diff --git a/App.tsx b/App.tsx
index 18cecb2..a0096ac 100644
--- a/App.tsx
+++ b/App.tsx
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@ import React, { useState } from 'react';
 import { useAuth } from 'react-oidc-context';
 import { useGame } from './hooks/useGame';
 import { useQuizLibrary } from './hooks/useQuizLibrary';
+import { useUserConfig } from './hooks/useUserConfig';
 import { Landing } from './components/Landing';
 import { Lobby } from './components/Lobby';
 import { GameScreen } from './components/GameScreen';
@@ -12,7 +13,7 @@ import { RevealScreen } from './components/RevealScreen';
 import { SaveQuizPrompt } from './components/SaveQuizPrompt';
 import { QuizEditor } from './components/QuizEditor';
 import { SaveOptionsModal } from './components/SaveOptionsModal';
-import type { Quiz } from './types';
+import type { Quiz, GameConfig } from './types';
 
 const seededRandom = (seed: number) => {
   const x = Math.sin(seed * 9999) * 10000;
@@ -42,6 +43,7 @@ const FloatingShapes = React.memo(() => {
 function App() {
   const auth = useAuth();
   const { saveQuiz, updateQuiz, saving } = useQuizLibrary();
+  const { defaultConfig } = useUserConfig();
   const [showSaveOptions, setShowSaveOptions] = useState(false);
   const [pendingEditedQuiz, setPendingEditedQuiz] = useState<Quiz | null>(null);
   const {
@@ -74,7 +76,8 @@ function App() {
     sourceQuizId,
     updateQuizFromEditor,
     startGameFromEditor,
-    backFromEditor
+    backFromEditor,
+    gameConfig
   } = useGame();
 
   const handleSaveQuiz = async () => {
@@ -152,7 +155,8 @@ function App() {
             onSave={handleEditorSave}
             onStartGame={startGameFromEditor}
             onBack={backFromEditor}
-            sourceQuizId={sourceQuizId}
+            showSaveButton={auth.isAuthenticated}
+            defaultConfig={defaultConfig}
           />
         ) : null}
 
@@ -195,6 +199,7 @@ function App() {
               onAnswer={handleAnswer}
               hasAnswered={hasAnswered}
               lastPointsEarned={lastPointsEarned}
+              hostPlays={gameConfig.hostParticipates}
             />
           )
         ) : null}
diff --git a/components/DefaultConfigModal.tsx b/components/DefaultConfigModal.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..c2831c1
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/DefaultConfigModal.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,95 @@
+import React from 'react';
+import { motion } from 'framer-motion';
+import { X, Settings, Loader2 } from 'lucide-react';
+import { GameConfigPanel } from './GameConfigPanel';
+import { useBodyScrollLock } from '../hooks/useBodyScrollLock';
+import type { GameConfig } from '../types';
+
+interface DefaultConfigModalProps {
+  isOpen: boolean;
+  onClose: () => void;
+  config: GameConfig;
+  onChange: (config: GameConfig) => void;
+  onSave: () => void;
+  saving: boolean;
+}
+
+export const DefaultConfigModal: React.FC<DefaultConfigModalProps> = ({
+  isOpen,
+  onClose,
+  config,
+  onChange,
+  onSave,
+  saving,
+}) => {
+  useBodyScrollLock(isOpen);
+
+  if (!isOpen) return null;
+
+  return (
+    <motion.div
+      initial={{ opacity: 0 }}
+      animate={{ opacity: 1 }}
+      exit={{ opacity: 0 }}
+      className="fixed inset-0 bg-black/50 flex items-center justify-center z-50 p-4"
+      onClick={onClose}
+    >
+      <motion.div
+        initial={{ scale: 0.9, opacity: 0 }}
+        animate={{ scale: 1, opacity: 1 }}
+        exit={{ scale: 0.9, opacity: 0 }}
+        className="bg-white rounded-2xl max-w-lg w-full shadow-xl max-h-[90vh] overflow-hidden flex flex-col"
+        onClick={(e) => e.stopPropagation()}
+      >
+        <div className="p-6 border-b border-gray-100 flex items-center justify-between bg-gradient-to-r from-theme-primary to-purple-600">
+          <div className="flex items-center gap-3 text-white">
+            <div className="p-2 bg-white/20 rounded-xl">
+              <Settings size={24} />
+            </div>
+            <div>
+              <h2 className="text-xl font-black">Default Game Settings</h2>
+              <p className="text-sm opacity-80">Applied to all new quizzes</p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+          <button
+            onClick={onClose}
+            className="p-2 hover:bg-white/20 rounded-xl transition text-white"
+          >
+            <X size={24} />
+          </button>
+        </div>
+
+        <div className="p-6 overflow-y-auto flex-1 bg-gray-50">
+          <GameConfigPanel
+            config={config}
+            onChange={onChange}
+            questionCount={10}
+          />
+        </div>
+
+        <div className="p-6 border-t border-gray-100 flex gap-3">
+          <button
+            onClick={onClose}
+            className="flex-1 py-3 rounded-xl font-bold border-2 border-gray-200 text-gray-600 hover:bg-gray-50 transition"
+          >
+            Cancel
+          </button>
+          <button
+            onClick={onSave}
+            disabled={saving}
+            className="flex-1 py-3 rounded-xl font-bold bg-theme-primary text-white hover:bg-theme-primary/90 transition disabled:opacity-50 flex items-center justify-center gap-2"
+          >
+            {saving ? (
+              <>
+                <Loader2 size={20} className="animate-spin" />
+                Saving...
+              </>
+            ) : (
+              'Save Defaults'
+            )}
+          </button>
+        </div>
+      </motion.div>
+    </motion.div>
+  );
+};
diff --git a/components/GameConfigPanel.tsx b/components/GameConfigPanel.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..df29120
--- /dev/null
+++ b/components/GameConfigPanel.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,325 @@
+import React, { useState } from 'react';
+import { Shuffle, Eye, Flame, TrendingUp, MinusCircle, Award, Info, ChevronDown, ChevronUp } from 'lucide-react';
+import type { GameConfig } from '../types';
+
+interface GameConfigPanelProps {
+  config: GameConfig;
+  onChange: (config: GameConfig) => void;
+  questionCount: number;
+  compact?: boolean;
+}
+
+interface TooltipProps {
+  content: string;
+}
+
+const Tooltip: React.FC<TooltipProps> = ({ content }) => {
+  const [show, setShow] = useState(false);
+  const [coords, setCoords] = useState({ top: 0, left: 0 });
+  const buttonRef = React.useRef<HTMLButtonElement>(null);
+
+  const updatePosition = () => {
+    if (buttonRef.current) {
+      const rect = buttonRef.current.getBoundingClientRect();
+      setCoords({
+        top: rect.top + rect.height / 2,
+        left: rect.right + 8,
+      });
+    }
+  };
+
+  const handleMouseEnter = () => {
+    updatePosition();
+    setShow(true);
+  };
+
+  const handleClick = (e: React.MouseEvent) => {
+    e.preventDefault();
+    e.stopPropagation();
+    updatePosition();
+    setShow(!show);
+  };
+
+  return (
+    <div className="relative inline-block">
+      <button
+        ref={buttonRef}
+        type="button"
+        onMouseEnter={handleMouseEnter}
+        onMouseLeave={() => setShow(false)}
+        onClick={handleClick}
+        className="p-1 text-gray-400 hover:text-gray-600 transition"
+      >
+        <Info size={16} />
+      </button>
+      {show && (
+        <div 
+          className="fixed z-[100] w-64 p-3 text-sm bg-gray-900 text-white rounded-lg shadow-lg"
+          style={{ 
+            top: coords.top,
+            left: coords.left,
+            transform: 'translateY(-50%)',
+          }}
+        >
+          {content}
+          <div className="absolute left-0 top-1/2 -translate-y-1/2 -translate-x-1 w-2 h-2 bg-gray-900 rotate-45" />
+        </div>
+      )}
+    </div>
+  );
+};
+
+interface ToggleRowProps {
+  icon: React.ReactNode;
+  iconActive: boolean;
+  label: string;
+  description: string;
+  checked: boolean;
+  onChange: (checked: boolean) => void;
+  tooltip?: string;
+  children?: React.ReactNode;
+}
+
+const ToggleRow: React.FC<ToggleRowProps> = ({
+  icon,
+  iconActive,
+  label: labelText,
+  description,
+  checked,
+  onChange,
+  tooltip,
+  children,
+}) => {
+  const inputId = React.useId();
+  
+  return (
+    <div className="bg-white rounded-xl border-2 border-gray-200 overflow-hidden">
+      <div className="flex items-center justify-between p-4 hover:bg-gray-50 transition group">
+        <label htmlFor={inputId} className="flex items-center gap-3 cursor-pointer flex-1">
+          <div className={`p-2 rounded-lg transition ${iconActive ? 'bg-theme-primary text-white' : 'bg-gray-100 text-gray-500 group-hover:bg-gray-200'}`}>
+            {icon}
+          </div>
+          <div>
+            <p className="font-bold text-gray-900">{labelText}</p>
+            <p className="text-sm text-gray-500">{description}</p>
+          </div>
+        </label>
+        <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+          {tooltip && <Tooltip content={tooltip} />}
+          <label htmlFor={inputId} className="relative cursor-pointer">
+            <input
+              id={inputId}
+              type="checkbox"
+              checked={checked}
+              onChange={(e) => onChange(e.target.checked)}
+              className="sr-only peer"
+            />
+            <div className="w-11 h-6 bg-gray-200 rounded-full peer peer-checked:bg-theme-primary transition-colors" />
+            <div className="absolute left-0.5 top-0.5 w-5 h-5 bg-white rounded-full shadow transition-transform peer-checked:translate-x-5" />
+          </label>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+      {checked && children && (
+        <div className="px-4 pb-4 pt-0 border-t border-gray-100 bg-gray-50">
+          {children}
+        </div>
+      )}
+    </div>
+  );
+};
+
+interface NumberInputProps {
+  label: string;
+  value: number;
+  onChange: (value: number) => void;
+  min?: number;
+  max?: number;
+  step?: number;
+  suffix?: string;
+}
+
+const NumberInput: React.FC<NumberInputProps> = ({ label, value, onChange, min, max, step = 1, suffix }) => (
+  <div className="flex items-center justify-between py-2">
+    <span className="text-sm font-medium text-gray-700">{label}</span>
+    <div className="flex items-center gap-2">
+      <input
+        type="number"
+        value={value}
+        onChange={(e) => onChange(Number(e.target.value))}
+        min={min}
+        max={max}
+        step={step}
+        className="w-20 px-3 py-1.5 border-2 border-gray-200 rounded-lg text-center font-bold text-gray-900 bg-white focus:border-theme-primary focus:ring-2 focus:ring-theme-primary/20 outline-none"
+      />
+      {suffix && <span className="text-sm text-gray-500">{suffix}</span>}
+    </div>
+  </div>
+);
+
+export const GameConfigPanel: React.FC<GameConfigPanelProps> = ({
+  config,
+  onChange,
+  questionCount,
+  compact = false,
+}) => {
+  const [expanded, setExpanded] = useState(!compact);
+
+  const update = (partial: Partial<GameConfig>) => {
+    onChange({ ...config, ...partial });
+  };
+
+  const suggestedComebackBonus = Math.round(50 + (questionCount * 5));
+  const suggestedFirstCorrectBonus = Math.round(25 + (questionCount * 2.5));
+
+  if (compact && !expanded) {
+    return (
+      <button
+        onClick={() => setExpanded(true)}
+        className="w-full flex items-center justify-between p-4 bg-white rounded-xl border-2 border-gray-200 hover:border-theme-primary transition"
+      >
+        <span className="font-bold text-gray-700">Game Settings</span>
+        <ChevronDown size={20} className="text-gray-400" />
+      </button>
+    );
+  }
+
+  return (
+    <div className="space-y-2">
+      {compact && (
+        <button
+          onClick={() => setExpanded(false)}
+          className="w-full flex items-center justify-between p-3 bg-gray-100 rounded-xl hover:bg-gray-200 transition"
+        >
+          <span className="font-bold text-gray-700">Game Settings</span>
+          <ChevronUp size={20} className="text-gray-400" />
+        </button>
+      )}
+
+      <ToggleRow
+        icon={<Shuffle size={20} />}
+        iconActive={config.shuffleQuestions}
+        label="Shuffle Questions"
+        description="Randomize question order when starting"
+        checked={config.shuffleQuestions}
+        onChange={(v) => update({ shuffleQuestions: v })}
+      />
+
+      <ToggleRow
+        icon={<Shuffle size={20} />}
+        iconActive={config.shuffleAnswers}
+        label="Shuffle Answers"
+        description="Randomize answer positions for each question"
+        checked={config.shuffleAnswers}
+        onChange={(v) => update({ shuffleAnswers: v })}
+      />
+
+      <ToggleRow
+        icon={<Eye size={20} />}
+        iconActive={config.hostParticipates}
+        label="Host Participates"
+        description="Join as a player and answer questions"
+        checked={config.hostParticipates}
+        onChange={(v) => update({ hostParticipates: v })}
+      />
+
+      <ToggleRow
+        icon={<Flame size={20} />}
+        iconActive={config.streakBonusEnabled}
+        label="Streak Bonus"
+        description="Multiply points for consecutive correct answers"
+        checked={config.streakBonusEnabled}
+        onChange={(v) => update({ streakBonusEnabled: v })}
+        tooltip={`After ${config.streakThreshold} correct answers in a row, points are multiplied by ${config.streakMultiplier}x. The multiplier increases by ${((config.streakMultiplier - 1) * 100).toFixed(0)}% for each additional correct answer.`}
+      >
+        <div className="mt-3 space-y-1">
+          <NumberInput
+            label="Streak threshold"
+            value={config.streakThreshold}
+            onChange={(v) => update({ streakThreshold: v })}
+            min={2}
+            max={10}
+            suffix="correct"
+          />
+          <NumberInput
+            label="Multiplier"
+            value={config.streakMultiplier}
+            onChange={(v) => update({ streakMultiplier: v })}
+            min={1.05}
+            max={2}
+            step={0.05}
+            suffix="x"
+          />
+        </div>
+      </ToggleRow>
+
+      <ToggleRow
+        icon={<TrendingUp size={20} />}
+        iconActive={config.comebackBonusEnabled}
+        label="Comeback Bonus"
+        description="Extra points for players not in top 3"
+        checked={config.comebackBonusEnabled}
+        onChange={(v) => update({ comebackBonusEnabled: v })}
+      >
+        <div className="mt-3">
+          <NumberInput
+            label="Bonus points"
+            value={config.comebackBonusPoints}
+            onChange={(v) => update({ comebackBonusPoints: v })}
+            min={10}
+            max={500}
+            suffix="pts"
+          />
+          <p className="text-xs text-gray-500 mt-1">
+            Suggested for {questionCount} questions: {suggestedComebackBonus} pts
+          </p>
+        </div>
+      </ToggleRow>
+
+      <ToggleRow
+        icon={<MinusCircle size={20} />}
+        iconActive={config.penaltyForWrongAnswer}
+        label="Wrong Answer Penalty"
+        description="Deduct points for incorrect answers"
+        checked={config.penaltyForWrongAnswer}
+        onChange={(v) => update({ penaltyForWrongAnswer: v })}
+      >
+        <div className="mt-3">
+          <NumberInput
+            label="Penalty"
+            value={config.penaltyPercent}
+            onChange={(v) => update({ penaltyPercent: v })}
+            min={5}
+            max={100}
+            suffix="%"
+          />
+          <p className="text-xs text-gray-500 mt-1">
+            Deducts {config.penaltyPercent}% of max points ({Math.round(1000 * config.penaltyPercent / 100)} pts)
+          </p>
+        </div>
+      </ToggleRow>
+
+      <ToggleRow
+        icon={<Award size={20} />}
+        iconActive={config.firstCorrectBonusEnabled}
+        label="First Correct Bonus"
+        description="Extra points for first player to answer correctly"
+        checked={config.firstCorrectBonusEnabled}
+        onChange={(v) => update({ firstCorrectBonusEnabled: v })}
+      >
+        <div className="mt-3">
+          <NumberInput
+            label="Bonus points"
+            value={config.firstCorrectBonusPoints}
+            onChange={(v) => update({ firstCorrectBonusPoints: v })}
+            min={10}
+            max={500}
+            suffix="pts"
+          />
+          <p className="text-xs text-gray-500 mt-1">
+            Suggested for {questionCount} questions: {suggestedFirstCorrectBonus} pts
+          </p>
+        </div>
+      </ToggleRow>
+    </div>
+  );
+};
diff --git a/components/GameScreen.tsx b/components/GameScreen.tsx
index c6866fc..060de98 100644
--- a/components/GameScreen.tsx
+++ b/components/GameScreen.tsx
@@ -13,6 +13,7 @@ interface GameScreenProps {
   onAnswer: (isCorrect: boolean) => void;
   hasAnswered: boolean;
   lastPointsEarned: number | null;
+  hostPlays?: boolean;
 }
 
 export const GameScreen: React.FC<GameScreenProps> = ({
@@ -24,8 +25,10 @@ export const GameScreen: React.FC<GameScreenProps> = ({
   role,
   onAnswer,
   hasAnswered,
+  hostPlays = true,
 }) => {
   const isClient = role === 'CLIENT';
+  const isSpectator = role === 'HOST' && !hostPlays;
   const displayOptions = question?.options || [];
   const timeLeftSeconds = Math.ceil(timeLeft / 1000);
   
@@ -51,7 +54,7 @@ export const GameScreen: React.FC<GameScreenProps> = ({
         </div>
 
         <div className="bg-white/20 backdrop-blur-md px-6 py-2 rounded-2xl font-black text-xl shadow-sm border-2 border-white/10">
-          {isClient ? 'Controller' : 'Host'}
+          {isClient ? 'Player' : isSpectator ? 'Spectator' : 'Host'}
         </div>
       </div>
 
@@ -80,12 +83,14 @@ export const GameScreen: React.FC<GameScreenProps> = ({
           
           let opacityClass = "opacity-100";
           let scaleClass = "scale-100";
+          let cursorClass = "";
 
-          // If answering phase and user answered, dim everything
-          if (hasAnswered) {
+          if (isSpectator) {
+            cursorClass = "cursor-default";
+          } else if (hasAnswered) {
             opacityClass = "opacity-50 cursor-not-allowed grayscale"; 
             scaleClass = "scale-95";
-          } 
+          }
 
           return (
             <motion.button
@@ -93,14 +98,14 @@ export const GameScreen: React.FC<GameScreenProps> = ({
               initial={{ y: 50, opacity: 0 }}
               animate={{ y: 0, opacity: 1 }}
               transition={{ delay: idx * 0.03, type: 'spring', stiffness: 500, damping: 30 }}
-              disabled={hasAnswered}
-              onClick={() => onAnswer(option as any)} 
+              disabled={hasAnswered || isSpectator}
+              onClick={() => !isSpectator && onAnswer(option as any)} 
               className={`
-                ${colorClass} ${opacityClass} ${scaleClass}
+                ${colorClass} ${opacityClass} ${scaleClass} ${cursorClass}
                 rounded-3xl shadow-[0_8px_0_rgba(0,0,0,0.2)] 
                 flex flex-col md:flex-row items-center justify-center md:justify-start 
                 p-4 md:p-8 
-                active:shadow-none active:translate-y-[8px] active:scale-95
+                ${!isSpectator ? 'active:shadow-none active:translate-y-[8px] active:scale-95' : ''}
                 transition-all duration-300 relative group overflow-hidden border-b-8 border-black/10
               `}
             >
diff --git a/components/Landing.tsx b/components/Landing.tsx
index b82c94d..80628cf 100644
--- a/components/Landing.tsx
+++ b/components/Landing.tsx
@@ -1,11 +1,13 @@
 import React, { useState, useEffect } from 'react';
 import { motion, AnimatePresence } from 'framer-motion';
-import { BrainCircuit, Loader2, Play, PenTool, BookOpen, Upload, X, FileText, Image, ScanText, Sparkles } from 'lucide-react';
+import { BrainCircuit, Loader2, Play, PenTool, BookOpen, Upload, X, FileText, Image, ScanText, Sparkles, Settings } from 'lucide-react';
 import { useAuth } from 'react-oidc-context';
 import { AuthButton } from './AuthButton';
 import { QuizLibrary } from './QuizLibrary';
+import { DefaultConfigModal } from './DefaultConfigModal';
 import { useQuizLibrary } from '../hooks/useQuizLibrary';
-import type { Quiz } from '../types';
+import { useUserConfig } from '../hooks/useUserConfig';
+import type { Quiz, GameConfig } from '../types';
 
 type GenerateMode = 'topic' | 'document';
 
@@ -31,10 +33,14 @@ export const Landing: React.FC<LandingProps> = ({ onGenerate, onCreateManual, on
   const [questionCount, setQuestionCount] = useState(10);
   const [isDragging, setIsDragging] = useState(false);
   const [useOcr, setUseOcr] = useState(false);
+  const [defaultConfigOpen, setDefaultConfigOpen] = useState(false);
+  const [editingDefaultConfig, setEditingDefaultConfig] = useState<GameConfig | null>(null);
   
   const hasImageFile = selectedFiles.some(f => f.type.startsWith('image/'));
   const hasDocumentFile = selectedFiles.some(f => !f.type.startsWith('image/') && !['application/pdf', 'text/plain', 'text/markdown', 'text/csv', 'text/html'].includes(f.type));
   const showOcrOption = hasImageFile || hasDocumentFile;
+
+  const { defaultConfig, saving: savingConfig, saveDefaultConfig } = useUserConfig();
   
   const { 
     quizzes, 
@@ -132,7 +138,19 @@ export const Landing: React.FC<LandingProps> = ({ onGenerate, onCreateManual, on
 
   return (
     <div className="flex flex-col items-center justify-center min-h-screen p-4 text-center relative">
-      <div className="absolute top-4 right-4">
+      <div className="absolute top-4 right-4 flex items-center gap-2">
+        {auth.isAuthenticated && (
+          <button
+            onClick={() => {
+              setEditingDefaultConfig(defaultConfig);
+              setDefaultConfigOpen(true);
+            }}
+            className="p-2.5 bg-white/90 hover:bg-white rounded-xl shadow-md hover:shadow-lg transition-all text-gray-600 hover:text-theme-primary"
+            title="Default Game Settings"
+          >
+            <Settings size={20} />
+          </button>
+        )}
         <AuthButton />
       </div>
       <motion.div 
@@ -416,6 +434,24 @@ export const Landing: React.FC<LandingProps> = ({ onGenerate, onCreateManual, on
         onDeleteQuiz={deleteQuiz}
         onRetry={retryLibrary}
       />
+
+      <DefaultConfigModal
+        isOpen={defaultConfigOpen}
+        onClose={() => {
+          setDefaultConfigOpen(false);
+          setEditingDefaultConfig(null);
+        }}
+        config={editingDefaultConfig || defaultConfig}
+        onChange={setEditingDefaultConfig}
+        onSave={async () => {
+          if (editingDefaultConfig) {
+            await saveDefaultConfig(editingDefaultConfig);
+            setDefaultConfigOpen(false);
+            setEditingDefaultConfig(null);
+          }
+        }}
+        saving={savingConfig}
+      />
     </div>
   );
 };
diff --git a/components/QuizEditor.tsx b/components/QuizEditor.tsx
index 09b2d28..8cb3157 100644
--- a/components/QuizEditor.tsx
+++ b/components/QuizEditor.tsx
@@ -1,41 +1,52 @@
-import React, { useState } from 'react';
+import React, { useState, useEffect, useCallback } from 'react';
 import { motion, AnimatePresence } from 'framer-motion';
-import { ArrowLeft, Save, Plus, Play, AlertTriangle, Shuffle } from 'lucide-react';
+import { ArrowLeft, Save, Plus, Play, AlertTriangle } from 'lucide-react';
 import { DndContext, closestCenter, KeyboardSensor, PointerSensor, useSensor, useSensors, DragEndEvent } from '@dnd-kit/core';
 import { arrayMove, SortableContext, sortableKeyboardCoordinates, verticalListSortingStrategy } from '@dnd-kit/sortable';
-import { Quiz, Question } from '../types';
+import { Quiz, Question, GameConfig, DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG } from '../types';
 import { SortableQuestionCard } from './SortableQuestionCard';
 import { QuestionEditModal } from './QuestionEditModal';
+import { GameConfigPanel } from './GameConfigPanel';
 import { useBodyScrollLock } from '../hooks/useBodyScrollLock';
 import { v4 as uuidv4 } from 'uuid';
 
 interface QuizEditorProps {
   quiz: Quiz;
   onSave: (quiz: Quiz) => void;
-  onStartGame: (quiz: Quiz) => void;
+  onStartGame: (quiz: Quiz, config: GameConfig) => void;
+  onConfigChange?: (config: GameConfig) => void;
   onBack: () => void;
   showSaveButton?: boolean;
   isSaving?: boolean;
+  defaultConfig?: GameConfig;
 }
 
 export const QuizEditor: React.FC<QuizEditorProps> = ({
   quiz: initialQuiz,
   onSave,
   onStartGame,
+  onConfigChange,
   onBack,
   showSaveButton = true,
-  isSaving
+  isSaving,
+  defaultConfig,
 }) => {
   const [quiz, setQuiz] = useState<Quiz>(initialQuiz);
   const [expandedId, setExpandedId] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const [editingQuestion, setEditingQuestion] = useState<Question | null>(null);
   const [showDeleteConfirm, setShowDeleteConfirm] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const [titleEditing, setTitleEditing] = useState(false);
-  const [shuffleQuestions, setShuffleQuestions] = useState(false);
-  const [shuffleAnswers, setShuffleAnswers] = useState(false);
+  const [config, setConfig] = useState<GameConfig>(
+    initialQuiz.config || defaultConfig || DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG
+  );
 
   useBodyScrollLock(!!showDeleteConfirm);
 
+  const handleConfigChange = useCallback((newConfig: GameConfig) => {
+    setConfig(newConfig);
+    onConfigChange?.(newConfig);
+  }, [onConfigChange]);
+
   const sensors = useSensors(
     useSensor(PointerSensor, {
       activationConstraint: { distance: 8 }
@@ -117,11 +128,11 @@ export const QuizEditor: React.FC<QuizEditorProps> = ({
   const handleStartGame = () => {
     let questions = [...quiz.questions];
     
-    if (shuffleQuestions) {
+    if (config.shuffleQuestions) {
       questions = questions.sort(() => Math.random() - 0.5);
     }
     
-    if (shuffleAnswers) {
+    if (config.shuffleAnswers) {
       const shapes = ['triangle', 'diamond', 'circle', 'square'] as const;
       const colors = ['red', 'blue', 'yellow', 'green'] as const;
       
@@ -138,7 +149,7 @@ export const QuizEditor: React.FC<QuizEditorProps> = ({
       });
     }
     
-    onStartGame({ ...quiz, questions });
+    onStartGame({ ...quiz, questions, config }, config);
   };
 
   return (
@@ -242,51 +253,12 @@ export const QuizEditor: React.FC<QuizEditorProps> = ({
         </div>
 
         <div className="p-6 bg-gray-50 border-t-2 border-gray-100 space-y-4">
-          <div className="space-y-2">
-            <label className="flex items-center justify-between p-4 bg-white rounded-xl border-2 border-gray-200 cursor-pointer hover:border-theme-primary transition group">
-              <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
-                <div className={`p-2 rounded-lg transition ${shuffleQuestions ? 'bg-theme-primary text-white' : 'bg-gray-100 text-gray-500 group-hover:bg-gray-200'}`}>
-                  <Shuffle size={20} />
-                </div>
-                <div>
-                  <p className="font-bold text-gray-900">Shuffle Questions</p>
-                  <p className="text-sm text-gray-500">Randomize question order when starting</p>
-                </div>
-              </div>
-              <div className="relative">
-                <input
-                  type="checkbox"
-                  checked={shuffleQuestions}
-                  onChange={(e) => setShuffleQuestions(e.target.checked)}
-                  className="sr-only peer"
-                />
-                <div className="w-11 h-6 bg-gray-200 rounded-full peer peer-checked:bg-theme-primary transition-colors"></div>
-                <div className="absolute left-0.5 top-0.5 w-5 h-5 bg-white rounded-full shadow transition-transform peer-checked:translate-x-5"></div>
-              </div>
-            </label>
-
-            <label className="flex items-center justify-between p-4 bg-white rounded-xl border-2 border-gray-200 cursor-pointer hover:border-theme-primary transition group">
-              <div className="flex items-center gap-3">
-                <div className={`p-2 rounded-lg transition ${shuffleAnswers ? 'bg-theme-primary text-white' : 'bg-gray-100 text-gray-500 group-hover:bg-gray-200'}`}>
-                  <Shuffle size={20} />
-                </div>
-                <div>
-                  <p className="font-bold text-gray-900">Shuffle Answers</p>
-                  <p className="text-sm text-gray-500">Randomize answer positions for each question</p>
-                </div>
-              </div>
-              <div className="relative">
-                <input
-                  type="checkbox"
-                  checked={shuffleAnswers}
-                  onChange={(e) => setShuffleAnswers(e.target.checked)}
-                  className="sr-only peer"
-                />
-                <div className="w-11 h-6 bg-gray-200 rounded-full peer peer-checked:bg-theme-primary transition-colors"></div>
-                <div className="absolute left-0.5 top-0.5 w-5 h-5 bg-white rounded-full shadow transition-transform peer-checked:translate-x-5"></div>
-              </div>
-            </label>
-          </div>
+          <GameConfigPanel
+            config={config}
+            onChange={handleConfigChange}
+            questionCount={quiz.questions.length}
+            compact
+          />
 
           <button
             onClick={handleStartGame}
diff --git a/constants.ts b/constants.ts
index 6f3e583..ecc3c83 100644
--- a/constants.ts
+++ b/constants.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,5 @@
 import { Triangle, Diamond, Circle, Square } from 'lucide-react';
+import type { GameConfig, Player } from './types';
 
 export const COLORS = {
   red: 'bg-red-600',
@@ -25,6 +26,62 @@ export const QUESTION_TIME = 20; // seconds
 export const QUESTION_TIME_MS = 20000; // milliseconds
 export const POINTS_PER_QUESTION = 1000;
 
+export const calculateBasePoints = (timeLeftMs: number, questionTimeMs: number, maxPoints: number = POINTS_PER_QUESTION): number => {
+  const responseTimeMs = questionTimeMs - timeLeftMs;
+  const responseTimeSec = responseTimeMs / 1000;
+  const questionTimeSec = questionTimeMs / 1000;
+  
+  if (responseTimeSec < 0.5) {
+    return maxPoints;
+  }
+  
+  return Math.round((1 - (responseTimeSec / questionTimeSec) / 2) * maxPoints);
+};
+
+interface PointsCalculationParams {
+  isCorrect: boolean;
+  timeLeftMs: number;
+  questionTimeMs: number;
+  streak: number;
+  playerRank: number;
+  isFirstCorrect: boolean;
+  config: GameConfig;
+}
+
+export const calculatePoints = (params: PointsCalculationParams): number => {
+  const { isCorrect, timeLeftMs, questionTimeMs, streak, playerRank, isFirstCorrect, config } = params;
+
+  if (!isCorrect) {
+    if (config.penaltyForWrongAnswer) {
+      return -Math.round(POINTS_PER_QUESTION * (config.penaltyPercent / 100));
+    }
+    return 0;
+  }
+
+  let points = calculateBasePoints(timeLeftMs, questionTimeMs);
+
+  if (config.streakBonusEnabled && streak >= config.streakThreshold) {
+    const streakBonus = streak - config.streakThreshold;
+    const multiplier = config.streakMultiplier + (streakBonus * (config.streakMultiplier - 1));
+    points = Math.round(points * multiplier);
+  }
+
+  if (config.comebackBonusEnabled && playerRank > 3) {
+    points += config.comebackBonusPoints;
+  }
+
+  if (config.firstCorrectBonusEnabled && isFirstCorrect) {
+    points += config.firstCorrectBonusPoints;
+  }
+
+  return points;
+};
+
+export const getPlayerRank = (playerId: string, players: Player[]): number => {
+  const sorted = [...players].sort((a, b) => b.score - a.score);
+  return sorted.findIndex(p => p.id === playerId) + 1;
+};
+
 export const PLAYER_COLORS = [
   '#2563eb',
   '#e21b3c',
diff --git a/hooks/useAuthenticatedFetch.ts b/hooks/useAuthenticatedFetch.ts
index 6e96d7d..82544c7 100644
--- a/hooks/useAuthenticatedFetch.ts
+++ b/hooks/useAuthenticatedFetch.ts
@@ -1,10 +1,13 @@
 import { useAuth } from 'react-oidc-context';
-import { useCallback } from 'react';
+import { useCallback, useRef } from 'react';
 
 const API_URL = import.meta.env.VITE_API_URL || 'http://localhost:3001';
 
+let isRedirecting = false;
+
 export const useAuthenticatedFetch = () => {
   const auth = useAuth();
+  const silentRefreshInProgress = useRef<Promise<string> | null>(null);
 
   const isTokenExpired = useCallback(() => {
     if (!auth.user?.expires_at) return true;
@@ -14,28 +17,58 @@ export const useAuthenticatedFetch = () => {
     return now >= expiresAt - bufferMs;
   }, [auth.user?.expires_at]);
 
+  const redirectToLogin = useCallback(() => {
+    if (isRedirecting) return;
+    isRedirecting = true;
+    auth.signinRedirect();
+  }, [auth]);
+
+  const attemptSilentRefresh = useCallback(async (): Promise<string | null> => {
+    if (silentRefreshInProgress.current) {
+      return silentRefreshInProgress.current;
+    }
+
+    silentRefreshInProgress.current = (async () => {
+      try {
+        const user = await auth.signinSilent();
+        return user?.access_token || null;
+      } catch {
+        return null;
+      } finally {
+        silentRefreshInProgress.current = null;
+      }
+    })() as Promise<string>;
+
+    return silentRefreshInProgress.current;
+  }, [auth]);
+
   const ensureValidToken = useCallback(async (): Promise<string> => {
+    if (isRedirecting) {
+      throw new Error('Session expired, redirecting to login');
+    }
+
     if (!auth.user?.access_token) {
       throw new Error('Not authenticated');
     }
 
     if (isTokenExpired()) {
-      try {
-        const user = await auth.signinSilent();
-        if (user?.access_token) {
-          return user.access_token;
-        }
-      } catch {
-        auth.signinRedirect();
-        throw new Error('Session expired, redirecting to login');
+      const newToken = await attemptSilentRefresh();
+      if (newToken) {
+        return newToken;
       }
+      redirectToLogin();
+      throw new Error('Session expired, redirecting to login');
     }
 
     return auth.user.access_token;
-  }, [auth, isTokenExpired]);
+  }, [auth.user?.access_token, isTokenExpired, attemptSilentRefresh, redirectToLogin]);
 
   const authFetch = useCallback(
     async (path: string, options: RequestInit = {}): Promise<Response> => {
+      if (isRedirecting) {
+        throw new Error('Session expired, redirecting to login');
+      }
+
       if (!navigator.onLine) {
         throw new Error('You appear to be offline. Please check your connection.');
       }
@@ -61,21 +94,18 @@ export const useAuthenticatedFetch = () => {
       }
 
       if (response.status === 401) {
-        try {
-          const user = await auth.signinSilent();
-          if (user?.access_token) {
-            return fetch(url, {
-              ...options,
-              headers: {
-                ...options.headers,
-                Authorization: `Bearer ${user.access_token}`,
-                'Content-Type': 'application/json',
-              },
-            });
-          }
-        } catch {
-          auth.signinRedirect();
+        const newToken = await attemptSilentRefresh();
+        if (newToken) {
+          return fetch(url, {
+            ...options,
+            headers: {
+              ...options.headers,
+              Authorization: `Bearer ${newToken}`,
+              'Content-Type': 'application/json',
+            },
+          });
         }
+        redirectToLogin();
         throw new Error('Session expired, redirecting to login');
       }
       
@@ -85,7 +115,7 @@ export const useAuthenticatedFetch = () => {
 
       return response;
     },
-    [auth, ensureValidToken]
+    [ensureValidToken, attemptSilentRefresh, redirectToLogin]
   );
 
   return {
diff --git a/hooks/useGame.ts b/hooks/useGame.ts
index 76bd4db..e21d00b 100644
--- a/hooks/useGame.ts
+++ b/hooks/useGame.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { useState, useEffect, useRef, useCallback } from 'react';
-import { Quiz, Player, GameState, GameRole, NetworkMessage, AnswerOption, Question, GenerateQuizOptions, ProcessedDocument } from '../types';
+import { Quiz, Player, GameState, GameRole, NetworkMessage, AnswerOption, Question, GenerateQuizOptions, ProcessedDocument, GameConfig, DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG } from '../types';
 import { generateQuiz } from '../services/geminiService';
-import { POINTS_PER_QUESTION, QUESTION_TIME, QUESTION_TIME_MS, PLAYER_COLORS } from '../constants';
+import { QUESTION_TIME, QUESTION_TIME_MS, PLAYER_COLORS, calculatePoints, getPlayerRank } from '../constants';
 import { Peer, DataConnection } from 'peerjs';
 
 const BACKEND_URL = import.meta.env.VITE_BACKEND_URL || 'http://localhost:3001';
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@ export const useGame = () => {
   const [currentPlayerName, setCurrentPlayerName] = useState<string | null>(null);
   const [pendingQuizToSave, setPendingQuizToSave] = useState<{ quiz: Quiz; topic: string } | null>(null);
   const [sourceQuizId, setSourceQuizId] = useState<string | null>(null);
+  const [gameConfig, setGameConfig] = useState<GameConfig>(DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG);
+  const [firstCorrectPlayerId, setFirstCorrectPlayerId] = useState<string | null>(null);
   
   const timerRef = useRef<ReturnType<typeof setInterval> | null>(null);
   const peerRef = useRef<Peer | null>(null);
@@ -36,11 +38,13 @@ export const useGame = () => {
   const playersRef = useRef<Player[]>([]);
   const currentQuestionIndexRef = useRef(0);
   const quizRef = useRef<Quiz | null>(null);
+  const gameConfigRef = useRef<GameConfig>(DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG);
 
   useEffect(() => { timeLeftRef.current = timeLeft; }, [timeLeft]);
   useEffect(() => { playersRef.current = players; }, [players]);
   useEffect(() => { currentQuestionIndexRef.current = currentQuestionIndex; }, [currentQuestionIndex]);
   useEffect(() => { quizRef.current = quiz; }, [quiz]);
+  useEffect(() => { gameConfigRef.current = gameConfig; }, [gameConfig]);
 
   const generateGamePin = () => Math.floor(Math.random() * 900000) + 100000 + "";
 
@@ -123,9 +127,10 @@ export const useGame = () => {
     setPendingQuizToSave(prev => prev ? { ...prev, quiz: updatedQuiz } : { quiz: updatedQuiz, topic: '' });
   };
   
-  const startGameFromEditor = (finalQuiz: Quiz) => {
+  const startGameFromEditor = (finalQuiz: Quiz, config: GameConfig) => {
     setQuiz(finalQuiz);
-    initializeHostGame(finalQuiz);
+    setGameConfig(config);
+    initializeHostGame(finalQuiz, config.hostParticipates);
   };
   
   const backFromEditor = () => {
@@ -139,7 +144,7 @@ export const useGame = () => {
   // This prevents stale closures in the PeerJS event listeners
   const handleHostDataRef = useRef<(conn: DataConnection, data: NetworkMessage) => void>(() => {});
 
-  const initializeHostGame = (newQuiz: Quiz) => {
+  const initializeHostGame = (newQuiz: Quiz, hostParticipates: boolean = true) => {
     setQuiz(newQuiz);
     const pin = generateGamePin();
     setGamePin(pin);
@@ -148,19 +153,25 @@ export const useGame = () => {
     peerRef.current = peer;
 
     peer.on('open', (id) => {
-      const hostPlayer: Player = {
-        id: 'host',
-        name: 'Host',
-        score: 0,
-        streak: 0,
-        lastAnswerCorrect: null,
-        isBot: false,
-        avatarSeed: Math.random(),
-        color: PLAYER_COLORS[0]
-      };
-      setPlayers([hostPlayer]);
-      setCurrentPlayerId('host');
-      setCurrentPlayerName('Host');
+      if (hostParticipates) {
+        const hostPlayer: Player = {
+          id: 'host',
+          name: 'Host',
+          score: 0,
+          streak: 0,
+          lastAnswerCorrect: null,
+          isBot: false,
+          avatarSeed: Math.random(),
+          color: PLAYER_COLORS[0]
+        };
+        setPlayers([hostPlayer]);
+        setCurrentPlayerId('host');
+        setCurrentPlayerName('Host');
+      } else {
+        setPlayers([]);
+        setCurrentPlayerId(null);
+        setCurrentPlayerName(null);
+      }
       setGameState('LOBBY');
     });
 
@@ -205,12 +216,28 @@ export const useGame = () => {
       
       if (!currentPlayer || currentPlayer.lastAnswerCorrect !== null) return;
 
-      const points = isCorrect ? Math.round(POINTS_PER_QUESTION * (timeLeftRef.current / QUESTION_TIME_MS)) : 0;
-      const newScore = currentPlayer.score + points;
+      const isFirstCorrect = isCorrect && firstCorrectPlayerId === null;
+      if (isFirstCorrect) {
+        setFirstCorrectPlayerId(playerId);
+      }
+
+      const newStreak = isCorrect ? currentPlayer.streak + 1 : 0;
+      const playerRank = getPlayerRank(playerId, playersRef.current);
+
+      const points = calculatePoints({
+        isCorrect,
+        timeLeftMs: timeLeftRef.current,
+        questionTimeMs: QUESTION_TIME_MS,
+        streak: newStreak,
+        playerRank,
+        isFirstCorrect,
+        config: gameConfigRef.current,
+      });
+      const newScore = Math.max(0, currentPlayer.score + points);
 
       setPlayers(prev => prev.map(p => {
         if (p.id !== playerId) return p;
-        return { ...p, score: newScore, streak: isCorrect ? p.streak + 1 : 0, lastAnswerCorrect: isCorrect };
+        return { ...p, score: newScore, streak: newStreak, lastAnswerCorrect: isCorrect };
       }));
 
       conn.send({ type: 'RESULT', payload: { isCorrect, scoreAdded: points, newScore } });
@@ -256,6 +283,7 @@ export const useGame = () => {
     setLastPointsEarned(null);
     setSelectedOption(null);
     setTimeLeft(QUESTION_TIME_MS);
+    setFirstCorrectPlayerId(null);
     setPlayers(prev => prev.map(p => ({ ...p, lastAnswerCorrect: null })));
 
     const currentQuiz = quizRef.current;
@@ -421,18 +449,38 @@ export const useGame = () => {
 
   const handleAnswer = (arg: boolean | AnswerOption) => {
     if (hasAnswered || gameState !== 'QUESTION') return;
+    if (role === 'HOST' && !gameConfigRef.current.hostParticipates) return;
+    
     setHasAnswered(true);
 
     if (role === 'HOST') {
         const option = arg as AnswerOption;
         const isCorrect = option.isCorrect;
         setSelectedOption(option);
-        const points = isCorrect ? Math.round(POINTS_PER_QUESTION * (timeLeftRef.current / QUESTION_TIME_MS)) : 0;
-        setLastPointsEarned(points);
         
         const hostPlayer = playersRef.current.find(p => p.id === 'host');
-        const newScore = (hostPlayer?.score || 0) + points;
-        const newStreak = isCorrect ? (hostPlayer?.streak || 0) + 1 : 0;
+        const currentStrk = hostPlayer?.streak || 0;
+        const newStreak = isCorrect ? currentStrk + 1 : 0;
+        
+        const isFirstCorrect = isCorrect && firstCorrectPlayerId === null;
+        if (isFirstCorrect) {
+          setFirstCorrectPlayerId('host');
+        }
+        
+        const playerRank = getPlayerRank('host', playersRef.current);
+        
+        const points = calculatePoints({
+          isCorrect,
+          timeLeftMs: timeLeftRef.current,
+          questionTimeMs: QUESTION_TIME_MS,
+          streak: newStreak,
+          playerRank,
+          isFirstCorrect,
+          config: gameConfigRef.current,
+        });
+        
+        setLastPointsEarned(points);
+        const newScore = Math.max(0, (hostPlayer?.score || 0) + points);
         setCurrentPlayerScore(newScore);
         setCurrentStreak(newStreak);
         
@@ -462,7 +510,7 @@ export const useGame = () => {
   }, []);
 
   return {
-    role, gameState, quiz, players, currentQuestionIndex, timeLeft, error, gamePin, hasAnswered, lastPointsEarned, currentCorrectShape, selectedOption, currentPlayerScore, currentStreak, currentPlayerId,
+    role, gameState, quiz, players, currentQuestionIndex, timeLeft, error, gamePin, hasAnswered, lastPointsEarned, currentCorrectShape, selectedOption, currentPlayerScore, currentStreak, currentPlayerId, gameConfig,
     pendingQuizToSave, dismissSavePrompt, sourceQuizId,
     startQuizGen, startManualCreation, finalizeManualQuiz, loadSavedQuiz, joinGame, startGame: startHostGame, handleAnswer, nextQuestion, showScoreboard,
     updateQuizFromEditor, startGameFromEditor, backFromEditor
diff --git a/hooks/useQuizLibrary.ts b/hooks/useQuizLibrary.ts
index 35c8187..2286860 100644
--- a/hooks/useQuizLibrary.ts
+++ b/hooks/useQuizLibrary.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,7 @@
 import { useState, useCallback, useRef } from 'react';
 import toast from 'react-hot-toast';
 import { useAuthenticatedFetch } from './useAuthenticatedFetch';
-import type { Quiz, QuizSource, SavedQuiz, QuizListItem } from '../types';
+import type { Quiz, QuizSource, SavedQuiz, QuizListItem, GameConfig } from '../types';
 
 interface UseQuizLibraryReturn {
   quizzes: QuizListItem[];
@@ -14,6 +14,7 @@ interface UseQuizLibraryReturn {
   loadQuiz: (id: string) => Promise<SavedQuiz>;
   saveQuiz: (quiz: Quiz, source: QuizSource, aiTopic?: string) => Promise<string>;
   updateQuiz: (id: string, quiz: Quiz) => Promise<void>;
+  updateQuizConfig: (id: string, config: GameConfig) => Promise<void>;
   deleteQuiz: (id: string) => Promise<void>;
   retry: () => Promise<void>;
   clearError: () => void;
@@ -126,6 +127,7 @@ export const useQuizLibrary = (): UseQuizLibraryReturn => {
           title: quiz.title,
           source,
           aiTopic,
+          gameConfig: quiz.config,
           questions: quiz.questions.map(q => ({
             text: q.text,
             timeLimit: q.timeLimit,
@@ -170,6 +172,7 @@ export const useQuizLibrary = (): UseQuizLibraryReturn => {
         method: 'PUT',
         body: JSON.stringify({
           title: quiz.title,
+          gameConfig: quiz.config,
           questions: quiz.questions.map(q => ({
             text: q.text,
             timeLimit: q.timeLimit,
@@ -203,6 +206,25 @@ export const useQuizLibrary = (): UseQuizLibraryReturn => {
     }
   }, [authFetch]);
 
+  const updateQuizConfig = useCallback(async (id: string, config: GameConfig): Promise<void> => {
+    try {
+      const response = await authFetch(`/api/quizzes/${id}/config`, {
+        method: 'PATCH',
+        body: JSON.stringify({ gameConfig: config }),
+      });
+
+      if (!response.ok) {
+        throw new Error('Failed to update config');
+      }
+    } catch (err) {
+      const message = err instanceof Error ? err.message : 'Failed to update config';
+      if (!message.includes('redirecting')) {
+        toast.error(message);
+      }
+      throw err;
+    }
+  }, [authFetch]);
+
   const deleteQuiz = useCallback(async (id: string): Promise<void> => {
     setDeletingQuizId(id);
     setError(null);
@@ -253,6 +275,7 @@ export const useQuizLibrary = (): UseQuizLibraryReturn => {
     loadQuiz,
     saveQuiz,
     updateQuiz,
+    updateQuizConfig,
     deleteQuiz,
     retry,
     clearError,
diff --git a/hooks/useUserConfig.ts b/hooks/useUserConfig.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..13dbbe0
--- /dev/null
+++ b/hooks/useUserConfig.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,73 @@
+import { useState, useCallback, useEffect } from 'react';
+import toast from 'react-hot-toast';
+import { useAuthenticatedFetch } from './useAuthenticatedFetch';
+import type { GameConfig } from '../types';
+import { DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG } from '../types';
+
+interface UseUserConfigReturn {
+  defaultConfig: GameConfig;
+  loading: boolean;
+  saving: boolean;
+  fetchDefaultConfig: () => Promise<void>;
+  saveDefaultConfig: (config: GameConfig) => Promise<void>;
+}
+
+export const useUserConfig = (): UseUserConfigReturn => {
+  const { authFetch, isAuthenticated } = useAuthenticatedFetch();
+  const [defaultConfig, setDefaultConfig] = useState<GameConfig>(DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG);
+  const [loading, setLoading] = useState(false);
+  const [saving, setSaving] = useState(false);
+
+  const fetchDefaultConfig = useCallback(async () => {
+    if (!isAuthenticated) return;
+
+    setLoading(true);
+    try {
+      const response = await authFetch('/api/users/me');
+      if (response.ok) {
+        const data = await response.json();
+        if (data.defaultGameConfig) {
+          setDefaultConfig(data.defaultGameConfig);
+        }
+      }
+    } catch {
+    } finally {
+      setLoading(false);
+    }
+  }, [authFetch, isAuthenticated]);
+
+  const saveDefaultConfig = useCallback(async (config: GameConfig) => {
+    setSaving(true);
+    try {
+      const response = await authFetch('/api/users/me/default-config', {
+        method: 'PUT',
+        body: JSON.stringify({ defaultGameConfig: config }),
+      });
+
+      if (!response.ok) {
+        throw new Error('Failed to save defaults');
+      }
+
+      setDefaultConfig(config);
+      toast.success('Default settings saved!');
+    } catch (err) {
+      const message = err instanceof Error ? err.message : 'Failed to save defaults';
+      toast.error(message);
+      throw err;
+    } finally {
+      setSaving(false);
+    }
+  }, [authFetch]);
+
+  useEffect(() => {
+    fetchDefaultConfig();
+  }, [fetchDefaultConfig]);
+
+  return {
+    defaultConfig,
+    loading,
+    saving,
+    fetchDefaultConfig,
+    saveDefaultConfig,
+  };
+};
diff --git a/server/src/db/connection.ts b/server/src/db/connection.ts
index b7bfc69..90b7166 100644
--- a/server/src/db/connection.ts
+++ b/server/src/db/connection.ts
@@ -16,4 +16,24 @@ db.pragma('foreign_keys = ON');
 const schema = readFileSync(join(__dirname, 'schema.sql'), 'utf-8');
 db.exec(schema);
 
+const runMigrations = () => {
+  const tableInfo = db.prepare("PRAGMA table_info(quizzes)").all() as { name: string }[];
+  const hasGameConfig = tableInfo.some(col => col.name === 'game_config');
+  
+  if (!hasGameConfig) {
+    db.exec("ALTER TABLE quizzes ADD COLUMN game_config TEXT");
+    console.log("Migration: Added game_config to quizzes");
+  }
+  
+  const userTableInfo = db.prepare("PRAGMA table_info(users)").all() as { name: string }[];
+  const hasDefaultConfig = userTableInfo.some(col => col.name === 'default_game_config');
+  
+  if (!hasDefaultConfig) {
+    db.exec("ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN default_game_config TEXT");
+    console.log("Migration: Added default_game_config to users");
+  }
+};
+
+runMigrations();
+
 console.log(`Database initialized at ${DB_PATH}`);
diff --git a/server/src/db/migrations.sql b/server/src/db/migrations.sql
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..a079afc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/src/db/migrations.sql
@@ -0,0 +1,8 @@
+-- Migration: Add game_config columns
+-- Run these statements to migrate existing databases
+
+-- Add game_config to quizzes table
+ALTER TABLE quizzes ADD COLUMN game_config TEXT;
+
+-- Add default_game_config to users table
+ALTER TABLE users ADD COLUMN default_game_config TEXT;
diff --git a/server/src/db/schema.sql b/server/src/db/schema.sql
index 9e4c0dc..9755c3d 100644
--- a/server/src/db/schema.sql
+++ b/server/src/db/schema.sql
@@ -4,7 +4,8 @@ CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS users (
   email TEXT,
   display_name TEXT,
   created_at DATETIME DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
-  last_login DATETIME
+  last_login DATETIME,
+  default_game_config TEXT
 );
 
 CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS quizzes (
@@ -13,6 +14,7 @@ CREATE TABLE IF NOT EXISTS quizzes (
   title TEXT NOT NULL,
   source TEXT NOT NULL CHECK(source IN ('manual', 'ai_generated')),
   ai_topic TEXT,
+  game_config TEXT,
   created_at DATETIME DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
   updated_at DATETIME DEFAULT CURRENT_TIMESTAMP,
   FOREIGN KEY (user_id) REFERENCES users(id)
diff --git a/server/src/routes/quizzes.ts b/server/src/routes/quizzes.ts
index 25d049a..33f1f3f 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/quizzes.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/quizzes.ts
@@ -7,10 +7,26 @@ const router = Router();
 
 router.use(requireAuth);
 
+interface GameConfig {
+  shuffleQuestions: boolean;
+  shuffleAnswers: boolean;
+  hostParticipates: boolean;
+  streakBonusEnabled: boolean;
+  streakThreshold: number;
+  streakMultiplier: number;
+  comebackBonusEnabled: boolean;
+  comebackBonusPoints: number;
+  penaltyForWrongAnswer: boolean;
+  penaltyPercent: number;
+  firstCorrectBonusEnabled: boolean;
+  firstCorrectBonusPoints: number;
+}
+
 interface QuizBody {
   title: string;
   source: 'manual' | 'ai_generated';
   aiTopic?: string;
+  gameConfig?: GameConfig;
   questions: {
     text: string;
     timeLimit?: number;
@@ -44,7 +60,7 @@ router.get('/', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
 
 router.get('/:id', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
   const quiz = db.prepare(`
-    SELECT id, title, source, ai_topic as aiTopic, created_at as createdAt, updated_at as updatedAt
+    SELECT id, title, source, ai_topic as aiTopic, game_config as gameConfig, created_at as createdAt, updated_at as updatedAt
     FROM quizzes 
     WHERE id = ? AND user_id = ?
   `).get(req.params.id, req.user!.sub) as Record<string, unknown> | undefined;
@@ -78,8 +94,18 @@ router.get('/:id', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
     };
   });
 
+  let parsedConfig = null;
+  if (quiz.gameConfig && typeof quiz.gameConfig === 'string') {
+    try {
+      parsedConfig = JSON.parse(quiz.gameConfig);
+    } catch {
+      parsedConfig = null;
+    }
+  }
+
   res.json({
     ...quiz,
+    gameConfig: parsedConfig,
     questions: questionsWithOptions,
   });
 });
@@ -118,7 +144,7 @@ function validateQuizBody(body: QuizBody): string | null {
 
 router.post('/', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
   const body = req.body as QuizBody;
-  const { title, source, aiTopic, questions } = body;
+  const { title, source, aiTopic, gameConfig, questions } = body;
 
   const validationError = validateQuizBody(body);
   if (validationError) {
@@ -138,8 +164,8 @@ router.post('/', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
   `);
 
   const insertQuiz = db.prepare(`
-    INSERT INTO quizzes (id, user_id, title, source, ai_topic)
-    VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?)
+    INSERT INTO quizzes (id, user_id, title, source, ai_topic, game_config)
+    VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, ?)
   `);
 
   const insertQuestion = db.prepare(`
@@ -160,7 +186,7 @@ router.post('/', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
       req.user!.name || null
     );
 
-    insertQuiz.run(quizId, req.user!.sub, title, source, aiTopic || null);
+    insertQuiz.run(quizId, req.user!.sub, title, source, aiTopic || null, gameConfig ? JSON.stringify(gameConfig) : null);
 
     questions.forEach((q, qIdx) => {
       const questionId = uuidv4();
@@ -187,7 +213,7 @@ router.post('/', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
 
 router.put('/:id', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
   const body = req.body as QuizBody;
-  const { title, questions } = body;
+  const { title, questions, gameConfig } = body;
   const quizId = req.params.id;
 
   if (!title?.trim()) {
@@ -227,7 +253,7 @@ router.put('/:id', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
   }
 
   const updateQuiz = db.prepare(`
-    UPDATE quizzes SET title = ?, updated_at = CURRENT_TIMESTAMP WHERE id = ?
+    UPDATE quizzes SET title = ?, game_config = ?, updated_at = CURRENT_TIMESTAMP WHERE id = ?
   `);
 
   const deleteQuestions = db.prepare(`DELETE FROM questions WHERE quiz_id = ?`);
@@ -243,7 +269,7 @@ router.put('/:id', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
   `);
 
   const transaction = db.transaction(() => {
-    updateQuiz.run(title, quizId);
+    updateQuiz.run(title, gameConfig ? JSON.stringify(gameConfig) : null, quizId);
     deleteQuestions.run(quizId);
 
     questions.forEach((q, qIdx) => {
@@ -269,6 +295,26 @@ router.put('/:id', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
   res.json({ id: quizId });
 });
 
+router.patch('/:id/config', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
+  const quizId = req.params.id;
+  const { gameConfig } = req.body as { gameConfig: GameConfig };
+
+  const existing = db.prepare(`
+    SELECT id FROM quizzes WHERE id = ? AND user_id = ?
+  `).get(quizId, req.user!.sub);
+
+  if (!existing) {
+    res.status(404).json({ error: 'Quiz not found' });
+    return;
+  }
+
+  db.prepare(`
+    UPDATE quizzes SET game_config = ?, updated_at = CURRENT_TIMESTAMP WHERE id = ?
+  `).run(gameConfig ? JSON.stringify(gameConfig) : null, quizId);
+
+  res.json({ success: true });
+});
+
 router.delete('/:id', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
   const result = db.prepare(`
     DELETE FROM quizzes WHERE id = ? AND user_id = ?
diff --git a/server/src/routes/users.ts b/server/src/routes/users.ts
index 9e4ece6..24925b5 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/users.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/users.ts
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@ router.use(requireAuth);
 
 router.get('/me', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
   const user = db.prepare(`
-    SELECT id, username, email, display_name as displayName, created_at as createdAt, last_login as lastLogin
+    SELECT id, username, email, display_name as displayName, default_game_config as defaultGameConfig, created_at as createdAt, last_login as lastLogin
     FROM users 
     WHERE id = ?
   `).get(req.user!.sub) as Record<string, unknown> | undefined;
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ router.get('/me', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
       username: req.user!.preferred_username,
       email: req.user!.email,
       displayName: req.user!.name,
+      defaultGameConfig: null,
       createdAt: null,
       lastLogin: null,
       isNew: true,
@@ -26,7 +27,41 @@ router.get('/me', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
     return;
   }
 
-  res.json({ ...user, isNew: false });
+  let parsedConfig = null;
+  if (user.defaultGameConfig && typeof user.defaultGameConfig === 'string') {
+    try {
+      parsedConfig = JSON.parse(user.defaultGameConfig);
+    } catch {
+      parsedConfig = null;
+    }
+  }
+
+  res.json({ ...user, defaultGameConfig: parsedConfig, isNew: false });
+});
+
+router.put('/me/default-config', (req: AuthenticatedRequest, res: Response) => {
+  const { defaultGameConfig } = req.body;
+
+  const upsertUser = db.prepare(`
+    INSERT INTO users (id, username, email, display_name, default_game_config, last_login)
+    VALUES (?, ?, ?, ?, ?, CURRENT_TIMESTAMP)
+    ON CONFLICT(id) DO UPDATE SET 
+      default_game_config = ?,
+      last_login = CURRENT_TIMESTAMP
+  `);
+
+  const configJson = defaultGameConfig ? JSON.stringify(defaultGameConfig) : null;
+
+  upsertUser.run(
+    req.user!.sub,
+    req.user!.preferred_username,
+    req.user!.email || null,
+    req.user!.name || null,
+    configJson,
+    configJson
+  );
+
+  res.json({ success: true });
 });
 
 export default router;
diff --git a/server/tests/api.test.ts b/server/tests/api.test.ts
index 8be303f..d4813da 100644
--- a/server/tests/api.test.ts
+++ b/server/tests/api.test.ts
@@ -1257,6 +1257,271 @@ async function runTests() {
     await request('DELETE', `/api/quizzes/${quizId}`, undefined, 204);
   });
 
+  console.log('\nGame Config Tests:');
+  let gameConfigQuizId: string | null = null;
+
+  await test('POST /api/quizzes with gameConfig saves config', async () => {
+    const quizWithConfig = {
+      title: 'Quiz With Game Config',
+      source: 'manual',
+      gameConfig: {
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+        shuffleAnswers: true,
+        hostParticipates: false,
+        streakBonusEnabled: true,
+        streakThreshold: 5,
+        streakMultiplier: 1.5,
+        comebackBonusEnabled: true,
+        comebackBonusPoints: 100,
+        penaltyForWrongAnswer: true,
+        penaltyPercent: 30,
+        firstCorrectBonusEnabled: true,
+        firstCorrectBonusPoints: 75,
+      },
+      questions: [
+        {
+          text: 'Config test question?',
+          timeLimit: 20,
+          options: [
+            { text: 'A', isCorrect: true, shape: 'triangle', color: 'red' },
+            { text: 'B', isCorrect: false, shape: 'diamond', color: 'blue' },
+          ],
+        },
+      ],
+    };
+
+    const { data } = await request('POST', '/api/quizzes', quizWithConfig, 201);
+    gameConfigQuizId = (data as { id: string }).id;
+  });
+
+  await test('GET /api/quizzes/:id returns gameConfig', async () => {
+    if (!gameConfigQuizId) throw new Error('No game config quiz created');
+    const { data } = await request('GET', `/api/quizzes/${gameConfigQuizId}`);
+    const quiz = data as Record<string, unknown>;
+
+    if (!quiz.gameConfig) throw new Error('Missing gameConfig');
+    const config = quiz.gameConfig as Record<string, unknown>;
+    if (config.shuffleQuestions !== true) throw new Error('shuffleQuestions not preserved');
+    if (config.shuffleAnswers !== true) throw new Error('shuffleAnswers not preserved');
+    if (config.hostParticipates !== false) throw new Error('hostParticipates not preserved');
+    if (config.streakBonusEnabled !== true) throw new Error('streakBonusEnabled not preserved');
+    if (config.streakThreshold !== 5) throw new Error('streakThreshold not preserved');
+    if (config.streakMultiplier !== 1.5) throw new Error('streakMultiplier not preserved');
+    if (config.comebackBonusEnabled !== true) throw new Error('comebackBonusEnabled not preserved');
+    if (config.comebackBonusPoints !== 100) throw new Error('comebackBonusPoints not preserved');
+    if (config.penaltyForWrongAnswer !== true) throw new Error('penaltyForWrongAnswer not preserved');
+    if (config.penaltyPercent !== 30) throw new Error('penaltyPercent not preserved');
+    if (config.firstCorrectBonusEnabled !== true) throw new Error('firstCorrectBonusEnabled not preserved');
+    if (config.firstCorrectBonusPoints !== 75) throw new Error('firstCorrectBonusPoints not preserved');
+  });
+
+  await test('PUT /api/quizzes/:id updates gameConfig', async () => {
+    if (!gameConfigQuizId) throw new Error('No game config quiz created');
+
+    const updatedQuiz = {
+      title: 'Updated Config Quiz',
+      gameConfig: {
+        shuffleQuestions: false,
+        shuffleAnswers: false,
+        hostParticipates: true,
+        streakBonusEnabled: false,
+        streakThreshold: 3,
+        streakMultiplier: 1.1,
+        comebackBonusEnabled: false,
+        comebackBonusPoints: 50,
+        penaltyForWrongAnswer: false,
+        penaltyPercent: 25,
+        firstCorrectBonusEnabled: false,
+        firstCorrectBonusPoints: 50,
+      },
+      questions: [
+        {
+          text: 'Updated question?',
+          options: [
+            { text: 'X', isCorrect: true, shape: 'circle', color: 'yellow' },
+            { text: 'Y', isCorrect: false, shape: 'square', color: 'green' },
+          ],
+        },
+      ],
+    };
+
+    await request('PUT', `/api/quizzes/${gameConfigQuizId}`, updatedQuiz);
+
+    const { data } = await request('GET', `/api/quizzes/${gameConfigQuizId}`);
+    const quiz = data as Record<string, unknown>;
+    const config = quiz.gameConfig as Record<string, unknown>;
+
+    if (config.shuffleQuestions !== false) throw new Error('shuffleQuestions not updated');
+    if (config.hostParticipates !== true) throw new Error('hostParticipates not updated');
+    if (config.streakBonusEnabled !== false) throw new Error('streakBonusEnabled not updated');
+  });
+
+  await test('PATCH /api/quizzes/:id/config updates only gameConfig', async () => {
+    if (!gameConfigQuizId) throw new Error('No game config quiz created');
+
+    const newConfig = {
+      gameConfig: {
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+        shuffleAnswers: true,
+        hostParticipates: true,
+        streakBonusEnabled: true,
+        streakThreshold: 4,
+        streakMultiplier: 1.3,
+        comebackBonusEnabled: true,
+        comebackBonusPoints: 150,
+        penaltyForWrongAnswer: true,
+        penaltyPercent: 20,
+        firstCorrectBonusEnabled: true,
+        firstCorrectBonusPoints: 100,
+      },
+    };
+
+    await request('PATCH', `/api/quizzes/${gameConfigQuizId}/config`, newConfig);
+
+    const { data } = await request('GET', `/api/quizzes/${gameConfigQuizId}`);
+    const quiz = data as Record<string, unknown>;
+    const config = quiz.gameConfig as Record<string, unknown>;
+
+    if (config.shuffleQuestions !== true) throw new Error('PATCH did not update shuffleQuestions');
+    if (config.streakThreshold !== 4) throw new Error('PATCH did not update streakThreshold');
+    if (config.comebackBonusPoints !== 150) throw new Error('PATCH did not update comebackBonusPoints');
+    if (quiz.title !== 'Updated Config Quiz') throw new Error('PATCH should not have changed title');
+  });
+
+  await test('PATCH /api/quizzes/:id/config with non-existent ID returns 404', async () => {
+    const config = {
+      gameConfig: {
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+        shuffleAnswers: false,
+        hostParticipates: true,
+        streakBonusEnabled: false,
+        streakThreshold: 3,
+        streakMultiplier: 1.1,
+        comebackBonusEnabled: false,
+        comebackBonusPoints: 50,
+        penaltyForWrongAnswer: false,
+        penaltyPercent: 25,
+        firstCorrectBonusEnabled: false,
+        firstCorrectBonusPoints: 50,
+      },
+    };
+    await request('PATCH', '/api/quizzes/non-existent-id/config', config, 404);
+  });
+
+  await test('PATCH /api/quizzes/:id/config with null gameConfig clears config', async () => {
+    if (!gameConfigQuizId) throw new Error('No game config quiz created');
+
+    await request('PATCH', `/api/quizzes/${gameConfigQuizId}/config`, { gameConfig: null });
+
+    const { data } = await request('GET', `/api/quizzes/${gameConfigQuizId}`);
+    const quiz = data as Record<string, unknown>;
+
+    if (quiz.gameConfig !== null) throw new Error('gameConfig should be null after clearing');
+  });
+
+  await test('POST /api/quizzes without gameConfig sets null config', async () => {
+    const quizNoConfig = {
+      title: 'Quiz Without Config',
+      source: 'manual',
+      questions: [
+        {
+          text: 'No config question?',
+          options: [
+            { text: 'A', isCorrect: true, shape: 'triangle', color: 'red' },
+            { text: 'B', isCorrect: false, shape: 'diamond', color: 'blue' },
+          ],
+        },
+      ],
+    };
+
+    const { data } = await request('POST', '/api/quizzes', quizNoConfig, 201);
+    const quizId = (data as { id: string }).id;
+
+    const { data: getResult } = await request('GET', `/api/quizzes/${quizId}`);
+    const quiz = getResult as Record<string, unknown>;
+
+    if (quiz.gameConfig !== null) throw new Error('Expected null gameConfig for quiz without config');
+
+    await request('DELETE', `/api/quizzes/${quizId}`, undefined, 204);
+  });
+
+  await test('DELETE cleanup game config quiz', async () => {
+    if (gameConfigQuizId) {
+      await request('DELETE', `/api/quizzes/${gameConfigQuizId}`, undefined, 204);
+    }
+  });
+
+  console.log('\nUser Default Config Tests:');
+
+  await test('GET /api/users/me returns defaultGameConfig', async () => {
+    const { data } = await request('GET', '/api/users/me');
+    const user = data as Record<string, unknown>;
+
+    if (!('defaultGameConfig' in user)) throw new Error('Missing defaultGameConfig field');
+  });
+
+  await test('PUT /api/users/me/default-config saves default config', async () => {
+    const defaultConfig = {
+      defaultGameConfig: {
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+        shuffleAnswers: true,
+        hostParticipates: false,
+        streakBonusEnabled: true,
+        streakThreshold: 4,
+        streakMultiplier: 1.25,
+        comebackBonusEnabled: true,
+        comebackBonusPoints: 75,
+        penaltyForWrongAnswer: true,
+        penaltyPercent: 15,
+        firstCorrectBonusEnabled: true,
+        firstCorrectBonusPoints: 60,
+      },
+    };
+
+    await request('PUT', '/api/users/me/default-config', defaultConfig);
+
+    const { data } = await request('GET', '/api/users/me');
+    const user = data as Record<string, unknown>;
+    const config = user.defaultGameConfig as Record<string, unknown>;
+
+    if (!config) throw new Error('defaultGameConfig not saved');
+    if (config.shuffleQuestions !== true) throw new Error('shuffleQuestions not saved');
+    if (config.streakThreshold !== 4) throw new Error('streakThreshold not saved');
+    if (config.comebackBonusPoints !== 75) throw new Error('comebackBonusPoints not saved');
+  });
+
+  await test('PUT /api/users/me/default-config with null clears config', async () => {
+    await request('PUT', '/api/users/me/default-config', { defaultGameConfig: null });
+
+    const { data } = await request('GET', '/api/users/me');
+    const user = data as Record<string, unknown>;
+
+    if (user.defaultGameConfig !== null) throw new Error('defaultGameConfig should be null after clearing');
+  });
+
+  await test('PUT /api/users/me/default-config with partial config saves as-is', async () => {
+    const partialConfig = {
+      defaultGameConfig: {
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+        hostParticipates: false,
+      },
+    };
+
+    await request('PUT', '/api/users/me/default-config', partialConfig);
+
+    const { data } = await request('GET', '/api/users/me');
+    const user = data as Record<string, unknown>;
+    const config = user.defaultGameConfig as Record<string, unknown>;
+
+    if (!config) throw new Error('Partial config not saved');
+    if (config.shuffleQuestions !== true) throw new Error('shuffleQuestions not in partial config');
+    if (config.hostParticipates !== false) throw new Error('hostParticipates not in partial config');
+  });
+
+  await test('PUT /api/users/me/default-config cleanup - reset to null', async () => {
+    await request('PUT', '/api/users/me/default-config', { defaultGameConfig: null });
+  });
+
   console.log('\nPhase 6 - Duplicate/Idempotency Tests:');
 
   await test('POST /api/quizzes with same data creates separate quizzes', async () => {
diff --git a/services/geminiService.ts b/services/geminiService.ts
index 5e1cd18..edcef00 100644
--- a/services/geminiService.ts
+++ b/services/geminiService.ts
@@ -61,12 +61,23 @@ ${baseInstructions}`;
 ${baseInstructions}`;
 }
 
+function shuffleArray<T>(array: T[]): T[] {
+  const shuffled = [...array];
+  for (let i = shuffled.length - 1; i > 0; i--) {
+    const j = Math.floor(Math.random() * (i + 1));
+    [shuffled[i], shuffled[j]] = [shuffled[j], shuffled[i]];
+  }
+  return shuffled;
+}
+
 function transformToQuiz(data: any): Quiz {
   const shapes = ['triangle', 'diamond', 'circle', 'square'] as const;
   const colors = ['red', 'blue', 'yellow', 'green'] as const;
   
   const questions: Question[] = data.questions.map((q: any) => {
-    const options: AnswerOption[] = q.options.map((opt: any, index: number) => ({
+    const shuffledOpts = shuffleArray(q.options);
+    
+    const options: AnswerOption[] = shuffledOpts.map((opt: any, index: number) => ({
       text: opt.text,
       isCorrect: opt.isCorrect,
       shape: shapes[index % 4],
diff --git a/tests/components/DefaultConfigModal.test.tsx b/tests/components/DefaultConfigModal.test.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..0c73f1a
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/components/DefaultConfigModal.test.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,330 @@
+import React from 'react';
+import { render, screen, fireEvent } from '@testing-library/react';
+import userEvent from '@testing-library/user-event';
+import { describe, it, expect, vi, beforeEach } from 'vitest';
+import { DefaultConfigModal } from '../../components/DefaultConfigModal';
+import { DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG } from '../../types';
+import type { GameConfig } from '../../types';
+
+describe('DefaultConfigModal', () => {
+  const mockOnClose = vi.fn();
+  const mockOnChange = vi.fn();
+  const mockOnSave = vi.fn();
+
+  const defaultProps = {
+    isOpen: true,
+    onClose: mockOnClose,
+    config: { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG },
+    onChange: mockOnChange,
+    onSave: mockOnSave,
+    saving: false,
+  };
+
+  beforeEach(() => {
+    vi.clearAllMocks();
+  });
+
+  describe('rendering', () => {
+    it('renders nothing when isOpen is false', () => {
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} isOpen={false} />);
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Default Game Settings')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('renders modal when isOpen is true', () => {
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      expect(screen.getByText('Default Game Settings')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('displays subtitle explaining the settings', () => {
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      expect(screen.getByText('Applied to all new quizzes')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('renders GameConfigPanel with config', () => {
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      expect(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByText('Host Participates')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('renders Cancel button', () => {
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      expect(screen.getByText('Cancel')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('renders Save Defaults button', () => {
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      expect(screen.getByText('Save Defaults')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('renders close X button', () => {
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      const closeButtons = screen.getAllByRole('button');
+      const xButton = closeButtons.find(btn => btn.querySelector('svg.lucide-x'));
+      expect(xButton).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('interactions - happy path', () => {
+    it('calls onClose when Cancel is clicked', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Cancel'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnClose).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+
+    it('calls onClose when X button is clicked', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      const closeButtons = screen.getAllByRole('button');
+      const xButton = closeButtons.find(btn => btn.querySelector('svg.lucide-x'));
+      await user.click(xButton!);
+      
+      expect(mockOnClose).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+
+    it('calls onClose when backdrop is clicked', () => {
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      const backdrop = document.querySelector('.fixed.inset-0');
+      fireEvent.click(backdrop!);
+      
+      expect(mockOnClose).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+
+    it('does not close when modal content is clicked', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Default Game Settings'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnClose).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+    });
+
+    it('calls onSave when Save Defaults is clicked', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Save Defaults'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnSave).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+
+    it('calls onChange when config is modified', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+      });
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('interactions - unhappy path / edge cases', () => {
+    it('disables Save button when saving is true', () => {
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} saving={true} />);
+      
+      const saveButton = screen.getByText('Saving...').closest('button');
+      expect(saveButton).toBeDisabled();
+    });
+
+    it('shows Saving... text when saving', () => {
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} saving={true} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Saving...')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Save Defaults')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('does not call onSave when button is disabled and clicked', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} saving={true} />);
+      
+      const saveButton = screen.getByText('Saving...').closest('button')!;
+      await user.click(saveButton);
+      
+      expect(mockOnSave).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+    });
+
+    it('Cancel button is still clickable when saving', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} saving={true} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Cancel'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnClose).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+
+    it('handles rapid clicks on Save button', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      const saveButton = screen.getByText('Save Defaults');
+      await user.click(saveButton);
+      await user.click(saveButton);
+      await user.click(saveButton);
+      
+      expect(mockOnSave).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(3);
+    });
+
+    it('remains functional after re-opening', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      const { rerender } = render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Save Defaults'));
+      expect(mockOnSave).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+      
+      rerender(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} isOpen={false} />);
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Default Game Settings')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+      
+      rerender(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} isOpen={true} />);
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Save Defaults'));
+      expect(mockOnSave).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('config propagation', () => {
+    const getCheckboxForRow = (labelText: string) => {
+      const label = screen.getByText(labelText);
+      const row = label.closest('[class*="bg-white rounded-xl"]')!;
+      return row.querySelector('input[type="checkbox"]') as HTMLInputElement;
+    };
+
+    it('displays provided config values', () => {
+      const customConfig: GameConfig = {
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+        streakBonusEnabled: true,
+        streakThreshold: 5,
+      };
+      
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} config={customConfig} />);
+      
+      expect(getCheckboxForRow('Shuffle Questions').checked).toBe(true);
+      expect(screen.getByDisplayValue('5')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('updates display when config prop changes', () => {
+      const { rerender } = render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      expect(getCheckboxForRow('Shuffle Questions').checked).toBe(false);
+      
+      const newConfig = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, shuffleQuestions: true };
+      rerender(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} config={newConfig} />);
+      
+      expect(getCheckboxForRow('Shuffle Questions').checked).toBe(true);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('state transitions', () => {
+    it('transitions from not saving to saving correctly', () => {
+      const { rerender } = render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} saving={false} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Save Defaults')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      
+      rerender(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} saving={true} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Saving...')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('transitions from saving back to not saving', () => {
+      const { rerender } = render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} saving={true} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Saving...')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      
+      rerender(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} saving={false} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Save Defaults')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('transitions from open to closed preserves state for re-open', () => {
+      const customConfig = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, shuffleQuestions: true };
+      const { rerender } = render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} config={customConfig} />);
+      
+      const getCheckbox = () => {
+        const label = screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions');
+        const row = label.closest('[class*="bg-white rounded-xl"]')!;
+        return row.querySelector('input[type="checkbox"]') as HTMLInputElement;
+      };
+      
+      expect(getCheckbox().checked).toBe(true);
+      
+      rerender(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} config={customConfig} isOpen={false} />);
+      rerender(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} config={customConfig} isOpen={true} />);
+      
+      expect(getCheckbox().checked).toBe(true);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('accessibility', () => {
+    it('all interactive elements are focusable', () => {
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      const buttons = screen.getAllByRole('button');
+      buttons.forEach(button => {
+        expect(button).not.toHaveAttribute('tabindex', '-1');
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('modal traps focus within when open', () => {
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      const modal = document.querySelector('[class*="bg-white rounded-2xl"]');
+      expect(modal).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('with all config options enabled', () => {
+    it('renders all nested settings when all options are enabled', () => {
+      const allEnabledConfig: GameConfig = {
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+        shuffleAnswers: true,
+        hostParticipates: true,
+        streakBonusEnabled: true,
+        streakThreshold: 3,
+        streakMultiplier: 1.2,
+        comebackBonusEnabled: true,
+        comebackBonusPoints: 100,
+        penaltyForWrongAnswer: true,
+        penaltyPercent: 30,
+        firstCorrectBonusEnabled: true,
+        firstCorrectBonusPoints: 75,
+      };
+      
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} config={allEnabledConfig} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Streak threshold')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByText('Multiplier')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getAllByText('Bonus points').length).toBe(2);
+      expect(screen.getByText('Penalty')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('async save behavior', () => {
+    it('handles async onSave that resolves', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      const asyncOnSave = vi.fn().mockResolvedValue(undefined);
+      
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} onSave={asyncOnSave} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Save Defaults'));
+      
+      expect(asyncOnSave).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+
+    it('handles async onSave that rejects', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      const asyncOnSave = vi.fn().mockRejectedValue(new Error('Save failed'));
+      
+      render(<DefaultConfigModal {...defaultProps} onSave={asyncOnSave} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Save Defaults'));
+      
+      expect(asyncOnSave).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/components/GameConfigPanel.test.tsx b/tests/components/GameConfigPanel.test.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..8e8359b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/components/GameConfigPanel.test.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,449 @@
+import React from 'react';
+import { render, screen, fireEvent } from '@testing-library/react';
+import userEvent from '@testing-library/user-event';
+import { describe, it, expect, vi, beforeEach } from 'vitest';
+import { GameConfigPanel } from '../../components/GameConfigPanel';
+import { DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG } from '../../types';
+import type { GameConfig } from '../../types';
+
+describe('GameConfigPanel', () => {
+  const mockOnChange = vi.fn();
+  
+  const defaultProps = {
+    config: { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG },
+    onChange: mockOnChange,
+    questionCount: 10,
+  };
+
+  beforeEach(() => {
+    vi.clearAllMocks();
+  });
+
+  describe('rendering', () => {
+    it('renders all config toggles', () => {
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByText('Shuffle Answers')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByText('Host Participates')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByText('Streak Bonus')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByText('Comeback Bonus')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByText('Wrong Answer Penalty')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByText('First Correct Bonus')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('renders descriptions for each toggle', () => {
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Randomize question order when starting')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByText('Randomize answer positions for each question')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByText('Join as a player and answer questions')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('renders compact collapsed state when compact=true', () => {
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} compact />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Game Settings')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Shuffle Questions')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('expands when clicking collapsed compact view', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} compact />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('collapses when clicking expanded compact view header', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} compact />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      expect(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Shuffle Questions')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('toggle interactions - happy path', () => {
+    const getCheckboxForLabel = (labelText: string) => {
+      const label = screen.getByText(labelText);
+      const row = label.closest('[class*="bg-white rounded-xl"]')!;
+      return row.querySelector('input[type="checkbox"]')!;
+    };
+
+    it('calls onChange when toggling shuffleQuestions', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('calls onChange when toggling shuffleAnswers', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Shuffle Answers'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        shuffleAnswers: true,
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('calls onChange when toggling hostParticipates off', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, hostParticipates: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Host Participates'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+        ...config,
+        hostParticipates: false,
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('calls onChange when enabling streakBonus', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Streak Bonus'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        streakBonusEnabled: true,
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('calls onChange when enabling comebackBonus', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Comeback Bonus'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        comebackBonusEnabled: true,
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('calls onChange when enabling penalty', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Wrong Answer Penalty'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        penaltyForWrongAnswer: true,
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('calls onChange when enabling firstCorrectBonus', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('First Correct Bonus'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        firstCorrectBonusEnabled: true,
+      });
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('nested number inputs - happy path', () => {
+    it('shows streak settings when streakBonusEnabled', () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, streakBonusEnabled: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Streak threshold')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByText('Multiplier')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('shows comeback settings when comebackBonusEnabled', () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, comebackBonusEnabled: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Bonus points')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('shows penalty settings when penaltyForWrongAnswer enabled', () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, penaltyForWrongAnswer: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Penalty')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('updates streakThreshold value', async () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, streakBonusEnabled: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      const thresholdInput = screen.getByDisplayValue('3') as HTMLInputElement;
+      fireEvent.change(thresholdInput, { target: { value: '5' } });
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenLastCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({ streakThreshold: 5 })
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('updates streakMultiplier value', async () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, streakBonusEnabled: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      const multiplierInput = screen.getByDisplayValue('1.1') as HTMLInputElement;
+      fireEvent.change(multiplierInput, { target: { value: '1.5' } });
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenLastCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({ streakMultiplier: 1.5 })
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('updates comebackBonusPoints value', async () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, comebackBonusEnabled: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      const bonusInput = screen.getByDisplayValue('50') as HTMLInputElement;
+      fireEvent.change(bonusInput, { target: { value: '100' } });
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenLastCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({ comebackBonusPoints: 100 })
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('updates penaltyPercent value', async () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, penaltyForWrongAnswer: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      const penaltyInput = screen.getByDisplayValue('25') as HTMLInputElement;
+      fireEvent.change(penaltyInput, { target: { value: '50' } });
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenLastCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({ penaltyPercent: 50 })
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('updates firstCorrectBonusPoints value', async () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, firstCorrectBonusEnabled: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      const bonusInput = screen.getByDisplayValue('50') as HTMLInputElement;
+      fireEvent.change(bonusInput, { target: { value: '75' } });
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenLastCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({ firstCorrectBonusPoints: 75 })
+      );
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('suggested values', () => {
+    it('displays suggested comeback bonus based on question count', () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, comebackBonusEnabled: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} questionCount={10} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText(/Suggested for 10 questions: 100 pts/)).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('displays suggested first correct bonus based on question count', () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, firstCorrectBonusEnabled: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} questionCount={10} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText(/Suggested for 10 questions: 50 pts/)).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('updates suggested values when question count changes', () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, comebackBonusEnabled: true };
+      const { rerender } = render(
+        <GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} questionCount={10} />
+      );
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText(/Suggested for 10 questions: 100 pts/)).toBeInTheDocument();
+      
+      rerender(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} questionCount={20} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText(/Suggested for 20 questions: 150 pts/)).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('interactions - unhappy path / edge cases', () => {
+    it('handles rapid toggle clicks', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      const label = screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions');
+      
+      await user.click(label);
+      await user.click(label);
+      await user.click(label);
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(3);
+    });
+
+    it('handles number input with invalid value (converts to 0)', async () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, streakBonusEnabled: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      const thresholdInput = screen.getByDisplayValue('3') as HTMLInputElement;
+      fireEvent.change(thresholdInput, { target: { value: 'abc' } });
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({ streakThreshold: 0 })
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('handles number input with negative value', async () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, comebackBonusEnabled: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      const bonusInput = screen.getByDisplayValue('50') as HTMLInputElement;
+      fireEvent.change(bonusInput, { target: { value: '-10' } });
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({ comebackBonusPoints: -10 })
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('handles empty number input (converts to 0)', async () => {
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, streakBonusEnabled: true };
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      const thresholdInput = screen.getByDisplayValue('3') as HTMLInputElement;
+      fireEvent.change(thresholdInput, { target: { value: '' } });
+      
+      expect(mockOnChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({ streakThreshold: 0 })
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('does not show nested settings when toggle is off', () => {
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Streak threshold')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Multiplier')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('hides nested settings when toggle is turned off', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      const config = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, streakBonusEnabled: true };
+      const { rerender } = render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={config} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Streak threshold')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      
+      rerender(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={{ ...config, streakBonusEnabled: false }} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Streak threshold')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('tooltip interactions', () => {
+    it('shows tooltip on hover', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      const infoButtons = screen.getAllByRole('button').filter(
+        btn => btn.querySelector('svg')
+      );
+      
+      if (infoButtons.length > 0) {
+        await user.hover(infoButtons[0]);
+      }
+    });
+
+    it('shows tooltip on click', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      const infoButtons = screen.getAllByRole('button').filter(
+        btn => btn.querySelector('svg')
+      );
+      
+      if (infoButtons.length > 0) {
+        await user.click(infoButtons[0]);
+      }
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('state management', () => {
+    const getCheckboxForRow = (labelText: string) => {
+      const label = screen.getByText(labelText);
+      const row = label.closest('[class*="bg-white rounded-xl"]')!;
+      return row.querySelector('input[type="checkbox"]') as HTMLInputElement;
+    };
+
+    it('reflects updated config values correctly', () => {
+      const customConfig: GameConfig = {
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+        shuffleAnswers: true,
+        hostParticipates: false,
+        streakBonusEnabled: true,
+        streakThreshold: 5,
+        streakMultiplier: 1.5,
+      };
+      
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={customConfig} />);
+      
+      expect(getCheckboxForRow('Shuffle Questions').checked).toBe(true);
+      expect(getCheckboxForRow('Shuffle Answers').checked).toBe(true);
+      expect(getCheckboxForRow('Host Participates').checked).toBe(false);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByDisplayValue('5')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByDisplayValue('1.5')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('handles config with all options enabled', () => {
+      const allEnabledConfig: GameConfig = {
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+        shuffleAnswers: true,
+        hostParticipates: true,
+        streakBonusEnabled: true,
+        streakThreshold: 3,
+        streakMultiplier: 1.2,
+        comebackBonusEnabled: true,
+        comebackBonusPoints: 100,
+        penaltyForWrongAnswer: true,
+        penaltyPercent: 30,
+        firstCorrectBonusEnabled: true,
+        firstCorrectBonusPoints: 75,
+      };
+      
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={allEnabledConfig} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Streak threshold')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getAllByText('Bonus points').length).toBe(2);
+      expect(screen.getByText('Penalty')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('handles config with all options disabled', () => {
+      const allDisabledConfig: GameConfig = {
+        shuffleQuestions: false,
+        shuffleAnswers: false,
+        hostParticipates: false,
+        streakBonusEnabled: false,
+        streakThreshold: 3,
+        streakMultiplier: 1.1,
+        comebackBonusEnabled: false,
+        comebackBonusPoints: 50,
+        penaltyForWrongAnswer: false,
+        penaltyPercent: 25,
+        firstCorrectBonusEnabled: false,
+        firstCorrectBonusPoints: 50,
+      };
+      
+      render(<GameConfigPanel {...defaultProps} config={allDisabledConfig} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Streak threshold')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Bonus points')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Penalty')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/components/QuizEditorConfig.test.tsx b/tests/components/QuizEditorConfig.test.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..1171623
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/components/QuizEditorConfig.test.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,422 @@
+import React from 'react';
+import { render, screen, fireEvent } from '@testing-library/react';
+import userEvent from '@testing-library/user-event';
+import { describe, it, expect, vi, beforeEach } from 'vitest';
+import { QuizEditor } from '../../components/QuizEditor';
+import { DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG } from '../../types';
+import type { Quiz, GameConfig } from '../../types';
+
+vi.mock('uuid', () => ({
+  v4: () => 'mock-uuid-' + Math.random().toString(36).substr(2, 9),
+}));
+
+const createMockQuiz = (overrides?: Partial<Quiz>): Quiz => ({
+  title: 'Test Quiz',
+  questions: [
+    {
+      id: 'q1',
+      text: 'What is 2+2?',
+      timeLimit: 20,
+      options: [
+        { text: '3', isCorrect: false, shape: 'triangle', color: 'red' },
+        { text: '4', isCorrect: true, shape: 'diamond', color: 'blue' },
+        { text: '5', isCorrect: false, shape: 'circle', color: 'yellow' },
+        { text: '6', isCorrect: false, shape: 'square', color: 'green' },
+      ],
+    },
+  ],
+  ...overrides,
+});
+
+describe('QuizEditor - Game Config Integration', () => {
+  const mockOnSave = vi.fn();
+  const mockOnStartGame = vi.fn();
+  const mockOnConfigChange = vi.fn();
+  const mockOnBack = vi.fn();
+
+  const defaultProps = {
+    quiz: createMockQuiz(),
+    onSave: mockOnSave,
+    onStartGame: mockOnStartGame,
+    onConfigChange: mockOnConfigChange,
+    onBack: mockOnBack,
+    showSaveButton: true,
+    isSaving: false,
+  };
+
+  beforeEach(() => {
+    vi.clearAllMocks();
+  });
+
+  describe('config initialization', () => {
+    it('uses DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG when quiz has no config', () => {
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Game Settings')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('uses quiz config when provided', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      const quizWithConfig = createMockQuiz({
+        config: {
+          ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+          shuffleQuestions: true,
+          streakBonusEnabled: true,
+        },
+      });
+      
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} quiz={quizWithConfig} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      
+      const getCheckbox = (labelText: string) => {
+        const label = screen.getByText(labelText);
+        const row = label.closest('[class*="bg-white rounded-xl"]')!;
+        return row.querySelector('input[type="checkbox"]') as HTMLInputElement;
+      };
+      
+      expect(getCheckbox('Shuffle Questions').checked).toBe(true);
+    });
+
+    it('uses defaultConfig prop when quiz has no config', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      const customDefault: GameConfig = {
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        hostParticipates: false,
+        penaltyForWrongAnswer: true,
+      };
+      
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} defaultConfig={customDefault} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      
+      const getCheckbox = (labelText: string) => {
+        const label = screen.getByText(labelText);
+        const row = label.closest('[class*="bg-white rounded-xl"]')!;
+        return row.querySelector('input[type="checkbox"]') as HTMLInputElement;
+      };
+      
+      expect(getCheckbox('Host Participates').checked).toBe(false);
+      expect(getCheckbox('Wrong Answer Penalty').checked).toBe(true);
+    });
+
+    it('prioritizes quiz config over defaultConfig prop', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      const quizWithConfig = createMockQuiz({
+        config: {
+          ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+          shuffleQuestions: true,
+        },
+      });
+      const customDefault: GameConfig = {
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        shuffleQuestions: false,
+        shuffleAnswers: true,
+      };
+      
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} quiz={quizWithConfig} defaultConfig={customDefault} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      
+      const getCheckbox = (labelText: string) => {
+        const label = screen.getByText(labelText);
+        const row = label.closest('[class*="bg-white rounded-xl"]')!;
+        return row.querySelector('input[type="checkbox"]') as HTMLInputElement;
+      };
+      
+      expect(getCheckbox('Shuffle Questions').checked).toBe(true);
+      expect(getCheckbox('Shuffle Answers').checked).toBe(false);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('config panel interactions', () => {
+    it('renders collapsed Game Settings by default (compact mode)', () => {
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Game Settings')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Shuffle Questions')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('expands config panel when Game Settings is clicked', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      expect(screen.getByText('Host Participates')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('collapses config panel when Game Settings is clicked again', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      expect(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions')).toBeInTheDocument();
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      expect(screen.queryByText('Shuffle Questions')).not.toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+
+    it('calls onConfigChange when config is modified', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnConfigChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith({
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('calls onConfigChange multiple times for multiple changes', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions'));
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Shuffle Answers'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnConfigChange).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('start game with config', () => {
+    it('passes config to onStartGame', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText(/Start Game/));
+      
+      expect(mockOnStartGame).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({
+          title: 'Test Quiz',
+          config: DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        }),
+        DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('passes modified config to onStartGame', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions'));
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText(/Start Game/));
+      
+      expect(mockOnStartGame).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({
+          config: expect.objectContaining({
+            shuffleQuestions: true,
+          }),
+        }),
+        expect.objectContaining({
+          shuffleQuestions: true,
+        })
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('shuffles questions when shuffleQuestions is enabled', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      const multiQuestionQuiz = createMockQuiz({
+        questions: [
+          { id: 'q1', text: 'Q1', timeLimit: 20, options: [{ text: 'A', isCorrect: true, shape: 'triangle', color: 'red' }, { text: 'B', isCorrect: false, shape: 'diamond', color: 'blue' }] },
+          { id: 'q2', text: 'Q2', timeLimit: 20, options: [{ text: 'C', isCorrect: true, shape: 'circle', color: 'yellow' }, { text: 'D', isCorrect: false, shape: 'square', color: 'green' }] },
+          { id: 'q3', text: 'Q3', timeLimit: 20, options: [{ text: 'E', isCorrect: true, shape: 'triangle', color: 'red' }, { text: 'F', isCorrect: false, shape: 'diamond', color: 'blue' }] },
+        ],
+        config: { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, shuffleQuestions: true },
+      });
+      
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} quiz={multiQuestionQuiz} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText(/Start Game/));
+      
+      expect(mockOnStartGame).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({
+          questions: expect.any(Array),
+        }),
+        expect.objectContaining({
+          shuffleQuestions: true,
+        })
+      );
+      
+      const calledQuiz = mockOnStartGame.mock.calls[0][0];
+      expect(calledQuiz.questions).toHaveLength(3);
+    });
+
+    it('shuffles answers when shuffleAnswers is enabled', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      const quizWithConfig = createMockQuiz({
+        config: { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, shuffleAnswers: true },
+      });
+      
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} quiz={quizWithConfig} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText(/Start Game/));
+      
+      expect(mockOnStartGame).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({
+          questions: expect.arrayContaining([
+            expect.objectContaining({
+              options: expect.any(Array),
+            }),
+          ]),
+        }),
+        expect.objectContaining({
+          shuffleAnswers: true,
+        })
+      );
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('config persistence', () => {
+    it('maintains config state across quiz title edits', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions'));
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Test Quiz'));
+      const titleInput = screen.getByDisplayValue('Test Quiz');
+      await user.clear(titleInput);
+      await user.type(titleInput, 'New Title');
+      fireEvent.blur(titleInput);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText(/Start Game/));
+      
+      expect(mockOnStartGame).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({
+          config: expect.objectContaining({
+            shuffleQuestions: true,
+          }),
+        }),
+        expect.any(Object)
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('maintains config state across question additions', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Host Participates'));
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Add Question'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnConfigChange).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({
+          hostParticipates: false,
+        })
+      );
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('edge cases', () => {
+    it('handles quiz with all config options enabled', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      const fullConfigQuiz = createMockQuiz({
+        config: {
+          shuffleQuestions: true,
+          shuffleAnswers: true,
+          hostParticipates: true,
+          streakBonusEnabled: true,
+          streakThreshold: 5,
+          streakMultiplier: 1.5,
+          comebackBonusEnabled: true,
+          comebackBonusPoints: 100,
+          penaltyForWrongAnswer: true,
+          penaltyPercent: 30,
+          firstCorrectBonusEnabled: true,
+          firstCorrectBonusPoints: 75,
+        },
+      });
+      
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} quiz={fullConfigQuiz} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText(/Start Game/));
+      
+      expect(mockOnStartGame).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({
+          config: expect.objectContaining({
+            shuffleQuestions: true,
+            streakBonusEnabled: true,
+            comebackBonusEnabled: true,
+            penaltyForWrongAnswer: true,
+            firstCorrectBonusEnabled: true,
+          }),
+        }),
+        expect.any(Object)
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('handles config without onConfigChange callback', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} onConfigChange={undefined} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions'));
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText(/Start Game/));
+      
+      expect(mockOnStartGame).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+        expect.objectContaining({
+          config: expect.objectContaining({
+            shuffleQuestions: true,
+          }),
+        }),
+        expect.any(Object)
+      );
+    });
+
+    it('handles empty questions array', () => {
+      const emptyQuiz = createMockQuiz({ questions: [] });
+      
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} quiz={emptyQuiz} />);
+      
+      const startButton = screen.getByText(/Start Game/).closest('button');
+      expect(startButton).toBeDisabled();
+    });
+
+    it('handles quiz without title', () => {
+      const noTitleQuiz = createMockQuiz({ title: '' });
+      
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} quiz={noTitleQuiz} />);
+      
+      expect(screen.getByText('Untitled Quiz')).toBeInTheDocument();
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('onConfigChange callback timing', () => {
+    it('calls onConfigChange immediately when toggle changes', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Shuffle Questions'));
+      
+      expect(mockOnConfigChange).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+
+    it('calls onConfigChange for nested number input changes', async () => {
+      const user = userEvent.setup();
+      const quizWithStreak = createMockQuiz({
+        config: { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, streakBonusEnabled: true },
+      });
+      
+      render(<QuizEditor {...defaultProps} quiz={quizWithStreak} />);
+      
+      await user.click(screen.getByText('Game Settings'));
+      
+      const thresholdInput = screen.getByDisplayValue('3');
+      await user.clear(thresholdInput);
+      await user.type(thresholdInput, '5');
+      
+      expect(mockOnConfigChange).toHaveBeenCalled();
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/tests/hooks/useUserConfig.test.tsx b/tests/hooks/useUserConfig.test.tsx
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b0c6f0d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/tests/hooks/useUserConfig.test.tsx
@@ -0,0 +1,503 @@
+import React from 'react';
+import { renderHook, act, waitFor } from '@testing-library/react';
+import { describe, it, expect, vi, beforeEach, afterEach } from 'vitest';
+import { useUserConfig } from '../../hooks/useUserConfig';
+import { DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG } from '../../types';
+import type { GameConfig } from '../../types';
+
+const mockAuthFetch = vi.fn();
+const mockIsAuthenticated = vi.fn(() => true);
+
+vi.mock('../../hooks/useAuthenticatedFetch', () => ({
+  useAuthenticatedFetch: () => ({
+    authFetch: mockAuthFetch,
+    isAuthenticated: mockIsAuthenticated(),
+  }),
+}));
+
+vi.mock('react-hot-toast', () => ({
+  default: {
+    success: vi.fn(),
+    error: vi.fn(),
+  },
+}));
+
+describe('useUserConfig', () => {
+  beforeEach(() => {
+    vi.clearAllMocks();
+    mockIsAuthenticated.mockReturnValue(true);
+  });
+
+  afterEach(() => {
+    vi.resetAllMocks();
+  });
+
+  describe('initialization', () => {
+    it('returns DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG initially', () => {
+      mockAuthFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+        ok: true,
+        json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: null }),
+      });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+      
+      expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG);
+    });
+
+    it('fetches default config on mount when authenticated', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+        ok: true,
+        json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: null }),
+      });
+
+      renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(mockAuthFetch).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/api/users/me');
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('does not fetch when not authenticated', () => {
+      mockIsAuthenticated.mockReturnValue(false);
+
+      renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      expect(mockAuthFetch).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('fetchDefaultConfig - happy path', () => {
+    it('updates defaultConfig when server returns config', async () => {
+      const serverConfig: GameConfig = {
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+        streakBonusEnabled: true,
+      };
+
+      mockAuthFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+        ok: true,
+        json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: serverConfig }),
+      });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(serverConfig);
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('sets loading to true during fetch', async () => {
+      let resolvePromise: (value: unknown) => void;
+      const pendingPromise = new Promise((resolve) => {
+        resolvePromise = resolve;
+      });
+
+      mockAuthFetch.mockReturnValueOnce(pendingPromise);
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(true);
+      });
+
+      await act(async () => {
+        resolvePromise!({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: null }),
+        });
+      });
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('keeps DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG when server returns null config', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+        ok: true,
+        json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: null }),
+      });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('fetchDefaultConfig - unhappy path', () => {
+    it('handles non-ok response gracefully', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+        ok: false,
+        status: 500,
+      });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG);
+    });
+
+    it('handles network error gracefully', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch.mockRejectedValueOnce(new Error('Network error'));
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG);
+    });
+
+    it('handles 401 unauthorized gracefully', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+        ok: false,
+        status: 401,
+      });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('saveDefaultConfig - happy path', () => {
+    it('successfully saves config to server', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: null }),
+        })
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ success: true }),
+        });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      const newConfig: GameConfig = {
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+        hostParticipates: false,
+      };
+
+      await act(async () => {
+        await result.current.saveDefaultConfig(newConfig);
+      });
+
+      expect(mockAuthFetch).toHaveBeenLastCalledWith('/api/users/me/default-config', {
+        method: 'PUT',
+        body: JSON.stringify({ defaultGameConfig: newConfig }),
+      });
+    });
+
+    it('updates local state after successful save', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: null }),
+        })
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ success: true }),
+        });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      const newConfig: GameConfig = {
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        shuffleAnswers: true,
+      };
+
+      await act(async () => {
+        await result.current.saveDefaultConfig(newConfig);
+      });
+
+      expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(newConfig);
+    });
+
+    it('sets saving to true during save', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+        ok: true,
+        json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: null }),
+      });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      let resolvePromise: (value: unknown) => void;
+      const pendingPromise = new Promise((resolve) => {
+        resolvePromise = resolve;
+      });
+
+      mockAuthFetch.mockReturnValueOnce(pendingPromise);
+
+      act(() => {
+        result.current.saveDefaultConfig({ ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG });
+      });
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.saving).toBe(true);
+      });
+
+      await act(async () => {
+        resolvePromise!({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ success: true }),
+        });
+      });
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.saving).toBe(false);
+      });
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('saveDefaultConfig - unhappy path', () => {
+    it('throws error when save fails with non-ok response', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: null }),
+        })
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: false,
+          status: 500,
+        });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      await expect(
+        act(async () => {
+          await result.current.saveDefaultConfig({ ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG });
+        })
+      ).rejects.toThrow('Failed to save defaults');
+    });
+
+    it('throws error when network fails', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: null }),
+        })
+        .mockRejectedValueOnce(new Error('Network error'));
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      await expect(
+        act(async () => {
+          await result.current.saveDefaultConfig({ ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG });
+        })
+      ).rejects.toThrow('Network error');
+    });
+
+    it('resets saving state on error', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: null }),
+        })
+        .mockRejectedValueOnce(new Error('Server error'));
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      try {
+        await act(async () => {
+          await result.current.saveDefaultConfig({ ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG });
+        });
+      } catch {
+        // Expected to throw
+      }
+
+      expect(result.current.saving).toBe(false);
+    });
+
+    it('does not update local state on save failure', async () => {
+      const initialConfig: GameConfig = {
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+      };
+
+      mockAuthFetch
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: initialConfig }),
+        })
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: false,
+          status: 500,
+        });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(initialConfig);
+      });
+
+      const newConfig: GameConfig = {
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        shuffleAnswers: true,
+      };
+
+      try {
+        await act(async () => {
+          await result.current.saveDefaultConfig(newConfig);
+        });
+      } catch {
+        // Expected to throw
+      }
+
+      expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(initialConfig);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('concurrent operations', () => {
+    it('handles multiple save calls correctly', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: null }),
+        })
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ success: true }),
+        })
+        .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+          ok: true,
+          json: () => Promise.resolve({ success: true }),
+        });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      const config1: GameConfig = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, shuffleQuestions: true };
+      const config2: GameConfig = { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, shuffleAnswers: true };
+
+      await act(async () => {
+        await result.current.saveDefaultConfig(config1);
+      });
+
+      await act(async () => {
+        await result.current.saveDefaultConfig(config2);
+      });
+
+      expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(config2);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('edge cases', () => {
+    it('handles partial config from server', async () => {
+      const partialConfig = {
+        shuffleQuestions: true,
+      };
+
+      mockAuthFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+        ok: true,
+        json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: partialConfig }),
+      });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(partialConfig);
+    });
+
+    it('handles empty response body', async () => {
+      mockAuthFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+        ok: true,
+        json: () => Promise.resolve({}),
+      });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG);
+    });
+
+    it('handles config with extra fields from server', async () => {
+      const serverConfigWithExtras = {
+        ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG,
+        unknownField: 'value',
+        anotherUnknown: 123,
+      };
+
+      mockAuthFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+        ok: true,
+        json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: serverConfigWithExtras }),
+      });
+
+      const { result } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(result.current.loading).toBe(false);
+      });
+
+      expect(result.current.defaultConfig).toEqual(serverConfigWithExtras);
+    });
+  });
+
+  describe('re-authentication scenarios', () => {
+    it('re-fetches config when authentication status changes', async () => {
+      mockIsAuthenticated.mockReturnValue(false);
+
+      const { result, rerender } = renderHook(() => useUserConfig());
+
+      expect(mockAuthFetch).not.toHaveBeenCalled();
+
+      mockIsAuthenticated.mockReturnValue(true);
+      mockAuthFetch.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+        ok: true,
+        json: () => Promise.resolve({ defaultGameConfig: { ...DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG, shuffleQuestions: true } }),
+      });
+
+      rerender();
+
+      await waitFor(() => {
+        expect(mockAuthFetch).toHaveBeenCalledWith('/api/users/me');
+      });
+    });
+  });
+});
diff --git a/types.ts b/types.ts
index 84004ea..0689dbc 100644
--- a/types.ts
+++ b/types.ts
@@ -27,9 +27,40 @@ export interface Question {
   timeLimit: number; // in seconds
 }
 
+export interface GameConfig {
+  shuffleQuestions: boolean;
+  shuffleAnswers: boolean;
+  hostParticipates: boolean;
+  streakBonusEnabled: boolean;
+  streakThreshold: number;
+  streakMultiplier: number;
+  comebackBonusEnabled: boolean;
+  comebackBonusPoints: number;
+  penaltyForWrongAnswer: boolean;
+  penaltyPercent: number;
+  firstCorrectBonusEnabled: boolean;
+  firstCorrectBonusPoints: number;
+}
+
+export const DEFAULT_GAME_CONFIG: GameConfig = {
+  shuffleQuestions: false,
+  shuffleAnswers: false,
+  hostParticipates: true,
+  streakBonusEnabled: false,
+  streakThreshold: 3,
+  streakMultiplier: 1.1,
+  comebackBonusEnabled: false,
+  comebackBonusPoints: 50,
+  penaltyForWrongAnswer: false,
+  penaltyPercent: 25,
+  firstCorrectBonusEnabled: false,
+  firstCorrectBonusPoints: 50,
+};
+
 export interface Quiz {
   title: string;
   questions: Question[];
+  config?: GameConfig;
 }
 
 export type QuizSource = 'manual' | 'ai_generated';
@@ -40,6 +71,7 @@ export interface SavedQuiz extends Quiz {
   aiTopic?: string;
   createdAt: string;
   updatedAt: string;
+  config?: GameConfig;
 }
 
 export interface QuizListItem {