tick ") {
+                let user = state.user().unwrap_or("guest");
+                println!("[{user} @ {client_addr}] Pushed: {event}");
+            }
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/src/bin/server/tls.rs b/src/bin/server/tls.rs
index 420b5b4..eb94637 100644
--- a/src/bin/server/tls.rs
+++ b/src/bin/server/tls.rs
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 use std::io::{Read, Write};
 use std::net::TcpStream;
 
-use zagan_bet::protocol::LineBuffer;
+use zagan_bet::protocol::{FrameBuffer, write_frame};
 
 #[derive(Clone)]
 pub struct TlsServer {
@@ -44,34 +44,31 @@ impl TlsServer {
 
 pub struct TlsStream {
     stream: native_tls::TlsStream<TcpStream>,
-    lines: LineBuffer,
+    frames: FrameBuffer,
 }
 
 impl TlsStream {
     pub fn new(stream: native_tls::TlsStream<TcpStream>) -> Self {
         Self {
             stream,
-            lines: LineBuffer::new(),
+            frames: FrameBuffer::new(),
         }
     }
 
-    pub fn read_line(&mut self, s: &mut String) -> std::io::Result<usize> {
-        match self.lines.read_line(&mut self.stream)? {
-            Some(line) => {
-                s.push_str(&line);
-                s.push('\n');
-                Ok(line.len() + 1)
+    /// Read one protocol frame. `Ok(0)` is EOF with no partial frame.
+    pub fn read_frame(&mut self, out: &mut String) -> std::io::Result<usize> {
+        match self.frames.read_frame(&mut self.stream)? {
+            Some(frame) => {
+                let length = frame.len();
+                out.push_str(&frame);
+                Ok(length)
             }
             None => Ok(0),
         }
     }
 
-    pub fn write_line(&mut self, msg: &str) -> std::io::Result<()> {
-        use std::io::Write;
-        self.stream.write_all(msg.as_bytes())?;
-        self.stream.write_all(b"\n")?;
-        self.stream.flush()?;
-        Ok(())
+    pub fn write_frame(&mut self, msg: &str) -> std::io::Result<()> {
+        write_frame(&mut self.stream, msg)
     }
 
     pub fn peer_addr(&self) -> std::io::Result<std::net::SocketAddr> {
diff --git a/src/client/core.rs b/src/client/core.rs
index 6d8294c..278dc00 100644
--- a/src/client/core.rs
+++ b/src/client/core.rs
@@ -3,17 +3,16 @@ use crate::client::games::response::{
     parse_blackjack_response, parse_crash_response, parse_history_response,
     parse_roulette_response, parse_spin_response,
 };
+use crate::client::ui::{game_lines, history_lines};
 use crate::client::view::{
     BlackjackView, Command, CrashView, HistoryView, LobbyView, RouletteView, SlotsView, View,
 };
-use crate::client::ui::{game_lines, history_lines};
 use crate::crash::{CrashState, multiplier_at};
-use crate::history::{PlayRecord, MAX_HISTORY};
+use crate::history::{MAX_HISTORY, PlayRecord};
 use crate::roulette::{BetTarget, Bets};
+use crate::version::{parse_pong, unix_time_ms};
 use std::time::{Duration, Instant};
 
-
-
 /// High-level actions produced by the client core. The terminal adapter is
 /// responsible for turning these into crossterm calls and network writes.
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq)]
@@ -24,8 +23,8 @@ pub enum Effect {
     Render(View),
     /// Remove the game board region.
     ClearRegion,
-    /// Send one protocol line and feed the reply to `handle_reply`.
-    SendLine(String),
+    /// Send one enveloped request and route its reply back by `id`.
+    SendRequest { id: u64, payload: String },
     /// Drop the connection.
     Disconnect,
     /// Leave the program.
@@ -61,6 +60,10 @@ pub struct ClientCore {
     connected: bool,
     logged_in: Option<String>,
     pending: Option<Pending>,
+    /// Id of the request whose reply fills `pending`.
+    pending_id: Option<u64>,
+    /// Next correlation id allocated on this connection.
+    next_request_id: u64,
     balance: Option<i64>,
     /// Account number from the last `INFO`, shown by both frontends.
     account: Option<String>,
@@ -68,6 +71,13 @@ pub struct ClientCore {
     fingerprint: Option<String>,
     /// Local anchor for the crash multiplier, set when a round starts.
     crash_started: Option<Instant>,
+    /// Server-time anchor for the crash multiplier, when the server supplied
+    /// `started_at`.
+    crash_started_ms: Option<u64>,
+    /// Server clock minus local clock, in milliseconds, from `HELLO`/`PONG`.
+    server_offset_ms: i64,
+    /// True once a frontend has supplied a server timestamp.
+    clock_synced: bool,
     /// App screen shown when no game is open.
     screen: Screen,
     /// Last plays fetched with `history`.
@@ -83,11 +93,16 @@ impl ClientCore {
             connected: false,
             logged_in: None,
             pending: None,
+            pending_id: None,
+            next_request_id: 1,
             balance: None,
             account: None,
             host: None,
             fingerprint: None,
             crash_started: None,
+            crash_started_ms: None,
+            server_offset_ms: 0,
+            clock_synced: false,
             screen: Screen::Lobby,
             play_history: Vec::new(),
             login_error: None,
@@ -99,11 +114,19 @@ impl ClientCore {
         if !connected {
             self.logged_in = None;
             self.pending = None;
+            self.pending_id = None;
             self.crash_started = None;
+            self.crash_started_ms = None;
+            self.clock_synced = false;
             self.screen = Screen::Lobby;
         }
     }
 
+    /// The signed-in username, if any.
+    pub fn user(&self) -> Option<&str> {
+        self.logged_in.as_deref()
+    }
+
     pub fn set_logged_in(&mut self, user: Option<String>) {
         if user.is_some() {
             self.login_error = None;
@@ -147,7 +170,44 @@ impl ClientCore {
         self.board_effects()
     }
 
+    /// Record the server's clock and the local time it was received. The
+    /// offset is for display; cash-out still settles on the server.
+    pub fn set_server_time(&mut self, server_ms: u64) {
+        self.server_offset_ms = server_ms as i64 - unix_time_ms() as i64;
+        self.clock_synced = true;
+    }
+
+    /// The game server's clock, as this client currently estimates it.
+    pub fn server_now_ms(&self) -> u64 {
+        (unix_time_ms() as i64 + self.server_offset_ms).max(0) as u64
+    }
+
+    /// Allocate a correlation id for a request the adapter sends directly
+    /// (the terminal's login prompt bypasses `ClientCore`).
+    pub fn allocate_request_id(&mut self) -> u64 {
+        let id = self.next_request_id;
+        self.next_request_id = self.next_request_id.wrapping_add(1).max(1);
+        id
+    }
+
+    fn begin_request(&mut self, pending: Pending, payload: String) -> Effect {
+        let id = self.allocate_request_id();
+        self.pending = Some(pending);
+        self.pending_id = Some(id);
+        Effect::SendRequest { id, payload }
+    }
+
+    /// Route a reply by correlation id. A reply we no longer expect (a late
+    /// response after a timeout) is ignored instead of corrupting the board.
+    pub fn handle_reply_id(&mut self, id: u64, reply: &str) -> Vec<Effect> {
+        if self.pending_id != Some(id) {
+            return Vec::new();
+        }
+        self.handle_reply(reply)
+    }
+
     pub fn handle_reply(&mut self, reply: &str) -> Vec<Effect> {
+        self.pending_id = None;
         match self.pending.take() {
             Some(Pending::Spin) => match parse_spin_response(reply) {
                 Ok(result) => {
@@ -265,7 +325,8 @@ impl ClientCore {
                 }
             },
             Some(Pending::Ping) => {
-                if reply.trim() == "PONG" {
+                if let Some(server_ms) = parse_pong(reply) {
+                    self.set_server_time(server_ms);
                     print_line("Pong")
                 } else {
                     self.connected = false;
@@ -305,10 +366,8 @@ impl ClientCore {
         if self.game.begin_spin().is_err() {
             return Vec::new();
         }
-        self.pending = Some(Pending::Spin);
-
         let mut effects = self.board_effects();
-        effects.push(Effect::SendLine(request));
+        effects.push(self.begin_request(Pending::Spin, request));
         effects
     }
 
@@ -322,24 +381,24 @@ impl ClientCore {
                     return print_line("Not connected. Use 'connect <ip>:<port>' first.");
                 }
                 self.login_error = None;
-                self.pending = Some(Pending::Login { user: user.clone() });
-                vec![Effect::SendLine(format!("AUTH {user} {credential}"))]
+                vec![self.begin_request(
+                    Pending::Login { user: user.clone() },
+                    format!("AUTH {user} {credential}"),
+                )]
             }
             Command::Register { user, credential } => {
                 if !self.connected {
                     return print_line("Not connected. Use 'connect <ip>:<port>' first.");
                 }
                 self.login_error = None;
-                self.pending = Some(Pending::Register);
-                vec![Effect::SendLine(format!("REGISTER {user} {credential}"))]
+                vec![self.begin_request(Pending::Register, format!("REGISTER {user} {credential}"))]
             }
             Command::Games => vec![Effect::Print(game_lines(&self.games()))],
             Command::Ping => {
                 if !self.connected {
                     return print_line("Not connected. Use 'connect <ip>:<port>' first.");
                 }
-                self.pending = Some(Pending::Ping);
-                vec![Effect::SendLine("PING".to_string())]
+                vec![self.begin_request(Pending::Ping, "PING".to_string())]
             }
             Command::Echo(message) => {
                 if !self.connected {
@@ -348,8 +407,7 @@ impl ClientCore {
                 if message.trim().is_empty() {
                     return print_line("Usage: send <message>");
                 }
-                self.pending = Some(Pending::Echo);
-                vec![Effect::SendLine(message)]
+                vec![self.begin_request(Pending::Echo, message)]
             }
             Command::Info => self.info_effects(),
             Command::Play { game, bet } => self.play_game(&game, bet),
@@ -458,6 +516,7 @@ impl ClientCore {
 
     fn exit_game(&mut self) -> Vec<Effect> {
         self.crash_started = None;
+        self.crash_started_ms = None;
         self.screen = Screen::Lobby;
         self.game.end_game();
         vec![
@@ -475,19 +534,17 @@ impl ClientCore {
             return self.exit_game();
         };
         self.game.set_blackjack_status("forfeiting");
-        self.pending = Some(Pending::BlackjackForfeit);
-        vec![Effect::SendLine(format!(
-            "BLACKJACK_ACTION {} forfeit",
-            hand.session_id
-        ))]
+        vec![self.begin_request(
+            Pending::BlackjackForfeit,
+            format!("BLACKJACK_ACTION {} forfeit", hand.session_id),
+        )]
     }
 
     fn forfeit_crash(&mut self) -> Vec<Effect> {
         let Some(session) = self.game.crash_session_id() else {
             return self.exit_game();
         };
-        self.pending = Some(Pending::CrashForfeit);
-        vec![Effect::SendLine(format!("CRASH_FORFEIT {session}"))]
+        vec![self.begin_request(Pending::CrashForfeit, format!("CRASH_FORFEIT {session}"))]
     }
 
     fn place_roulette_chip_on(&mut self, target: BetTarget) -> Vec<Effect> {
@@ -533,10 +590,8 @@ impl ClientCore {
         if self.game.begin_spin().is_err() {
             return Vec::new();
         }
-        self.pending = Some(Pending::RouletteSpin);
-
         let mut effects = self.board_effects();
-        effects.push(Effect::SendLine(request));
+        effects.push(self.begin_request(Pending::RouletteSpin, request));
         effects
     }
 
@@ -566,9 +621,8 @@ impl ClientCore {
         }
 
         self.game.set_blackjack_status("dealing");
-        self.pending = Some(Pending::BlackjackStart);
         let mut effects = self.board_effects();
-        effects.push(Effect::SendLine(request));
+        effects.push(self.begin_request(Pending::BlackjackStart, request));
         effects
     }
 
@@ -582,15 +636,21 @@ impl ClientCore {
         if action == "double" && !hand.actions.iter().any(|available| available == "double") {
             return Vec::new();
         }
-        self.pending = Some(Pending::BlackjackAction);
-        vec![Effect::SendLine(format!(
-            "BLACKJACK_ACTION {} {}",
-            hand.session_id, action
-        ))]
+        vec![self.begin_request(
+            Pending::BlackjackAction,
+            format!("BLACKJACK_ACTION {} {}", hand.session_id, action),
+        )]
     }
 
     /// Redraw the rising multiplier. Called by the terminal loop on a timer.
     pub fn tick(&mut self) -> Vec<Effect> {
+        if self.clock_synced {
+            if let Some(started_ms) = self.crash_started_ms {
+                let now = unix_time_ms() as i64 + self.server_offset_ms;
+                let elapsed_ms = (now - started_ms as i64).max(0) as u64;
+                return self.tick_at(Duration::from_millis(elapsed_ms));
+            }
+        }
         let Some(started) = self.crash_started else {
             return Vec::new();
         };
@@ -619,12 +679,16 @@ impl ClientCore {
     }
 
     pub fn is_async(&self, line: &str) -> bool {
-        line.trim_start().starts_with("CRASH_BUSTED ")
+        let line = line.trim_start();
+        line.starts_with("CRASH_BUSTED ") || line.starts_with("crash.tick ")
     }
 
     /// Handle a server-initiated line. Returns `None` when the line is a normal
     /// request/response reply and belongs to `handle_reply`.
     pub fn handle_async_line(&mut self, line: &str) -> Option<Vec<Effect>> {
+        if let Some(tick) = line.trim_start().strip_prefix("crash.tick ") {
+            return Some(self.apply_crash_tick(tick));
+        }
         if !self.is_async(line) {
             return None;
         }
@@ -643,13 +707,43 @@ impl ClientCore {
             if self.crash_started.is_none() {
                 self.crash_started = Some(Instant::now());
             }
+            if state.started_at > 0 {
+                self.crash_started_ms = Some(state.started_at);
+            }
         } else {
             self.crash_started = None;
+            self.crash_started_ms = None;
         }
         self.game.apply_crash_state(state);
         self.board_effects()
     }
 
+    /// Apply `crash.tick session=<id> t=<server_ms> m=<multiplier>`.
+    fn apply_crash_tick(&mut self, tick: &str) -> Vec<Effect> {
+        let mut session = None;
+        let mut multiplier = None;
+        for token in tick.split_whitespace() {
+            if let Some(value) = token.strip_prefix("session=") {
+                session = Some(value);
+            } else if let Some(value) = token.strip_prefix("m=") {
+                multiplier = value.parse::<f64>().ok();
+            }
+        }
+        let Some(multiplier) = multiplier else {
+            return Vec::new();
+        };
+        if let Some(session) = session {
+            if self.game.crash_session_id().as_deref() != Some(session) {
+                return Vec::new();
+            }
+        }
+        if self.game.crash_status() != "running" {
+            return Vec::new();
+        }
+        self.game.set_crash_multiplier(multiplier);
+        self.board_effects()
+    }
+
     fn start_crash(&mut self) -> Vec<Effect> {
         let status = self.game.crash_status();
         if !matches!(status.as_str(), "ready" | "cashed" | "crashed" | "forfeit") {
@@ -671,9 +765,8 @@ impl ClientCore {
         }
 
         self.game.set_crash_status("starting");
-        self.pending = Some(Pending::CrashStart);
         let mut effects = self.board_effects();
-        effects.push(Effect::SendLine(request));
+        effects.push(self.begin_request(Pending::CrashStart, request));
         effects
     }
 
@@ -681,8 +774,7 @@ impl ClientCore {
         let Some(session) = self.game.crash_session_id() else {
             return Vec::new();
         };
-        self.pending = Some(Pending::CrashCashout);
-        vec![Effect::SendLine(format!("CRASH_CASHOUT {session}"))]
+        vec![self.begin_request(Pending::CrashCashout, format!("CRASH_CASHOUT {session}"))]
     }
 
     fn play_game(&mut self, game_type: &str, bet: Option<u64>) -> Vec<Effect> {
@@ -706,8 +798,7 @@ impl ClientCore {
                 }
 
                 let mut effects = self.board_effects();
-                self.pending = Some(Pending::Info);
-                effects.push(Effect::SendLine("INFO".to_string()));
+                effects.push(self.begin_request(Pending::Info, "INFO".to_string()));
                 effects
             }
             Err(_) => print_line("Failed to enter game"),
@@ -726,13 +817,12 @@ impl ClientCore {
         }
 
         self.screen = Screen::History;
-        self.pending = Some(Pending::History);
         let request = if limit == crate::history::DEFAULT_HISTORY {
             "HISTORY".to_string()
         } else {
             format!("HISTORY {limit}")
         };
-        vec![Effect::SendLine(request)]
+        vec![self.begin_request(Pending::History, request)]
     }
 
     fn info_effects(&mut self) -> Vec<Effect> {
@@ -754,8 +844,7 @@ impl ClientCore {
             ])),
         }
 
-        self.pending = Some(Pending::Info);
-        effects.push(Effect::SendLine("INFO".to_string()));
+        effects.push(self.begin_request(Pending::Info, "INFO".to_string()));
         effects
     }
 
@@ -809,7 +898,6 @@ impl ClientCore {
         }
         self.view().map(Effect::Render).into_iter().collect()
     }
-
 }
 
 fn auth_result(reply: &str) -> Result<(), String> {
diff --git a/src/client/games/manager.rs b/src/client/games/manager.rs
index 24ceeaa..d35308b 100644
--- a/src/client/games/manager.rs
+++ b/src/client/games/manager.rs
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ use super::roulette::RouletteGame;
 use super::slots::SlotsGame;
 use super::traits::{Game, GameError, GamePhase, GameState};
 use crate::blackjack::BlackjackState;
-use crate::crash::{payout, CrashState};
+use crate::crash::{CrashState, payout};
 use crate::roulette::Bets;
 use std::collections::HashMap;
 
@@ -244,9 +244,7 @@ impl GameManager {
 
     pub fn set_roulette_cursor(&mut self, cursor: &crate::client::games::roulette::Cursor) {
         if let Some(session) = self.current_session.as_mut() {
-            session
-                .data
-                .insert("cursor".to_string(), cursor.encoded());
+            session.data.insert("cursor".to_string(), cursor.encoded());
         }
     }
 
@@ -339,7 +337,7 @@ impl GameManager {
         };
         session.bet_amount = state.bet;
         session.data.remove("error");
-        for key in ["crash_point", "payout"] {
+        for key in ["crash_point", "payout", "commit", "seed"] {
             session.data.remove(key);
         }
         session
@@ -360,10 +358,21 @@ impl GameManager {
         session
             .data
             .insert("payout".to_string(), state.payout.to_string());
+        session
+            .data
+            .insert("started_at".to_string(), state.started_at.to_string());
+        if let Some(commit) = &state.commit {
+            session.data.insert("commit".to_string(), commit.clone());
+        }
+        if let Some(seed) = &state.seed {
+            session.data.insert("seed".to_string(), seed.clone());
+        }
         if let Some(crash_point) = state.crash_point {
+            // Keep full precision: the browser recomputes this from the
+            // revealed seed, and the GUI charts it.
             session
                 .data
-                .insert("crash_point".to_string(), format!("{crash_point:.2}"));
+                .insert("crash_point".to_string(), crash_point.to_string());
         }
     }
 
diff --git a/src/client/games/roulette.rs b/src/client/games/roulette.rs
index f0ed816..15cc6ed 100644
--- a/src/client/games/roulette.rs
+++ b/src/client/games/roulette.rs
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 use super::traits::{Game, GameState};
 use crate::client::view::{RoulettePhase, RouletteView};
 use crate::roulette::{BetTarget, Bets, Outside, is_even, is_odd};
+use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 
 pub const ROULETTE_BOARD_LINES: usize = 12;
 
@@ -21,7 +22,7 @@ const OUTSIDE_ORDER: [Outside; 6] = [
 
 pub struct RouletteGame;
 
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub enum Direction {
     Up,
     Down,
@@ -41,7 +42,7 @@ pub enum Direction {
 ///   odd,even   line between rows       split of the two numbers
 ///   even,even  corner of four cells    corner
 /// ```
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub enum Cursor {
     Zero,
     Lattice { x: usize, y: usize },
@@ -67,7 +68,9 @@ impl Cursor {
         match parts.as_slice() {
             ["zero"] => Cursor::Zero,
             ["lattice", x, y] => match (x.parse::<usize>(), y.parse::<usize>()) {
-                (Ok(x), Ok(y)) if (1..=FELT_X_MAX).contains(&x) && (1..=FELT_Y_MAX).contains(&y) => {
+                (Ok(x), Ok(y))
+                    if (1..=FELT_X_MAX).contains(&x) && (1..=FELT_Y_MAX).contains(&y) =>
+                {
                     Cursor::Lattice { x, y }
                 }
                 _ => Cursor::default(),
diff --git a/src/client/transport.rs b/src/client/transport.rs
index 97c9227..60e7ab6 100644
--- a/src/client/transport.rs
+++ b/src/client/transport.rs
@@ -7,20 +7,27 @@
 use std::fmt;
 use std::io::{Read, Write};
 use std::net::TcpStream;
-use std::sync::mpsc;
 use std::sync::Arc;
+use std::sync::mpsc;
 use std::thread;
 use std::time::{Duration, Instant};
 
 use parking_lot::Mutex;
-use rustls::client::{HandshakeSignatureValid, ServerCertVerified, ServerCertVerifier};
-use rustls::DigitallySignedStruct;
 use rusqlite::Connection;
+use rustls::DigitallySignedStruct;
+use rustls::client::{HandshakeSignatureValid, ServerCertVerified, ServerCertVerifier};
 
 use crate::client::database;
-use crate::protocol::LineBuffer;
-use crate::tofu::{decide, spki_fingerprint, TrustDecision};
-use crate::version::{parse_hello, HelloReply, VERSION};
+use crate::protocol::{
+    FrameBuffer, Packet, parse_packet, request_line, write_frame as write_protocol_frame,
+};
+use crate::tofu::{TrustDecision, decide, spki_fingerprint};
+use crate::version::{HelloReply, VERSION, parse_hello};
+
+/// Reserved request ids for the transport handshake. Application requests
+/// start at 1, so the two ranges cannot collide on one connection.
+const HELLO_REQUEST_ID: u64 = u64::MAX;
+const AUTH_REQUEST_ID: u64 = u64::MAX - 1;
 
 /// How long to wait for TCP + TLS before giving up.
 const CONNECT_TIMEOUT: Duration = Duration::from_secs(10);
@@ -43,6 +50,8 @@ pub struct Connected {
     pub server_version: String,
     pub latest: String,
     pub url: String,
+    /// Server Unix time reported by `HELLO`, milliseconds.
+    pub server_time: u64,
     /// Round trip of the HELLO exchange.
     pub elapsed: Duration,
 }
@@ -51,10 +60,7 @@ pub struct Connected {
 pub enum TransportError {
     Timeout,
     TrustDeclined,
-    KeyChanged {
-        expected: String,
-        observed: String,
-    },
+    KeyChanged { expected: String, observed: String },
     VersionMismatch(String),
     Closed,
     Unexpected(String),
@@ -121,7 +127,7 @@ pub fn connect(
                 return Err(TransportError::KeyChanged {
                     expected,
                     observed: actual,
-                })
+                });
             }
         }
     }
@@ -131,12 +137,7 @@ pub fn connect(
         .map_err(io_failure)?;
 
     let start = Instant::now();
-    tls.write_line(&format!("HELLO {VERSION}"))
-        .map_err(io_failure)?;
-    let mut response = String::new();
-    if tls.read_line(&mut response).map_err(io_failure)? == 0 {
-        return Err(TransportError::Closed);
-    }
+    let response = exchange(&mut tls, HELLO_REQUEST_ID, &format!("HELLO {VERSION}"))?;
     let elapsed = start.elapsed();
 
     let response = response.trim();
@@ -151,10 +152,11 @@ pub fn connect(
     let mut user = None;
     let mut auth_error = None;
     if let Some((username, password)) = database::get_credentials(conn, &observed) {
-        tls.write_line(&format!("AUTH {username} {password}"))
-            .map_err(io_failure)?;
-        let mut auth = String::new();
-        tls.read_line(&mut auth).map_err(io_failure)?;
+        let auth = exchange(
+            &mut tls,
+            AUTH_REQUEST_ID,
+            &format!("AUTH {username} {password}"),
+        )?;
         if auth.trim().starts_with("OK") {
             user = Some(username);
         } else {
@@ -169,19 +171,31 @@ pub fn connect(
         server_version: hello.version,
         latest: hello.latest,
         url: hello.url,
+        server_time: hello.time,
         elapsed,
     })
 }
 
+/// Send one request and wait for the reply with the same id, ignoring events
+/// that arrive in between. Used only for the handshake.
+fn exchange(stream: &mut TlsStream, id: u64, payload: &str) -> Result<String, TransportError> {
+    stream
+        .write_request(id, None, payload)
+        .map_err(io_failure)?;
+    loop {
+        match stream.read_packet().map_err(io_failure)? {
+            None => return Err(TransportError::Closed),
+            Some(Packet::Reply { id: reply_id, body }) if reply_id == id => return Ok(body),
+            Some(Packet::Reply { .. }) | Some(Packet::Event { .. }) => continue,
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 /// TCP + TLS on a thread so a blocked handshake can time out.
 fn tls_connect(addr: &str) -> Result<(TlsStream, Option<String>), TransportError> {
     let (sender, receiver) = mpsc::channel();
     let addr = addr.to_string();
-    let server_name = addr
-        .split(':')
-        .next()
-        .unwrap_or("127.0.0.1")
-        .to_string();
+    let server_name = addr.split(':').next().unwrap_or("127.0.0.1").to_string();
 
     thread::spawn(move || {
         let outcome = (|| -> Result<(TlsStream, Option<String>), TransportError> {
@@ -241,7 +255,7 @@ impl TlsConnector {
             session: Arc::new(Mutex::new(Session {
                 sock,
                 tls: connection,
-                lines: LineBuffer::new(),
+                frames: FrameBuffer::new(),
                 read_timeout: Some(READ_TIMEOUT),
             })),
         })
@@ -268,8 +282,9 @@ impl ServerCertVerifier for RecordingVerifier {
         _ocsp_response: &[u8],
         _now: std::time::SystemTime,
     ) -> Result<ServerCertVerified, rustls::Error> {
-        let fingerprint = spki_fingerprint(&end_entity.0)
-            .map_err(|error| rustls::Error::General(format!("certificate parse failed: {error}")))?;
+        let fingerprint = spki_fingerprint(&end_entity.0).map_err(|error| {
+            rustls::Error::General(format!("certificate parse failed: {error}"))
+        })?;
         *self.observed.lock() = Some(fingerprint);
         Ok(ServerCertVerified::assertion())
     }
@@ -313,7 +328,7 @@ impl ServerCertVerifier for RecordingVerifier {
 struct Session {
     sock: TcpStream,
     tls: rustls::ClientConnection,
-    lines: LineBuffer,
+    frames: FrameBuffer,
     read_timeout: Option<Duration>,
 }
 
@@ -329,37 +344,58 @@ pub struct TlsStream {
 }
 
 impl TlsStream {
-    pub fn read_line(&mut self, buf: &mut String) -> std::io::Result<usize> {
+    /// Write one enveloped request. Application code allocates `id`.
+    pub fn write_request(
+        &mut self,
+        id: u64,
+        idem: Option<&str>,
+        payload: &str,
+    ) -> std::io::Result<()> {
+        self.write_frame(&request_line(id, idem, payload))
+    }
+
+    /// Write one raw frame payload.
+    pub fn write_frame(&mut self, payload: &str) -> std::io::Result<()> {
+        let mut s = self.session.lock();
+        write_protocol_frame(&mut s.tls.writer(), payload)?;
+        s.drive()
+    }
+
+    /// Block until one whole frame arrives.
+    pub fn read_frame(&mut self) -> std::io::Result<Option<String>> {
         let mut s = self.session.lock();
         loop {
-            if let Some(line) = s.lines.next_line() {
-                buf.push_str(&line);
-                buf.push('\n');
-                return Ok(line.len() + 1);
+            match s.frames.next_frame() {
+                Some(Ok(frame)) => return Ok(Some(frame)),
+                Some(Err(error)) => {
+                    return Err(std::io::Error::new(std::io::ErrorKind::InvalidData, error));
+                }
+                None => {}
             }
 
             let mut chunk = [0u8; 4096];
             match s.tls.reader().read(&mut chunk) {
-                Ok(0) => {
-                    if let Some(rest) = s.lines.take_rest() {
-                        let read = rest.len();
-                        buf.push_str(&rest);
-                        return Ok(read);
-                    }
-                    return Ok(0);
-                }
-                Ok(n) => s.lines.push(&chunk[..n]),
+                Ok(0) => return Ok(None),
+                Ok(n) => s.frames.push(&chunk[..n]),
                 Err(error) if error.kind() == std::io::ErrorKind::WouldBlock => s.drive()?,
                 Err(error) => return Err(error),
             }
         }
     }
 
-    pub fn write_line(&mut self, message: &str) -> std::io::Result<()> {
-        let mut s = self.session.lock();
-        s.tls.writer().write_all(message.as_bytes())?;
-        s.tls.writer().write_all(b"\n")?;
-        s.drive()
+    /// Block until one `RES` or `EVT` arrives.
+    pub fn read_packet(&mut self) -> std::io::Result<Option<Packet>> {
+        loop {
+            let Some(frame) = self.read_frame()? else {
+                return Ok(None);
+            };
+            match parse_packet(&frame) {
+                Ok(packet) => return Ok(Some(packet)),
+                Err(error) => {
+                    return Err(std::io::Error::new(std::io::ErrorKind::InvalidData, error));
+                }
+            }
+        }
     }
 
     pub fn set_read_timeout(&self, duration: Option<Duration>) -> std::io::Result<()> {
@@ -368,24 +404,36 @@ impl TlsStream {
         s.sock.set_read_timeout(duration)
     }
 
-    /// Return one complete line if the socket already has one, without
-    /// blocking. Used to pick up server pushes between requests.
-    pub fn read_available_line(&mut self) -> std::io::Result<Option<String>> {
+    /// Return one packet if the socket already has one, without blocking.
+    /// Used to pick up server pushes between requests.
+    pub fn read_available_packet(&mut self) -> std::io::Result<Option<Packet>> {
         let mut s = self.session.lock();
-        if let Some(line) = s.lines.next_line() {
-            return Ok(Some(line));
-        }
 
         // `set_read_timeout(Some(0))` is rejected by std, so poll with the
         // shortest timeout the socket accepts instead of a nonblocking mode.
         s.sock
             .set_read_timeout(Some(std::time::Duration::from_millis(1)))?;
-        let drained = (|| -> std::io::Result<()> {
+        let drained = (|| -> std::io::Result<Option<Packet>> {
             loop {
+                match s.frames.next_frame() {
+                    Some(Ok(frame)) => {
+                        return match parse_packet(&frame) {
+                            Ok(packet) => Ok(Some(packet)),
+                            Err(error) => {
+                                Err(std::io::Error::new(std::io::ErrorKind::InvalidData, error))
+                            }
+                        };
+                    }
+                    Some(Err(error)) => {
+                        return Err(std::io::Error::new(std::io::ErrorKind::InvalidData, error));
+                    }
+                    None => {}
+                }
+
                 let mut buf = [0u8; 4096];
                 match s.tls.reader().read(&mut buf) {
-                    Ok(0) => return Ok(()),
-                    Ok(n) => s.lines.push(&buf[..n]),
+                    Ok(0) => return Ok(None),
+                    Ok(n) => s.frames.push(&buf[..n]),
                     // The reader only drains plaintext rustls has already
                     // decrypted; `drive` moves bytes off the socket.
                     Err(error) if error.kind() == std::io::ErrorKind::WouldBlock => {
@@ -397,7 +445,7 @@ impl TlsStream {
                                     std::io::ErrorKind::WouldBlock | std::io::ErrorKind::TimedOut
                                 ) =>
                             {
-                                return Ok(());
+                                return Ok(None);
                             }
                             Err(error) => return Err(error),
                         }
@@ -408,15 +456,14 @@ impl TlsStream {
                             std::io::ErrorKind::WouldBlock | std::io::ErrorKind::TimedOut
                         ) =>
                     {
-                        return Ok(());
+                        return Ok(None);
                     }
                     Err(error) => return Err(error),
                 }
             }
         })();
         s.sock.set_read_timeout(s.read_timeout)?;
-        drained?;
-        Ok(s.lines.next_line())
+        drained
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/client/view.rs b/src/client/view.rs
index 4615720..0886d64 100644
--- a/src/client/view.rs
+++ b/src/client/view.rs
@@ -7,15 +7,17 @@ use crate::blackjack::BlackjackState;
 use crate::client::games::roulette::{Cursor, Direction};
 use crate::client::games::traits::{GamePhase, GameState};
 use crate::roulette::{BetTarget, Bets};
+use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[serde(rename_all = "snake_case")]
 pub enum RoulettePhase {
     Placing,
     Spinning,
     Result,
 }
 
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct RouletteView {
     pub bet_amount: u64,
     pub balance: Option<i64>,
@@ -51,7 +53,10 @@ impl RouletteView {
             Some("result") => RoulettePhase::Result,
             _ => RoulettePhase::Placing,
         };
-        let number = state.data.get("number").and_then(|value| value.parse().ok());
+        let number = state
+            .data
+            .get("number")
+            .and_then(|value| value.parse().ok());
         let color = state.data.get("color").cloned();
         let winnings = state
             .data
@@ -82,14 +87,15 @@ impl RouletteView {
     }
 }
 
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[serde(rename_all = "snake_case")]
 pub enum SlotsPhase {
     Ready,
     Spinning,
     Result,
 }
 
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct SlotsView {
     pub bet: u64,
     pub balance: Option<i64>,
@@ -149,7 +155,7 @@ impl SlotsView {
     }
 }
 
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct BlackjackView {
     pub status: String,
     pub balance: Option<i64>,
@@ -186,7 +192,7 @@ impl BlackjackView {
     }
 }
 
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct CrashView {
     pub status: String,
     pub balance: Option<i64>,
@@ -195,6 +201,11 @@ pub struct CrashView {
     pub potential: u64,
     pub crash_point: Option<f64>,
     pub payout: u64,
+    pub started_at: u64,
+    /// `sha256(seed)` for this round, before it ends.
+    pub commit: Option<String>,
+    /// The revealed seed, after the round ends.
+    pub seed: Option<String>,
     pub error: Option<String>,
 }
 
@@ -232,6 +243,13 @@ impl CrashView {
                 .get("payout")
                 .and_then(|value| value.parse::<u64>().ok())
                 .unwrap_or(0),
+            started_at: state
+                .data
+                .get("started_at")
+                .and_then(|value| value.parse::<u64>().ok())
+                .unwrap_or(0),
+            commit: state.data.get("commit").cloned(),
+            seed: state.data.get("seed").cloned(),
             error: state
                 .data
                 .get("error")
@@ -242,7 +260,7 @@ impl CrashView {
 }
 
 /// The lobby: who is logged in, the balance, and what can be played.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct LobbyView {
     pub connected: bool,
     pub user: Option<String>,
@@ -254,13 +272,14 @@ pub struct LobbyView {
 }
 
 /// The play log, already parsed.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub struct HistoryView {
     pub records: Vec<crate::history::PlayRecord>,
 }
 
 /// Everything a frontend can draw.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
+#[serde(tag = "screen", rename_all = "snake_case")]
 pub enum View {
     Lobby(LobbyView),
     History(HistoryView),
@@ -271,17 +290,28 @@ pub enum View {
 }
 
 /// Semantic input. Frontends turn keys and clicks into these.
-#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 pub enum Command {
     /// The credential is already hashed by the frontend.
-    Login { user: String, credential: String },
+    Login {
+        user: String,
+        credential: String,
+    },
     Games,
     Ping,
     Echo(String),
     Info,
-    Register { user: String, credential: String },
-    Play { game: String, bet: Option<u64> },
-    History { limit: u32 },
+    Register {
+        user: String,
+        credential: String,
+    },
+    Play {
+        game: String,
+        bet: Option<u64>,
+    },
+    History {
+        limit: u32,
+    },
     ShowLobby,
     Logout,
     SetBet(u64),
diff --git a/src/crash.rs b/src/crash.rs
index 9d6e98c..40b8743 100644
--- a/src/crash.rs
+++ b/src/crash.rs
@@ -6,6 +6,7 @@
 //! clock, never from anything the client sends.
 
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
+use sha2::{Digest, Sha256};
 use std::time::Duration;
 
 /// `exp(GROWTH_RATE * t)` doubles the multiplier every five seconds.
@@ -47,6 +48,53 @@ pub fn crash_point_from_uniform(u: f64) -> f64 {
     ((1.0 - HOUSE_EDGE) / (1.0 - u)).clamp(1.0, MAX_MULTIPLIER)
 }
 
+/// How many bytes a round seed contains. The first eight bytes choose the
+/// crash point; the rest are revealed and hashed with it.
+pub const SEED_LEN: usize = 32;
+
+/// Hex-encoded SHA-256 of a round seed, sent before the round starts.
+pub fn commit_seed(seed: &[u8]) -> String {
+    let digest = Sha256::digest(seed);
+    format!("{digest:x}")
+}
+
+/// Uniform draw encoded by a seed: the first eight bytes, big-endian.
+pub fn seed_to_uniform(seed: &[u8]) -> f64 {
+    let mut bytes = [0u8; 8];
+    let take = seed.len().min(8);
+    bytes[..take].copy_from_slice(&seed[..take]);
+    u64::from_be_bytes(bytes) as f64 / 18_446_744_073_709_551_616.0
+}
+
+/// The crash point a seed commits to. A client recomputes this after the
+/// reveal and checks it against the published commit.
+pub fn crash_point_from_seed(seed: &[u8]) -> f64 {
+    crash_point_from_uniform(seed_to_uniform(seed))
+}
+
+/// Decode a lowercase or uppercase hex seed. Returns `None` for odd lengths,
+/// bad digits or a seed that is not exactly [`SEED_LEN`] bytes.
+pub fn seed_from_hex(raw: &str) -> Option<Vec<u8>> {
+    if raw.len() != SEED_LEN * 2 {
+        return None;
+    }
+    let mut seed = Vec::with_capacity(SEED_LEN);
+    for pair in raw.as_bytes().chunks_exact(2) {
+        let high = (pair[0] as char).to_digit(16)?;
+        let low = (pair[1] as char).to_digit(16)?;
+        seed.push((high * 16 + low) as u8);
+    }
+    Some(seed)
+}
+
+/// Check a revealed seed against the commit published before the round.
+pub fn verify_seed(seed_hex: &str, commit: &str) -> bool {
+    let Some(seed) = seed_from_hex(seed_hex) else {
+        return false;
+    };
+    commit_seed(&seed).eq_ignore_ascii_case(commit)
+}
+
 /// Whole-Kr cashout value. Balances are integers, so the payout is floored.
 pub fn payout(bet: u64, multiplier: f64) -> u64 {
     if bet == 0 || !multiplier.is_finite() || multiplier <= 0.0 {
@@ -72,10 +120,16 @@ pub struct CrashState {
     pub multiplier: f64,
     /// `floor(bet * multiplier)` for the value above.
     pub potential: u64,
+    /// Server Unix time when the round started, milliseconds.
+    pub started_at: u64,
     /// Hidden until the round ends.
     pub crash_point: Option<f64>,
     pub payout: u64,
     pub result: String,
+    /// `sha256(seed)`, present for the whole round.
+    pub commit: Option<String>,
+    /// The seed itself, present only after the round ends.
+    pub seed: Option<String>,
 }
 
 impl CrashState {
diff --git a/src/protocol.rs b/src/protocol.rs
index 11f54a1..e838b08 100644
--- a/src/protocol.rs
+++ b/src/protocol.rs
@@ -1,16 +1,60 @@
-//! Newline-delimited protocol helpers shared by the client and server.
+//! Protocol v5: bounded frames and the request/reply/event envelope.
 //!
-//! TLS reads can return more than one line at a time. Keeping the leftover
-//! bytes is essential: dropping them silently loses the next message.
+//! Every packet is `[u32 length][UTF-8 payload]`. The length is big-endian and
+//! capped, so a peer cannot make the reader allocate without bound. Inside a
+//! frame the payload is text:
+//!
+//! ```text
+//! REQ <id> [idem=<token>] <command>
+//! RES <id> <body>
+//! EVT <seq> <body>
+//! ```
+//!
+//! The command and body grammar is the same text protocol the games already
+//! use (`HELLO`, `PLAY_START`, `GAME_RESULT`, ...). The envelope only adds
+//! correlation, event numbering and a hard size limit.
+
+use std::fmt;
+use std::io::{self, Read, Write};
+
+/// Largest payload a peer may send in one frame. A game message is a few
+/// hundred bytes; 64 KiB is generous and still bounds the reader.
+pub const MAX_FRAME_LEN: usize = 64 * 1024;
+
+/// How many request ids a connection remembers for idempotent retries.
+pub const REPLAY_CACHE_LEN: usize = 256;
+
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub enum FrameError {
+    /// The declared payload length exceeds [`MAX_FRAME_LEN`].
+    TooLarge(usize),
+    /// The payload was not valid UTF-8.
+    InvalidUtf8,
+}
+
+impl fmt::Display for FrameError {
+    fn fmt(&self, f: &mut fmt::Formatter<'_>) -> fmt::Result {
+        match self {
+            FrameError::TooLarge(length) => {
+                write!(
+                    f,
+                    "frame of {length} bytes exceeds the {MAX_FRAME_LEN}-byte limit"
+                )
+            }
+            FrameError::InvalidUtf8 => write!(f, "frame payload is not valid UTF-8"),
+        }
+    }
+}
 
-use std::io::{self, Read};
+impl std::error::Error for FrameError {}
 
+/// A bounded frame decoder. Feed it bytes from a socket, take whole frames.
 #[derive(Debug, Default)]
-pub struct LineBuffer {
+pub struct FrameBuffer {
     buffer: Vec<u8>,
 }
 
-impl LineBuffer {
+impl FrameBuffer {
     pub fn new() -> Self {
         Self::default()
     }
@@ -19,46 +63,172 @@ impl LineBuffer {
         self.buffer.extend_from_slice(bytes);
     }
 
-    /// Return the next complete line, including a line that ended at EOF.
-    pub fn next_line(&mut self) -> Option<String> {
-        let end = self.buffer.iter().position(|byte| *byte == b'\n')?;
-        let mut line: Vec<u8> = self.buffer.drain(..=end).collect();
-        line.pop(); // '\n'
-        if line.last() == Some(&b'\r') {
-            line.pop();
+    /// Return the next complete frame, if the buffer holds one.
+    ///
+    /// A declared length above the limit is reported immediately instead of
+    /// waiting for bytes that will never be accepted; the caller should close
+    /// the connection.
+    pub fn next_frame(&mut self) -> Option<Result<String, FrameError>> {
+        if self.buffer.len() < 4 {
+            return None;
         }
-        Some(String::from_utf8_lossy(&line).into_owned())
-    }
 
-    /// Return the unterminated remainder at EOF, if any.
-    pub fn take_rest(&mut self) -> Option<String> {
-        if self.buffer.is_empty() {
+        let length = u32::from_be_bytes([
+            self.buffer[0],
+            self.buffer[1],
+            self.buffer[2],
+            self.buffer[3],
+        ]) as usize;
+
+        if length > MAX_FRAME_LEN {
+            self.buffer.clear();
+            return Some(Err(FrameError::TooLarge(length)));
+        }
+        if self.buffer.len() < 4 + length {
             return None;
         }
-        let mut rest = std::mem::take(&mut self.buffer);
-        if rest.last() == Some(&b'\r') {
-            rest.pop();
+
+        let payload: Vec<u8> = self.buffer[4..4 + length].to_vec();
+        self.buffer.drain(..4 + length);
+        match String::from_utf8(payload) {
+            Ok(text) => Some(Ok(text)),
+            Err(_) => Some(Err(FrameError::InvalidUtf8)),
         }
-        Some(String::from_utf8_lossy(&rest).into_owned())
     }
 
-    /// Read one line from a blocking reader, preserving any extra lines for
-    /// the next call. Returns `None` at EOF with nothing buffered.
-    pub fn read_line<R: Read>(&mut self, reader: &mut R) -> io::Result<Option<String>> {
+    /// Read one frame from a blocking reader, preserving leftover bytes.
+    /// `None` means EOF with no complete frame buffered.
+    pub fn read_frame<R: Read>(&mut self, reader: &mut R) -> io::Result<Option<String>> {
         loop {
-            if let Some(line) = self.next_line() {
-                return Ok(Some(line));
+            match self.next_frame() {
+                Some(Ok(frame)) => return Ok(Some(frame)),
+                Some(Err(error)) => return Err(io::Error::new(io::ErrorKind::InvalidData, error)),
+                None => {}
             }
 
             let mut chunk = [0u8; 4096];
             match reader.read(&mut chunk) {
-                Ok(0) => return Ok(self.take_rest()),
+                Ok(0) => return Ok(None),
                 Ok(n) => self.push(&chunk[..n]),
                 Err(error) if error.kind() == io::ErrorKind::Interrupted => continue,
                 Err(error) => return Err(error),
             }
         }
     }
+
+    /// True when a partial frame is buffered (used by tests and diagnostics).
+    pub fn is_empty(&self) -> bool {
+        self.buffer.is_empty()
+    }
+}
+
+/// Encode one payload as a length-prefixed frame.
+pub fn encode_frame(payload: &str) -> Vec<u8> {
+    let length = payload.len() as u32;
+    let mut bytes = Vec::with_capacity(4 + payload.len());
+    bytes.extend_from_slice(&length.to_be_bytes());
+    bytes.extend_from_slice(payload.as_bytes());
+    bytes
+}
+
+/// Write one payload as a length-prefixed frame.
+pub fn write_frame<W: Write>(writer: &mut W, payload: &str) -> io::Result<()> {
+    writer.write_all(&encode_frame(payload))?;
+    writer.flush()
+}
+
+/// One client request. `id` is the correlation key; `idem` is optional
+/// metadata for logs and a future cross-connection cache.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub struct Request {
+    pub id: u64,
+    pub idem: Option<String>,
+    pub payload: String,
+}
+
+/// A frame received by a client.
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub enum Packet {
+    Reply { id: u64, body: String },
+    Event { seq: u64, body: String },
+}
+
+pub fn request_line(id: u64, idem: Option<&str>, payload: &str) -> String {
+    match idem {
+        Some(idem) if !idem.is_empty() => format!("REQ {id} idem={idem} {payload}"),
+        _ => format!("REQ {id} {payload}"),
+    }
+}
+
+pub fn reply_line(id: u64, body: &str) -> String {
+    format!("RES {id} {body}")
+}
+
+pub fn event_line(seq: u64, body: &str) -> String {
+    format!("EVT {seq} {body}")
+}
+
+/// Parse a `REQ` payload. Errors are safe to return to the peer.
+pub fn parse_request(frame: &str) -> Result<Request, String> {
+    let frame = frame.trim_end();
+    let rest = frame
+        .strip_prefix("REQ ")
+        .ok_or_else(|| "Malformed request: expected REQ".to_string())?;
+
+    let (id_token, mut rest) = split_token(rest);
+    let id: u64 = id_token
+        .parse()
+        .map_err(|_| "Malformed request id".to_string())?;
+
+    let mut idem = None;
+    let (next, after) = split_token(rest);
+    if let Some(value) = next.strip_prefix("idem=") {
+        if value.is_empty() {
+            return Err("Malformed idempotency key".to_string());
+        }
+        idem = Some(value.to_string());
+        rest = after;
+    }
+
+    Ok(Request {
+        id,
+        idem,
+        payload: rest.to_string(),
+    })
+}
+
+/// Parse a `RES` or `EVT` payload on the client side.
+pub fn parse_packet(frame: &str) -> Result<Packet, String> {
+    let frame = frame.trim_end();
+    if let Some(rest) = frame.strip_prefix("RES ") {
+        let (id_token, body) = split_token(rest);
+        let id: u64 = id_token
+            .parse()
+            .map_err(|_| "Malformed reply id".to_string())?;
+        return Ok(Packet::Reply {
+            id,
+            body: body.to_string(),
+        });
+    }
+    if let Some(rest) = frame.strip_prefix("EVT ") {
+        let (seq_token, body) = split_token(rest);
+        let seq: u64 = seq_token
+            .parse()
+            .map_err(|_| "Malformed event sequence".to_string())?;
+        return Ok(Packet::Event {
+            seq,
+            body: body.to_string(),
+        });
+    }
+    Err(format!("Unexpected packet: {frame}"))
+}
+
+fn split_token(rest: &str) -> (&str, &str) {
+    let rest = rest.trim_start();
+    match rest.find(' ') {
+        Some(index) => (&rest[..index], rest[index + 1..].trim_start()),
+        None => (rest, ""),
+    }
 }
 
 /// A stable, user-facing message for a failed request.
diff --git a/src/server/core.rs b/src/server/core.rs
index 3cd6469..0b2efb4 100644
--- a/src/server/core.rs
+++ b/src/server/core.rs
@@ -1,22 +1,26 @@
-use bcrypt::{hash, verify, DEFAULT_COST};
+use bcrypt::{DEFAULT_COST, hash, verify};
 use rusqlite::Connection;
-use std::collections::HashMap;
+use std::collections::{HashMap, VecDeque};
 use std::sync::Arc;
 
 use crate::blackjack::BlackjackState;
 use crate::crash::CrashState;
+use crate::protocol::{REPLAY_CACHE_LEN, Request};
 use crate::server::database;
-use crate::version::{download_url, hello_line, Version, VERSION};
 use crate::server::games::blackjack::{BlackjackGame, BlackjackHand};
 use crate::server::games::crash::{Clock, CrashGame, CrashRound, RealClock};
 use crate::server::games::registry::GameRegistry;
 use crate::server::games::session::SessionManager;
 use crate::server::games::traits::{GameError, GamePhase, GameState};
+use crate::version::{VERSION, Version, download_url, hello_line, pong_line, unix_time_ms};
 
 #[derive(Debug, Default)]
 pub struct ConnectionState {
     user: Option<String>,
     greeted: bool,
+    /// Last replies on this connection, oldest first. Request ids are unique
+    /// while cached, so a retried request replays its first result.
+    replays: VecDeque<(u64, String, String)>,
 }
 
 /// Settle reservations left behind by a previous process.
@@ -39,6 +43,27 @@ impl ConnectionState {
     pub fn greeted(&self) -> bool {
         self.greeted
     }
+
+    fn replay(&self, id: u64, payload: &str) -> Option<Result<String, String>> {
+        self.replays
+            .iter()
+            .find(|(cached_id, _, _)| *cached_id == id)
+            .map(|(_, cached_payload, reply)| {
+                if cached_payload == payload {
+                    Ok(reply.clone())
+                } else {
+                    Err("ERROR Request id reused with a different command".to_string())
+                }
+            })
+    }
+
+    fn remember(&mut self, id: u64, payload: &str, reply: &str) {
+        if self.replays.len() >= REPLAY_CACHE_LEN {
+            self.replays.pop_front();
+        }
+        self.replays
+            .push_back((id, payload.to_string(), reply.to_string()));
+    }
 }
 
 pub struct ServerCore {
@@ -49,6 +74,8 @@ pub struct ServerCore {
     blackjack: BlackjackGame,
     crash: CrashGame,
     clock: Arc<dyn Clock>,
+    /// Last time a crash tick was pushed, in seconds on the game clock.
+    last_tick: HashMap<String, f64>,
 }
 
 impl ServerCore {
@@ -65,6 +92,7 @@ impl ServerCore {
             blackjack: BlackjackGame::new(),
             crash: CrashGame::new(),
             clock: Arc::new(RealClock::new()),
+            last_tick: HashMap::new(),
         }
     }
 
@@ -96,6 +124,21 @@ impl ServerCore {
         Ok(Self::new(conn))
     }
 
+    /// Handle one enveloped request, replaying a cached reply for a repeated
+    /// request id. The payload grammar is unchanged; the envelope only adds
+    /// correlation and idempotency.
+    pub fn handle_request(&mut self, state: &mut ConnectionState, request: &Request) -> String {
+        if let Some(reply) = state.replay(request.id, &request.payload) {
+            return match reply {
+                Ok(reply) => reply,
+                Err(message) => message,
+            };
+        }
+        let reply = self.handle_message(state, &request.payload);
+        state.remember(request.id, &request.payload, &reply);
+        reply
+    }
+
     pub fn handle_message(&mut self, state: &mut ConnectionState, msg: &str) -> String {
         let parts: Vec<&str> = msg.splitn(5, ' ').collect();
 
@@ -201,7 +244,7 @@ impl ServerCore {
                     }
                 }
             }
-            "PING" => "PONG".to_string(),
+            "PING" => pong_line(unix_time_ms()),
             "INFO" => self.handle_info(state),
             _ => msg.to_string(),
         }
@@ -212,7 +255,8 @@ impl ServerCore {
             return "ERROR Invalid HELLO format. Usage: HELLO <version>".to_string();
         }
 
-        let (Some(client), Some(server)) = (Version::parse(parts[1]), Version::parse(VERSION)) else {
+        let (Some(client), Some(server)) = (Version::parse(parts[1]), Version::parse(VERSION))
+        else {
             return "ERROR Invalid version".to_string();
         };
 
@@ -225,7 +269,7 @@ impl ServerCore {
         }
 
         state.greeted = true;
-        hello_line(VERSION, VERSION, &download_url())
+        hello_line(VERSION, VERSION, &download_url(), unix_time_ms())
     }
 
     fn handle_register(&mut self, username: &str, credential: &str) -> String {
@@ -529,8 +573,8 @@ impl ServerCore {
 
         // The session is the audit guard for the deduction, so it exists before
         // the balance is touched.
-        let crash_point = self.crash.next_crash_point();
-        let round = CrashRound::new(bet as u64, crash_point, self.clock.now());
+        let seed = self.crash.next_seed();
+        let round = CrashRound::new(bet as u64, seed, self.clock.now(), unix_time_ms());
         let mut data = HashMap::new();
         data.insert("round".to_string(), round.to_json());
         data.insert("balance".to_string(), balance.to_string());
@@ -643,11 +687,27 @@ impl ServerCore {
             if !round.is_running() {
                 continue;
             }
-            let elapsed = (self.clock.now() - round.started_at).max(0.0);
-            if crate::crash::multiplier_at_secs(elapsed) < round.crash_point {
+            let now = self.clock.now();
+            let elapsed = (now - round.started_at).max(0.0);
+            let multiplier = crate::crash::multiplier_at_secs(elapsed);
+            if multiplier < round.crash_point {
+                let last = self
+                    .last_tick
+                    .get(&session.session_id)
+                    .copied()
+                    .unwrap_or(f64::NEG_INFINITY);
+                if now - last >= 0.1 {
+                    self.last_tick.insert(session.session_id.clone(), now);
+                    out.push(format!(
+                        "crash.tick session={} t={} m={multiplier:.4}",
+                        session.session_id,
+                        unix_time_ms()
+                    ));
+                }
                 continue;
             }
             round.crash();
+            self.last_tick.remove(&session.session_id);
             match self.settle_crash(user, &session.session_id, &round, 0) {
                 Ok(balance) => {
                     let state = round.state(&session.session_id, balance);
@@ -678,6 +738,7 @@ impl ServerCore {
             payout as i64,
             &details,
         );
+        self.last_tick.remove(session_id);
         let _ = self.sessions.remove_session(session_id);
         result.map_err(|error| error.to_string())
     }
diff --git a/src/server/games/crash.rs b/src/server/games/crash.rs
index ba73c7f..1728afc 100644
--- a/src/server/games/crash.rs
+++ b/src/server/games/crash.rs
@@ -1,5 +1,8 @@
 use super::traits::{Game, GameError, GamePhase, GameResult, GameState};
-use crate::crash::{crash_point_from_uniform, payout, CrashState};
+use crate::crash::{
+    CrashState, SEED_LEN, commit_seed, crash_point_from_seed, payout, seed_to_uniform,
+};
+use rand::RngCore;
 use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 use std::collections::{HashMap, VecDeque};
 use std::sync::{Arc, Mutex};
@@ -64,7 +67,14 @@ pub struct CrashRound {
     pub bet: u64,
     /// Drawn at start, revealed only when the round ends.
     pub crash_point: f64,
+    /// The 32 random bytes the crash point commits to, hex encoded. Kept on
+    /// the server until the round ends.
+    pub seed: String,
+    /// `sha256(seed)` in hex, sent with the start reply.
+    pub commit: String,
     pub started_at: f64,
+    /// Server Unix time at start, milliseconds, for clock sync.
+    pub started_at_ms: u64,
     /// `running`, `cashed`, `crashed` or `forfeit`.
     pub phase: String,
     pub result: String,
@@ -74,11 +84,15 @@ pub struct CrashRound {
 }
 
 impl CrashRound {
-    pub fn new(bet: u64, crash_point: f64, started_at: f64) -> Self {
+    pub fn new(bet: u64, seed: [u8; SEED_LEN], started_at: f64, started_at_ms: u64) -> Self {
+        let crash_point = crash_point_from_seed(&seed);
         Self {
             bet,
             crash_point,
+            seed: seed_hex(&seed),
+            commit: commit_seed(&seed),
             started_at,
+            started_at_ms,
             phase: "running".to_string(),
             result: "playing".to_string(),
             multiplier: 1.0,
@@ -120,6 +134,7 @@ impl CrashRound {
             balance,
             multiplier: self.multiplier,
             potential: payout(self.bet, self.multiplier),
+            started_at: self.started_at_ms,
             crash_point: if self.is_running() {
                 None
             } else {
@@ -127,6 +142,12 @@ impl CrashRound {
             },
             payout: self.payout,
             result: self.result.clone(),
+            commit: Some(self.commit.clone()),
+            seed: if self.is_running() {
+                None
+            } else {
+                Some(self.seed.clone())
+            },
         }
     }
 
@@ -146,6 +167,34 @@ pub struct CrashGame {
     uniforms: VecDeque<f64>,
 }
 
+/// Hex encode a round seed. Lowercase, no separators.
+fn seed_hex(seed: &[u8]) -> String {
+    let mut out = String::with_capacity(seed.len() * 2);
+    for byte in seed {
+        use std::fmt::Write as _;
+        let _ = write!(out, "{byte:02x}");
+    }
+    out
+}
+
+/// Draw a seed whose committed point matches a queued test uniform.
+///
+/// The first eight bytes are the big-endian integer closest to
+/// `uniform * 2^64`; the remaining bytes are zero. This keeps the existing
+/// deterministic crash-point tests meaningful while every round still has a
+/// real seed.
+fn seed_from_uniform(uniform: f64) -> [u8; SEED_LEN] {
+    let uniform = if uniform.is_finite() {
+        uniform.clamp(0.0, 0.999_999_999_999_999_9)
+    } else {
+        0.0
+    };
+    let value = (uniform * 18_446_744_073_709_551_616.0) as u64;
+    let mut seed = [0u8; SEED_LEN];
+    seed[..8].copy_from_slice(&value.to_be_bytes());
+    seed
+}
+
 impl CrashGame {
     pub fn new() -> Self {
         Self {
@@ -163,12 +212,25 @@ impl CrashGame {
         }
     }
 
+    /// Draw the next round seed. Tests supply uniforms; production uses the
+    /// operating system's random source.
+    pub fn next_seed(&mut self) -> [u8; SEED_LEN] {
+        if let Some(uniform) = self.uniforms.pop_front() {
+            return seed_from_uniform(uniform);
+        }
+        let mut seed = [0u8; SEED_LEN];
+        rand::thread_rng().fill_bytes(&mut seed);
+        seed
+    }
+
+    /// Kept for callers that only need the point a queued uniform encodes.
     pub fn next_crash_point(&mut self) -> f64 {
-        let uniform = self
-            .uniforms
-            .pop_front()
-            .unwrap_or_else(rand::random::<f64>);
-        crash_point_from_uniform(uniform)
+        crash_point_from_seed(&self.next_seed())
+    }
+
+    /// The uniform encoded by a seed, exposed for verification tests.
+    pub fn uniform_of(seed: &[u8; SEED_LEN]) -> f64 {
+        seed_to_uniform(seed)
     }
 }
 
diff --git a/src/version.rs b/src/version.rs
index c1dcee5..adc2a8d 100644
--- a/src/version.rs
+++ b/src/version.rs
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@
 //! accepted until the server has answered it.
 
 use std::env;
+use std::time::{SystemTime, UNIX_EPOCH};
 
 /// Version this build reports. The client and the server share it.
 pub const VERSION: &str = env!("CARGO_PKG_VERSION");
@@ -73,9 +74,9 @@ pub fn is_newer(latest: &str, current: &str) -> bool {
     }
 }
 
-/// The server line that accepts a handshake.
-pub fn hello_line(version: &str, latest: &str, url: &str) -> String {
-    format!("HELLO {version} latest={latest} url={url}")
+/// The server line that accepts a handshake. `time` is Unix milliseconds.
+pub fn hello_line(version: &str, latest: &str, url: &str, time: u64) -> String {
+    format!("HELLO {version} latest={latest} url={url} time={time}")
 }
 
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq)]
@@ -83,9 +84,11 @@ pub struct HelloReply {
     pub version: String,
     pub latest: String,
     pub url: String,
+    /// Server clock at the moment the reply was built, Unix milliseconds.
+    pub time: u64,
 }
 
-/// Parse `HELLO <version> latest=<version> url=<url>`.
+/// Parse `HELLO <version> latest=<version> url=<url> time=<unix_ms>`.
 pub fn parse_hello(line: &str) -> Option<HelloReply> {
     let rest = line.trim().strip_prefix("HELLO ")?;
     let mut tokens = rest.split_whitespace();
@@ -93,11 +96,14 @@ pub fn parse_hello(line: &str) -> Option<HelloReply> {
 
     let mut latest = None;
     let mut url = None;
+    let mut time = None;
     for token in tokens {
         if let Some(value) = token.strip_prefix("latest=") {
             latest = Some(value.to_string());
         } else if let Some(value) = token.strip_prefix("url=") {
             url = Some(value.to_string());
+        } else if let Some(value) = token.strip_prefix("time=") {
+            time = value.parse().ok();
         }
     }
 
@@ -105,9 +111,29 @@ pub fn parse_hello(line: &str) -> Option<HelloReply> {
         version,
         latest: latest?,
         url: url?,
+        time: time?,
     })
 }
 
+/// The reply to `PING`: `PONG <unix_ms>`.
+pub fn pong_line(time: u64) -> String {
+    format!("PONG {time}")
+}
+
+/// Parse a `PONG` reply's server time.
+pub fn parse_pong(line: &str) -> Option<u64> {
+    line.trim().strip_prefix("PONG ")?.trim().parse().ok()
+}
+
+/// Current Unix time in milliseconds. Used for handshake timestamps and crash
+/// anchors; a system clock before the epoch reads as zero.
+pub fn unix_time_ms() -> u64 {
+    SystemTime::now()
+        .duration_since(UNIX_EPOCH)
+        .map(|duration| duration.as_millis().min(u128::from(u64::MAX)) as u64)
+        .unwrap_or(0)
+}
+
 /// Download page advertised by the server. `DOWNLOAD_URL` wins when set.
 pub fn download_url() -> String {
     env::var("DOWNLOAD_URL")
-- 
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