diff --git a/backend/README.md b/backend/README.md
index 8ecff49..f28cbe6 100644
--- a/backend/README.md
+++ b/backend/README.md
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ the game domain wires it into the process.
 event-sourced: a `games` row plus an append-only decoded move journal, with the
 live `engine.Game` kept warm in a cache and rebuilt by replay on a miss. It
 provides create, the play/pass/exchange/resign transitions, an unlimited
-score/legality preview, the hint (per-game allowance plus a profile wallet), the
+word/score/legality preview, the hint (per-game allowance plus a profile wallet), the
 word-check tool with complaint capture, per-player game state, history and GCG
 export, per-account statistics on finish, and a background turn-timeout sweeper
 that auto-resigns overdue turns (honouring each player's daily away window). Like
diff --git a/backend/internal/engine/direction.go b/backend/internal/engine/direction.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..301f4ef
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/engine/direction.go
@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+package engine
+
+import (
+	"gitea.iliadenisov.ru/developer/scrabble-solver/board"
+	"gitea.iliadenisov.ru/developer/scrabble-solver/scrabble"
+)
+
+// resolveDirection infers a play's orientation from the placed tiles and the
+// board, so a caller need not declare it (docs/ARCHITECTURE.md §5). Two or more
+// tiles fix the orientation by the line they share: a common row reads
+// horizontally, otherwise vertically (a non-linear placement is left for
+// Evaluate to reject). A single tile is ambiguous on its own — it may extend a
+// word down a column or across a row — so the orientation is the axis along
+// which it abuts existing tiles, preferring the axis that yields the longer word
+// and horizontal on a tie. A tile that abuts nothing falls back to horizontal
+// and is rejected downstream as disconnected (or, on the first move, as too
+// short).
+func resolveDirection(b *board.Board, placements []scrabble.Placement) scrabble.Direction {
+	if len(placements) >= 2 {
+		row := placements[0].Row
+		for _, p := range placements[1:] {
+			if p.Row != row {
+				return scrabble.Vertical
+			}
+		}
+		return scrabble.Horizontal
+	}
+	if len(placements) == 1 {
+		p := placements[0]
+		h := runLength(b, p.Row, p.Col, scrabble.Horizontal)
+		v := runLength(b, p.Row, p.Col, scrabble.Vertical)
+		if v >= 2 && v > h {
+			return scrabble.Vertical
+		}
+		if h >= 2 {
+			return scrabble.Horizontal
+		}
+		if v >= 2 {
+			return scrabble.Vertical
+		}
+	}
+	return scrabble.Horizontal
+}
+
+// runLength returns how many cells the word through (row, col) along dir would
+// span once a tile is placed on the empty target square: the square itself plus
+// the runs of filled cells immediately before and after it along dir. A result
+// below two means the tile forms no word on that axis. Filled treats
+// off-board coordinates as empty, so the walks stop at the board edge.
+func runLength(b *board.Board, row, col int, dir scrabble.Direction) int {
+	dr, dc := 0, 1
+	if dir == scrabble.Vertical {
+		dr, dc = 1, 0
+	}
+	n := 1
+	for r, c := row-dr, col-dc; b.Filled(r, c); r, c = r-dr, c-dc {
+		n++
+	}
+	for r, c := row+dr, col+dc; b.Filled(r, c); r, c = r+dr, c+dc {
+		n++
+	}
+	return n
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/engine/direction_test.go b/backend/internal/engine/direction_test.go
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..aafa903
--- /dev/null
+++ b/backend/internal/engine/direction_test.go
@@ -0,0 +1,159 @@
+package engine
+
+import (
+	"errors"
+	"testing"
+
+	"gitea.iliadenisov.ru/developer/scrabble-solver/board"
+	"gitea.iliadenisov.ru/developer/scrabble-solver/scrabble"
+)
+
+// boardWith returns a 15x15 board with the given (row, col) cells occupied. The
+// concrete letter is irrelevant to direction inference, which reads only
+// occupancy, so every filler uses alphabet index 0.
+func boardWith(cells ...[2]int) *board.Board {
+	b := board.New(15, 15)
+	ps := make([]scrabble.Placement, len(cells))
+	for i, c := range cells {
+		ps[i] = scrabble.Placement{Row: c[0], Col: c[1], Letter: 0}
+	}
+	scrabble.Apply(b, scrabble.Move{Tiles: ps})
+	return b
+}
+
+// TestRunLength covers the word-span measurement that drives single-tile
+// direction inference, including the board edge.
+func TestRunLength(t *testing.T) {
+	tests := []struct {
+		name     string
+		filled   [][2]int
+		row, col int
+		dir      scrabble.Direction
+		want     int
+	}{
+		{"isolated horizontal", nil, 7, 7, scrabble.Horizontal, 1},
+		{"isolated vertical", nil, 7, 7, scrabble.Vertical, 1},
+		{"neighbour below", [][2]int{{8, 7}}, 7, 7, scrabble.Vertical, 2},
+		{"neighbour above", [][2]int{{6, 7}}, 7, 7, scrabble.Vertical, 2},
+		{"run below", [][2]int{{8, 7}, {9, 7}}, 7, 7, scrabble.Vertical, 3},
+		{"bridge vertical", [][2]int{{6, 7}, {8, 7}}, 7, 7, scrabble.Vertical, 3},
+		{"neighbour left", [][2]int{{7, 6}}, 7, 7, scrabble.Horizontal, 2},
+		{"neighbour right", [][2]int{{7, 8}}, 7, 7, scrabble.Horizontal, 2},
+		{"bridge horizontal", [][2]int{{7, 6}, {7, 8}}, 7, 7, scrabble.Horizontal, 3},
+		{"perpendicular ignored", [][2]int{{7, 6}}, 7, 7, scrabble.Vertical, 1},
+		{"top edge", [][2]int{{1, 0}}, 0, 0, scrabble.Vertical, 2},
+		{"left edge", [][2]int{{0, 1}}, 0, 0, scrabble.Horizontal, 2},
+	}
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			t.Parallel()
+			b := boardWith(tt.filled...)
+			if got := runLength(b, tt.row, tt.col, tt.dir); got != tt.want {
+				t.Errorf("runLength(%d,%d,%v) = %d, want %d", tt.row, tt.col, tt.dir, got, tt.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// TestResolveDirection covers orientation inference for both multi-tile plays
+// (fixed by the shared line) and the ambiguous single tile (the axis it abuts,
+// longer word winning and horizontal on a tie; disconnected falls back to
+// horizontal for the downstream rejection).
+func TestResolveDirection(t *testing.T) {
+	at := func(cells ...[2]int) []scrabble.Placement {
+		ps := make([]scrabble.Placement, len(cells))
+		for i, c := range cells {
+			ps[i] = scrabble.Placement{Row: c[0], Col: c[1]}
+		}
+		return ps
+	}
+	tests := []struct {
+		name   string
+		filled [][2]int
+		play   []scrabble.Placement
+		want   scrabble.Direction
+	}{
+		{"single extends down", [][2]int{{8, 7}, {9, 7}}, at([2]int{7, 7}), scrabble.Vertical},
+		{"single extends up", [][2]int{{6, 7}, {5, 7}}, at([2]int{7, 7}), scrabble.Vertical},
+		{"single extends left", [][2]int{{7, 6}}, at([2]int{7, 7}), scrabble.Horizontal},
+		{"single extends right", [][2]int{{7, 8}}, at([2]int{7, 7}), scrabble.Horizontal},
+		{"single both axes vertical longer", [][2]int{{6, 7}, {8, 7}, {7, 6}}, at([2]int{7, 7}), scrabble.Vertical},
+		{"single both axes horizontal longer", [][2]int{{7, 6}, {7, 8}, {6, 7}}, at([2]int{7, 7}), scrabble.Horizontal},
+		{"single both axes equal prefers horizontal", [][2]int{{6, 7}, {7, 6}}, at([2]int{7, 7}), scrabble.Horizontal},
+		{"single disconnected falls back to horizontal", nil, at([2]int{7, 7}), scrabble.Horizontal},
+		{"multi shared row is horizontal", nil, at([2]int{7, 7}, [2]int{7, 8}), scrabble.Horizontal},
+		{"multi shared column is vertical", nil, at([2]int{7, 7}, [2]int{8, 7}), scrabble.Vertical},
+		{"multi non-linear is vertical", nil, at([2]int{7, 7}, [2]int{8, 8}), scrabble.Vertical},
+	}
+	for _, tt := range tests {
+		t.Run(tt.name, func(t *testing.T) {
+			t.Parallel()
+			b := boardWith(tt.filled...)
+			if got := resolveDirection(b, tt.play); got != tt.want {
+				t.Errorf("resolveDirection = %v, want %v", got, tt.want)
+			}
+		})
+	}
+}
+
+// TestResolveDirectionEmpty checks the degenerate empty placement does not panic
+// and falls back to horizontal (Evaluate rejects the empty play downstream).
+func TestResolveDirectionEmpty(t *testing.T) {
+	if got := resolveDirection(boardWith(), nil); got != scrabble.Horizontal {
+		t.Errorf("resolveDirection(empty) = %v, want Horizontal", got)
+	}
+}
+
+// TestSubmitPlaySingleTileVerticalExtension is the regression for the reported
+// bug: a single tile placed above an existing vertical word forms a legal play
+// the engine must accept by inferring the vertical orientation. Trusting a
+// horizontal orientation (the pre-fix client default) wrongly rejects it.
+func TestSubmitPlaySingleTileVerticalExtension(t *testing.T) {
+	// БАК runs down column 7 (rows 7..9); the mover holds А and plays it at
+	// (6,7), prefixing АБАК. This mirrors the contour game that surfaced the bug.
+	setup := func(t *testing.T) (*Game, []TileRecord) {
+		t.Helper()
+		g, err := New(testReg, Options{Variant: VariantErudit, Version: testVersion, Players: 2, Seed: 1})
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("new erudit game: %v", err)
+		}
+		idx := func(s string) byte {
+			i, err := g.rules.Alphabet.Index(s)
+			if err != nil {
+				t.Fatalf("index %q: %v", s, err)
+			}
+			return i
+		}
+		scrabble.Apply(g.board, scrabble.Move{Tiles: []scrabble.Placement{
+			{Row: 7, Col: 7, Letter: idx("б")},
+			{Row: 8, Col: 7, Letter: idx("а")},
+			{Row: 9, Col: 7, Letter: idx("к")},
+		}})
+		g.hands[0] = []byte{idx("а")}
+		return g, []TileRecord{{Row: 6, Col: 7, Letter: "а"}}
+	}
+
+	t.Run("inferred direction accepts the play", func(t *testing.T) {
+		g, tiles := setup(t)
+		rec, err := g.SubmitPlay(tiles)
+		if err != nil {
+			t.Fatalf("submit play: %v", err)
+		}
+		if rec.Dir != Vertical {
+			t.Errorf("direction = %v, want Vertical", rec.Dir)
+		}
+		if len(rec.Words) == 0 || rec.Words[0] != "абак" {
+			t.Errorf("words = %v, want main word абак", rec.Words)
+		}
+		if rec.Score <= 0 {
+			t.Errorf("score = %d, want positive", rec.Score)
+		}
+	})
+
+	t.Run("trusting horizontal rejects it", func(t *testing.T) {
+		g, tiles := setup(t)
+		if _, err := g.SubmitPlayDir(Horizontal, tiles); !errors.Is(err, ErrIllegalPlay) {
+			t.Errorf("submit horizontal = %v, want ErrIllegalPlay", err)
+		}
+	})
+}
diff --git a/backend/internal/engine/domain.go b/backend/internal/engine/domain.go
index 4291436..50c58f2 100644
--- a/backend/internal/engine/domain.go
+++ b/backend/internal/engine/domain.go
@@ -52,11 +52,25 @@ func fromScrabbleDir(d scrabble.Direction) Direction {
 
 // SubmitPlay validates and applies the current player's play described in decoded
 // terms: each TileRecord carries a concrete letter (the letter a blank stands for
-// when Blank is set) and a board coordinate. It encodes the tiles through the
+// when Blank is set) and a board coordinate. It infers the play's orientation
+// from the tiles and the board (resolveDirection), encodes the tiles through the
 // ruleset alphabet and delegates to Play, so it returns the same errors
 // (ErrTilesNotOnRack, ErrIllegalPlay, ErrGameOver) plus ErrIllegalPlay when a
 // letter is outside the variant's alphabet.
-func (g *Game) SubmitPlay(dir Direction, tiles []TileRecord) (MoveRecord, error) {
+func (g *Game) SubmitPlay(tiles []TileRecord) (MoveRecord, error) {
+	placements, err := g.placements(tiles)
+	if err != nil {
+		return MoveRecord{}, err
+	}
+	return g.Play(resolveDirection(g.board, placements), placements)
+}
+
+// SubmitPlayDir is SubmitPlay with the orientation supplied rather than inferred.
+// It exists for journal replay, which reproduces a committed game exactly from
+// the stored "H"/"V" rather than re-deriving it (docs/ARCHITECTURE.md §9.1):
+// re-derivation would tie historical reconstruction to the current resolver, so
+// replay trusts the recorded direction. Live play uses SubmitPlay.
+func (g *Game) SubmitPlayDir(dir Direction, tiles []TileRecord) (MoveRecord, error) {
 	placements, err := g.placements(tiles)
 	if err != nil {
 		return MoveRecord{}, err
@@ -78,10 +92,11 @@ func (g *Game) SubmitExchange(tiles []string) (MoveRecord, error) {
 
 // EvaluatePlay scores and validates a tentative play without committing it,
 // backing the unlimited "what would my next move score, and is it legal?" tool.
-// It returns the decoded move (placed tiles, the words it forms and its score)
-// or ErrIllegalPlay when the solver rejects it. The board, racks, bag and turn
-// are left untouched.
-func (g *Game) EvaluatePlay(dir Direction, tiles []TileRecord) (MoveRecord, error) {
+// It infers the play's orientation from the tiles and the board exactly as
+// SubmitPlay does, then returns the decoded move (placed tiles, the words it
+// forms, its orientation and its score) or ErrIllegalPlay when the solver
+// rejects it. The board, racks, bag and turn are left untouched.
+func (g *Game) EvaluatePlay(tiles []TileRecord) (MoveRecord, error) {
 	if g.over {
 		return MoveRecord{}, ErrGameOver
 	}
@@ -89,7 +104,7 @@ func (g *Game) EvaluatePlay(dir Direction, tiles []TileRecord) (MoveRecord, erro
 	if err != nil {
 		return MoveRecord{}, err
 	}
-	move, err := g.solver.ValidatePlay(g.board, dir.scrabbleDir(), placements)
+	move, err := g.solver.ValidatePlay(g.board, resolveDirection(g.board, placements), placements)
 	if err != nil {
 		return MoveRecord{}, fmt.Errorf("%w: %v", ErrIllegalPlay, err)
 	}
diff --git a/backend/internal/engine/domain_test.go b/backend/internal/engine/domain_test.go
index 974b895..d29616c 100644
--- a/backend/internal/engine/domain_test.go
+++ b/backend/internal/engine/domain_test.go
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@ func TestSubmitPlayMatchesHint(t *testing.T) {
 	if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("opening game has no hint")
 	}
-	rec, err := g.SubmitPlay(hint.Dir, hint.Tiles)
+	rec, err := g.SubmitPlay(hint.Tiles)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("submit play: %v", err)
 	}
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ func TestEvaluatePlayDoesNotCommit(t *testing.T) {
 	boardBefore := g.BoardClone()
 	scoreBefore, toMoveBefore, bagBefore := g.Score(0), g.ToMove(), g.BagLen()
 
-	rec, err := g.EvaluatePlay(hint.Dir, hint.Tiles)
+	rec, err := g.EvaluatePlay(hint.Tiles)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("evaluate play: %v", err)
 	}
@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ func TestEvaluatePlayDoesNotCommit(t *testing.T) {
 func TestEvaluatePlayRejectsIllegal(t *testing.T) {
 	g := newEnglishGame(t, 1)
 	letter := g.Hand(0)[0]
-	_, err := g.EvaluatePlay(Horizontal, []TileRecord{{Row: 0, Col: 0, Letter: letter}})
+	_, err := g.EvaluatePlay([]TileRecord{{Row: 0, Col: 0, Letter: letter}})
 	if !errors.Is(err, ErrIllegalPlay) {
 		t.Errorf("evaluate off-centre opening = %v, want ErrIllegalPlay", err)
 	}
diff --git a/backend/internal/engine/resign_test.go b/backend/internal/engine/resign_test.go
index 8c08b44..779659d 100644
--- a/backend/internal/engine/resign_test.go
+++ b/backend/internal/engine/resign_test.go
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@ func TestResignLeadingPlayerStillLoses(t *testing.T) {
 	if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("opening game has no hint")
 	}
-	played, err := g.SubmitPlay(hint.Dir, hint.Tiles)
+	played, err := g.SubmitPlay(hint.Tiles)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("player 0 play: %v", err)
 	}
@@ -56,7 +56,7 @@ func TestResignTrailingPlayerLoses(t *testing.T) {
 	if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("opening game has no hint")
 	}
-	if _, err := g.SubmitPlay(hint.Dir, hint.Tiles); err != nil { // player 0 scores
+	if _, err := g.SubmitPlay(hint.Tiles); err != nil { // player 0 scores
 		t.Fatalf("player 0 play: %v", err)
 	}
 
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ func TestResignSeatOffTurn(t *testing.T) {
 	if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("opening game has no hint")
 	}
-	if _, err := g.SubmitPlay(hint.Dir, hint.Tiles); err != nil { // player 0 moves
+	if _, err := g.SubmitPlay(hint.Tiles); err != nil { // player 0 moves
 		t.Fatalf("player 0 play: %v", err)
 	}
 	if g.ToMove() != 1 {
@@ -165,7 +165,7 @@ func TestMultiplayerLastActiveWins(t *testing.T) {
 	if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("opening game has no hint")
 	}
-	played, err := g.SubmitPlay(hint.Dir, hint.Tiles) // seat 0 takes the lead
+	played, err := g.SubmitPlay(hint.Tiles) // seat 0 takes the lead
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("seat 0 play: %v", err)
 	}
@@ -245,7 +245,7 @@ func TestResignedSeatExcludedFromWinOnScorelessEnd(t *testing.T) {
 	if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("opening game has no hint")
 	}
-	played, err := g.SubmitPlay(hint.Dir, hint.Tiles) // seat 0 leads
+	played, err := g.SubmitPlay(hint.Tiles) // seat 0 leads
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("seat 0 play: %v", err)
 	}
diff --git a/backend/internal/game/service.go b/backend/internal/game/service.go
index e6419cf..caf8aeb 100644
--- a/backend/internal/game/service.go
+++ b/backend/internal/game/service.go
@@ -147,10 +147,12 @@ func (svc *Service) Create(ctx context.Context, params CreateParams) (Game, erro
 // and, for an exchange, the swapped tiles.
 type engineOp func(g *engine.Game) (engine.MoveRecord, []string, error)
 
-// SubmitPlay validates, scores and commits the player's placement.
-func (svc *Service) SubmitPlay(ctx context.Context, gameID, accountID uuid.UUID, dir engine.Direction, tiles []engine.TileRecord) (MoveResult, error) {
+// SubmitPlay validates, scores and commits the player's placement. The engine
+// infers the play's orientation from the tiles and the board, so the caller
+// supplies only the placed tiles (docs/ARCHITECTURE.md §5).
+func (svc *Service) SubmitPlay(ctx context.Context, gameID, accountID uuid.UUID, tiles []engine.TileRecord) (MoveResult, error) {
 	return svc.transition(ctx, gameID, accountID, func(g *engine.Game) (engine.MoveRecord, []string, error) {
-		rec, err := g.SubmitPlay(dir, tiles)
+		rec, err := g.SubmitPlay(tiles)
 		return rec, nil, err
 	})
 }
@@ -528,7 +530,7 @@ func (svc *Service) timeoutGame(ctx context.Context, gameID uuid.UUID, now time.
 
 // EvaluatePlay previews a tentative play for a seated player against the current
 // board without committing it: whether it is legal and what it would score.
-func (svc *Service) EvaluatePlay(ctx context.Context, gameID, accountID uuid.UUID, dir engine.Direction, tiles []engine.TileRecord) (EvalResult, error) {
+func (svc *Service) EvaluatePlay(ctx context.Context, gameID, accountID uuid.UUID, tiles []engine.TileRecord) (EvalResult, error) {
 	pre, err := svc.store.GetGame(ctx, gameID)
 	if err != nil {
 		return EvalResult{}, err
@@ -547,7 +549,7 @@ func (svc *Service) EvaluatePlay(ctx context.Context, gameID, accountID uuid.UUI
 		return EvalResult{}, err
 	}
 	validateStart := time.Now()
-	rec, err := g.EvaluatePlay(dir, tiles)
+	rec, err := g.EvaluatePlay(tiles)
 	svc.metrics.recordValidate(ctx, pre.Variant, validateStart)
 	if err != nil {
 		if errors.Is(err, engine.ErrIllegalPlay) {
@@ -555,7 +557,7 @@ func (svc *Service) EvaluatePlay(ctx context.Context, gameID, accountID uuid.UUI
 		}
 		return EvalResult{}, err
 	}
-	return EvalResult{Valid: true, Score: rec.Score, Words: rec.Words}, nil
+	return EvalResult{Valid: true, Score: rec.Score, Words: rec.Words, Dir: rec.Dir.String()}, nil
 }
 
 // CheckWord reports whether word is in the game's pinned dictionary. It is the
@@ -961,7 +963,7 @@ func replayMove(g *engine.Game, mv HistoryMove) error {
 		if mv.Dir == "V" {
 			dir = engine.Vertical
 		}
-		_, err := g.SubmitPlay(dir, mv.Tiles)
+		_, err := g.SubmitPlayDir(dir, mv.Tiles)
 		return err
 	case "pass":
 		_, err := g.Pass()
diff --git a/backend/internal/game/types.go b/backend/internal/game/types.go
index 53d40d2..ded5378 100644
--- a/backend/internal/game/types.go
+++ b/backend/internal/game/types.go
@@ -141,11 +141,14 @@ type HintResult struct {
 	HintsRemaining int
 }
 
-// EvalResult previews a tentative play without committing it.
+// EvalResult previews a tentative play without committing it. Dir is the
+// orientation the engine inferred for the play ("H"/"V"), empty when the play is
+// illegal; Words lists the words it would form, the main word first.
 type EvalResult struct {
 	Valid bool
 	Score int
 	Words []string
+	Dir   string
 }
 
 // StateView is a player's view of a game: the shared game plus their private
diff --git a/backend/internal/inttest/draft_test.go b/backend/internal/inttest/draft_test.go
index 4538629..ff94a58 100644
--- a/backend/internal/inttest/draft_test.go
+++ b/backend/internal/inttest/draft_test.go
@@ -35,7 +35,7 @@ func TestDraftPersistAndConflictReset(t *testing.T) {
 		t.Fatalf("save draft 1: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, gameID, seats[0], hint.Dir, hint.Tiles); err != nil {
+	if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, gameID, seats[0], hint.Tiles); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("seat0 play: %v", err)
 	}
 
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ func TestDraftSurvivesNonConflictingMove(t *testing.T) {
 	}); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("save draft 1: %v", err)
 	}
-	if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, gameID, seats[0], hint.Dir, hint.Tiles); err != nil {
+	if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, gameID, seats[0], hint.Tiles); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("seat0 play: %v", err)
 	}
 	if d, _ := svc.GetDraft(ctx, gameID, seats[1]); len(d.BoardTiles) != 1 || d.BoardTiles[0].Letter != "Z" {
diff --git a/backend/internal/inttest/game_test.go b/backend/internal/inttest/game_test.go
index 18e72fc..e409443 100644
--- a/backend/internal/inttest/game_test.go
+++ b/backend/internal/inttest/game_test.go
@@ -96,11 +96,11 @@ func TestGameLifecycleAndStats(t *testing.T) {
 	for i := 0; i < 300 && !mirror.Over(); i++ {
 		cur := seats[mirror.ToMove()]
 		if hint, ok := mirror.HintView(); ok {
-			last, err = svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, g.ID, cur, hint.Dir, hint.Tiles)
+			last, err = svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, g.ID, cur, hint.Tiles)
 			if err != nil {
 				t.Fatalf("submit play: %v", err)
 			}
-			if _, err := mirror.SubmitPlay(hint.Dir, hint.Tiles); err != nil {
+			if _, err := mirror.SubmitPlay(hint.Tiles); err != nil {
 				t.Fatalf("mirror play: %v", err)
 			}
 		} else {
@@ -154,10 +154,10 @@ func TestReplayEquivalence(t *testing.T) {
 	for i := 0; i < 6 && !mirror.Over(); i++ {
 		cur := seats[mirror.ToMove()]
 		if hint, ok := mirror.HintView(); ok {
-			if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, g.ID, cur, hint.Dir, hint.Tiles); err != nil {
+			if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, g.ID, cur, hint.Tiles); err != nil {
 				t.Fatalf("submit: %v", err)
 			}
-			mirror.SubmitPlay(hint.Dir, hint.Tiles)
+			mirror.SubmitPlay(hint.Tiles)
 		} else {
 			if _, err := svc.Pass(ctx, g.ID, cur); err != nil {
 				t.Fatalf("pass: %v", err)
@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ func TestResignWinnerAndStats(t *testing.T) {
 	if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("no opening move")
 	}
-	played, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, g.ID, seats[0], hint.Dir, hint.Tiles) // p0 scores
+	played, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, g.ID, seats[0], hint.Tiles) // p0 scores
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("p0 play: %v", err)
 	}
@@ -248,7 +248,7 @@ func TestResignOnOpponentTurn(t *testing.T) {
 	if !ok {
 		t.Fatal("no opening move")
 	}
-	if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, g.ID, seats[0], hint.Dir, hint.Tiles); err != nil { // p0 scores, now p1's turn
+	if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, g.ID, seats[0], hint.Tiles); err != nil { // p0 scores, now p1's turn
 		t.Fatalf("p0 play: %v", err)
 	}
 
@@ -455,19 +455,22 @@ func TestEvaluatePlayPreview(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 	hint, _ := newMirror(t, seed, 2).HintView()
 
-	eval, err := svc.EvaluatePlay(ctx, g.ID, seats[0], hint.Dir, hint.Tiles)
+	eval, err := svc.EvaluatePlay(ctx, g.ID, seats[0], hint.Tiles)
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("evaluate: %v", err)
 	}
 	if !eval.Valid || eval.Score <= 0 {
 		t.Errorf("legal preview = %+v, want valid with score", eval)
 	}
+	if eval.Dir != hint.Dir.String() || len(eval.Words) == 0 {
+		t.Errorf("legal preview dir/words = (%q, %v), want dir %q with the words formed", eval.Dir, eval.Words, hint.Dir.String())
+	}
 	// The same play must still be available afterwards (no commit).
-	if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, g.ID, seats[0], hint.Dir, hint.Tiles); err != nil {
+	if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, g.ID, seats[0], hint.Tiles); err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("submit after evaluate: %v", err)
 	}
 
-	bad, err := svc.EvaluatePlay(ctx, g.ID, seats[1], engine.Horizontal, []engine.TileRecord{{Row: 0, Col: 0, Letter: "q"}})
+	bad, err := svc.EvaluatePlay(ctx, g.ID, seats[1], []engine.TileRecord{{Row: 0, Col: 0, Letter: "q"}})
 	if err != nil {
 		t.Fatalf("evaluate illegal: %v", err)
 	}
@@ -498,7 +501,7 @@ func TestConcurrentSubmitSerialized(t *testing.T) {
 		wg.Add(1)
 		go func() {
 			defer wg.Done()
-			if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, g.ID, seats[0], hint.Dir, hint.Tiles); err == nil {
+			if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, g.ID, seats[0], hint.Tiles); err == nil {
 				mu.Lock()
 				ok++
 				mu.Unlock()
diff --git a/backend/internal/inttest/robot_test.go b/backend/internal/inttest/robot_test.go
index 738e4c7..53998f9 100644
--- a/backend/internal/inttest/robot_test.go
+++ b/backend/internal/inttest/robot_test.go
@@ -237,7 +237,7 @@ func playHuman(t *testing.T, ctx context.Context, svc *game.Service, gameID, hum
 		t.Fatalf("human candidates: %v", err)
 	}
 	if len(cands) > 0 {
-		if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, gameID, human, cands[0].Dir, cands[0].Tiles); err != nil {
+		if _, err := svc.SubmitPlay(ctx, gameID, human, cands[0].Tiles); err != nil {
 			t.Fatalf("human play: %v", err)
 		}
 		return
diff --git a/backend/internal/robot/driver.go b/backend/internal/robot/driver.go
index 2a0e1ae..3c3466b 100644
--- a/backend/internal/robot/driver.go
+++ b/backend/internal/robot/driver.go
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ func (s *Service) act(ctx context.Context, rt game.RobotTurn, now time.Time) err
 	var res game.MoveResult
 	switch d.kind {
 	case decidePlay:
-		res, err = s.games.SubmitPlay(ctx, rt.GameID, rt.RobotID, d.move.Dir, d.move.Tiles)
+		res, err = s.games.SubmitPlay(ctx, rt.GameID, rt.RobotID, d.move.Tiles)
 	case decideExchange:
 		res, err = s.games.Exchange(ctx, rt.GameID, rt.RobotID, d.exchange)
 	default:
diff --git a/backend/internal/robot/robot.go b/backend/internal/robot/robot.go
index e6aa40d..ffa0908 100644
--- a/backend/internal/robot/robot.go
+++ b/backend/internal/robot/robot.go
@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ type GameDriver interface {
 	Participants(ctx context.Context, gameID uuid.UUID) ([]uuid.UUID, int, string, error)
 	Candidates(ctx context.Context, gameID, accountID uuid.UUID) ([]engine.MoveRecord, error)
 	GameState(ctx context.Context, gameID, accountID uuid.UUID) (game.StateView, error)
-	SubmitPlay(ctx context.Context, gameID, accountID uuid.UUID, dir engine.Direction, tiles []engine.TileRecord) (game.MoveResult, error)
+	SubmitPlay(ctx context.Context, gameID, accountID uuid.UUID, tiles []engine.TileRecord) (game.MoveResult, error)
 	Pass(ctx context.Context, gameID, accountID uuid.UUID) (game.MoveResult, error)
 	Exchange(ctx context.Context, gameID, accountID uuid.UUID, tiles []string) (game.MoveResult, error)
 }
diff --git a/backend/internal/server/dto.go b/backend/internal/server/dto.go
index 09b6d88..8d225b0 100644
--- a/backend/internal/server/dto.go
+++ b/backend/internal/server/dto.go
@@ -1,8 +1,6 @@
 package server
 
 import (
-	"strings"
-
 	"scrabble/backend/internal/account"
 	"scrabble/backend/internal/engine"
 	"scrabble/backend/internal/game"
@@ -297,15 +295,3 @@ func chatDTOFrom(m social.Message) chatDTO {
 		CreatedAtUnix: m.CreatedAt.Unix(),
 	}
 }
-
-// parseDirection maps the wire direction string to an engine.Direction.
-func parseDirection(s string) (engine.Direction, bool) {
-	switch strings.ToUpper(strings.TrimSpace(s)) {
-	case "H":
-		return engine.Horizontal, true
-	case "V":
-		return engine.Vertical, true
-	default:
-		return 0, false
-	}
-}
diff --git a/backend/internal/server/dto_test.go b/backend/internal/server/dto_test.go
index 39d6281..06ac282 100644
--- a/backend/internal/server/dto_test.go
+++ b/backend/internal/server/dto_test.go
@@ -14,30 +14,6 @@ import (
 	"scrabble/backend/internal/social"
 )
 
-func TestParseDirection(t *testing.T) {
-	cases := map[string]struct {
-		in   string
-		want engine.Direction
-		ok   bool
-	}{
-		"horizontal":      {"H", engine.Horizontal, true},
-		"vertical":        {"V", engine.Vertical, true},
-		"lowercase":       {"h", engine.Horizontal, true},
-		"trimmed":         {" V ", engine.Vertical, true},
-		"invalid":         {"X", 0, false},
-		"empty":           {"", 0, false},
-		"diagonal-is-not": {"D", 0, false},
-	}
-	for name, tc := range cases {
-		t.Run(name, func(t *testing.T) {
-			got, ok := parseDirection(tc.in)
-			if ok != tc.ok || (ok && got != tc.want) {
-				t.Fatalf("parseDirection(%q) = (%v, %v), want (%v, %v)", tc.in, got, ok, tc.want, tc.ok)
-			}
-		})
-	}
-}
-
 func TestStatusForError(t *testing.T) {
 	cases := map[string]struct {
 		err        error
diff --git a/backend/internal/server/handlers_game.go b/backend/internal/server/handlers_game.go
index e0af299..ba9158f 100644
--- a/backend/internal/server/handlers_game.go
+++ b/backend/internal/server/handlers_game.go
@@ -22,11 +22,14 @@ type hintResultDTO struct {
 	HintsRemaining int           `json:"hints_remaining"`
 }
 
-// evalResultDTO is an unlimited move preview: legality, score and the words formed.
+// evalResultDTO is an unlimited move preview: legality, score, the words formed
+// (main word first) and the orientation the engine inferred ("H"/"V", empty when
+// illegal).
 type evalResultDTO struct {
 	Legal bool     `json:"legal"`
 	Score int      `json:"score"`
 	Words []string `json:"words"`
+	Dir   string   `json:"dir"`
 }
 
 // wordCheckDTO is the result of the unlimited dictionary lookup tool.
@@ -186,11 +189,6 @@ func (s *Server) handleEvaluate(c *gin.Context) {
 		abortBadRequest(c, "invalid request body")
 		return
 	}
-	dir, ok := parseDirection(req.Dir)
-	if !ok {
-		abortBadRequest(c, "dir must be H or V")
-		return
-	}
 	variant, err := s.games.GameVariant(c.Request.Context(), gameID)
 	if err != nil {
 		s.abortErr(c, err)
@@ -201,12 +199,12 @@ func (s *Server) handleEvaluate(c *gin.Context) {
 		s.abortErr(c, err)
 		return
 	}
-	ev, err := s.games.EvaluatePlay(c.Request.Context(), gameID, uid, dir, tiles)
+	ev, err := s.games.EvaluatePlay(c.Request.Context(), gameID, uid, tiles)
 	if err != nil {
 		s.abortErr(c, err)
 		return
 	}
-	c.JSON(http.StatusOK, evalResultDTO{Legal: ev.Valid, Score: ev.Score, Words: ev.Words})
+	c.JSON(http.StatusOK, evalResultDTO{Legal: ev.Valid, Score: ev.Score, Words: ev.Words, Dir: ev.Dir})
 }
 
 // handleCheckWord looks a word up in the game's pinned dictionary. The word arrives as
diff --git a/backend/internal/server/handlers_test.go b/backend/internal/server/handlers_test.go
index 3ddfc1f..8f3d824 100644
--- a/backend/internal/server/handlers_test.go
+++ b/backend/internal/server/handlers_test.go
@@ -75,18 +75,9 @@ func TestRateLimitReportEndpoint(t *testing.T) {
 	}
 }
 
-func TestSubmitPlayRejectsBadDirection(t *testing.T) {
-	headers := map[string]string{"X-User-ID": uuid.New().String()}
-	path := "/api/v1/user/games/" + uuid.New().String() + "/play"
-	rec := do(t, newRoutingServer(), http.MethodPost, path, `{"dir":"X","tiles":[]}`, headers)
-	if rec.Code != http.StatusBadRequest {
-		t.Fatalf("submit play bad dir = %d, want 400", rec.Code)
-	}
-}
-
 func TestSubmitPlayRejectsBadGameID(t *testing.T) {
 	headers := map[string]string{"X-User-ID": uuid.New().String()}
-	rec := do(t, newRoutingServer(), http.MethodPost, "/api/v1/user/games/not-a-uuid/play", `{"dir":"H"}`, headers)
+	rec := do(t, newRoutingServer(), http.MethodPost, "/api/v1/user/games/not-a-uuid/play", `{}`, headers)
 	if rec.Code != http.StatusBadRequest {
 		t.Fatalf("submit play bad game id = %d, want 400", rec.Code)
 	}
diff --git a/backend/internal/server/handlers_user.go b/backend/internal/server/handlers_user.go
index 661258e..150af11 100644
--- a/backend/internal/server/handlers_user.go
+++ b/backend/internal/server/handlers_user.go
@@ -26,10 +26,10 @@ func (s *Server) handleProfile(c *gin.Context) {
 	c.JSON(http.StatusOK, profileResponseFor(acc))
 }
 
-// submitPlayRequest places tiles in a direction on the player's turn. Each tile's Letter
-// is a wire alphabet index; for a blank it is the designated letter's index.
+// submitPlayRequest places tiles on the player's turn; the engine infers the
+// play's orientation from the tiles and the board. Each tile's Letter is a wire
+// alphabet index; for a blank it is the designated letter's index.
 type submitPlayRequest struct {
-	Dir   string `json:"dir"`
 	Tiles []struct {
 		Row    int  `json:"row"`
 		Col    int  `json:"col"`
@@ -70,11 +70,6 @@ func (s *Server) handleSubmitPlay(c *gin.Context) {
 		abortBadRequest(c, "invalid request body")
 		return
 	}
-	dir, ok := parseDirection(req.Dir)
-	if !ok {
-		abortBadRequest(c, "dir must be H or V")
-		return
-	}
 	variant, err := s.games.GameVariant(c.Request.Context(), gameID)
 	if err != nil {
 		s.abortErr(c, err)
@@ -85,7 +80,7 @@ func (s *Server) handleSubmitPlay(c *gin.Context) {
 		s.abortErr(c, err)
 		return
 	}
-	res, err := s.games.SubmitPlay(c.Request.Context(), gameID, uid, dir, tiles)
+	res, err := s.games.SubmitPlay(c.Request.Context(), gameID, uid, tiles)
 	if err != nil {
 		s.abortErr(c, err)
 		return
diff --git a/docs/ARCHITECTURE.md b/docs/ARCHITECTURE.md
index e3a481e..b4f8d1a 100644
--- a/docs/ARCHITECTURE.md
+++ b/docs/ARCHITECTURE.md
@@ -262,6 +262,13 @@ Key points:
   check for resign. The engine exposes a
   decoded, solver-free API (`SubmitPlay`/`SubmitExchange`/`EvaluatePlay`/
   `HintView`/`Hand`) so `internal/game` drives it without importing the solver.
+  A play's **orientation (H/V) is inferred from the placed tiles and the board**,
+  not supplied by the caller: two or more tiles fix it by the line they share; a
+  lone tile takes the axis along which it abuts existing tiles (the longer word
+  winning, horizontal on a tie), so a single tile extending an existing word
+  vertically is accepted. Journal replay instead trusts the **stored** direction
+  (`SubmitPlayDir`, §9.1) to reproduce a committed game exactly rather than
+  re-deriving it.
 - The **game domain** (`internal/game`) owns everything the engine does not —
   persistence, turn scheduling, the configurable turn timeout / auto-resign, the
   hint budget, word-check complaints, history and GCG — and is the engine's only
@@ -469,7 +476,8 @@ and — in a per-move JSON payload — the acting player's rack before the move
 `?` for a blank), and for a play its direction, main-word anchor, placed tiles
 (letter as text, coordinate, blank flag) and the words formed; for an exchange,
 the swapped tiles. This is exactly what is needed both to **replay the game
-through the engine** (a cache miss) and to render history or emit GCG **without a
+through the engine** (a cache miss; replay trusts the stored direction rather than
+re-deriving it, so the rebuild matches the committed game) and to render history or emit GCG **without a
 dictionary**: the board for visual replay is reconstructed by applying placements
 onto an empty grid, since moves were validated at play time and scores are
 stored. `variant` and `dict_version` are kept as **metadata only** (audit,
diff --git a/docs/FUNCTIONAL.md b/docs/FUNCTIONAL.md
index 307b4eb..c98d6b1 100644
--- a/docs/FUNCTIONAL.md
+++ b/docs/FUNCTIONAL.md
@@ -92,9 +92,12 @@ settings and the game starts once every invitee has accepted — any decline can
 expires after seven days.
 
 ### Playing a game
-Place tiles, pass, exchange, or resign. A play is validated against the game's
-dictionary at submit time and scored; an unlimited preview reports what a
-tentative move would score and whether it is legal. The dictionary check tool is
+Place tiles, pass, exchange, or resign. Tiles are laid without choosing a
+direction — the game infers the play's orientation, so a single tile that extends
+an existing word (down a column or across a row) is accepted. A play is validated
+against the game's dictionary at submit time and scored; an unlimited preview
+reports the word(s) a tentative move would form and its score, or that it is not
+legal, and the move is offered for submission only once it is confirmed legal. The dictionary check tool is
 unlimited and offers a complaint on any result. Hints are governed per game —
 whether they are allowed and how many each player starts with — and draw on a
 personal hint wallet once the per-game allowance is spent. The game ends when the
diff --git a/docs/FUNCTIONAL_ru.md b/docs/FUNCTIONAL_ru.md
index 599d60f..6460d45 100644
--- a/docs/FUNCTIONAL_ru.md
+++ b/docs/FUNCTIONAL_ru.md
@@ -96,9 +96,12 @@ nudge) приходят от бота **этой партии** — по язы
 ответа приглашение протухает через семь дней.
 
 ### Игровой процесс
-Выкладывание фишек, пас, обмен или сдача. Ход проверяется по словарю партии при
-сдаче и считается; безлимитный предпросмотр сообщает, сколько принёс бы
-предполагаемый ход и легален ли он. Инструмент проверки слова безлимитный и
+Выкладывание фишек, пас, обмен или сдача. Фишки кладутся без выбора направления —
+игра сама определяет ориентацию хода, поэтому одна фишка, продолжающая уже лежащее
+слово (по столбцу или по строке), принимается. Ход проверяется по словарю партии при
+сдаче и считается; безлимитный предпросмотр показывает слово (или слова), которое
+образует предполагаемый ход, и его очки — либо что ход недопустим, — и ход можно
+отправить только после подтверждения, что он допустим. Инструмент проверки слова безлимитный и
 предлагает пожаловаться на любой результат. Подсказки управляются настройками
 партии — разрешены ли они и сколько их у каждого игрока на старте — и расходуют
 личный кошелёк подсказок после исчерпания внутриигрового лимита. Партия
diff --git a/gateway/internal/backendclient/api.go b/gateway/internal/backendclient/api.go
index 1d3e858..cb84729 100644
--- a/gateway/internal/backendclient/api.go
+++ b/gateway/internal/backendclient/api.go
@@ -225,9 +225,9 @@ func (c *Client) Profile(ctx context.Context, userID string) (ProfileResp, error
 
 // SubmitPlay commits a placement on the player's turn. The tiles are addressed by alphabet
 // index.
-func (c *Client) SubmitPlay(ctx context.Context, userID, gameID, dir string, tiles []PlayTileJSON) (MoveResultResp, error) {
+func (c *Client) SubmitPlay(ctx context.Context, userID, gameID string, tiles []PlayTileJSON) (MoveResultResp, error) {
 	var out MoveResultResp
-	body := map[string]any{"dir": dir, "tiles": tiles}
+	body := map[string]any{"tiles": tiles}
 	err := c.do(ctx, http.MethodPost, "/api/v1/user/games/"+url.PathEscape(gameID)+"/play", userID, "", body, &out)
 	return out, err
 }
@@ -279,11 +279,13 @@ type HintResultResp struct {
 	HintsRemaining int            `json:"hints_remaining"`
 }
 
-// EvalResultResp is an unlimited move preview.
+// EvalResultResp is an unlimited move preview. Dir is the orientation the backend
+// inferred ("H"/"V", empty when illegal); Words lists the words formed, main word first.
 type EvalResultResp struct {
 	Legal bool     `json:"legal"`
 	Score int      `json:"score"`
 	Words []string `json:"words"`
+	Dir   string   `json:"dir"`
 }
 
 // WordCheckResp is a dictionary lookup outcome.
@@ -365,10 +367,10 @@ func (c *Client) HideGame(ctx context.Context, userID, gameID string) error {
 
 // Evaluate previews a tentative play's legality and score. The tiles are addressed by
 // alphabet index.
-func (c *Client) Evaluate(ctx context.Context, userID, gameID, dir string, tiles []PlayTileJSON) (EvalResultResp, error) {
+func (c *Client) Evaluate(ctx context.Context, userID, gameID string, tiles []PlayTileJSON) (EvalResultResp, error) {
 	var out EvalResultResp
 	err := c.do(ctx, http.MethodPost, c.gamePath(gameID, "/evaluate"), userID, "",
-		map[string]any{"dir": dir, "tiles": tiles}, &out)
+		map[string]any{"tiles": tiles}, &out)
 	return out, err
 }
 
diff --git a/gateway/internal/transcode/encode.go b/gateway/internal/transcode/encode.go
index 584a925..ae90e6b 100644
--- a/gateway/internal/transcode/encode.go
+++ b/gateway/internal/transcode/encode.go
@@ -219,10 +219,12 @@ func encodeHintResult(r backendclient.HintResultResp) []byte {
 func encodeEvalResult(r backendclient.EvalResultResp) []byte {
 	b := flatbuffers.NewBuilder(256)
 	words := buildStringVector(b, r.Words, fb.EvalResultStartWordsVector)
+	dir := b.CreateString(r.Dir)
 	fb.EvalResultStart(b)
 	fb.EvalResultAddLegal(b, r.Legal)
 	fb.EvalResultAddScore(b, int32(r.Score))
 	fb.EvalResultAddWords(b, words)
+	fb.EvalResultAddDir(b, dir)
 	b.Finish(fb.EvalResultEnd(b))
 	return b.FinishedBytes()
 }
diff --git a/gateway/internal/transcode/transcode.go b/gateway/internal/transcode/transcode.go
index 7fd55f1..3e645f2 100644
--- a/gateway/internal/transcode/transcode.go
+++ b/gateway/internal/transcode/transcode.go
@@ -202,7 +202,7 @@ func profileHandler(backend *backendclient.Client) Handler {
 func submitPlayHandler(backend *backendclient.Client) Handler {
 	return func(ctx context.Context, req Request) ([]byte, error) {
 		in := fb.GetRootAsSubmitPlayRequest(req.Payload, 0)
-		res, err := backend.SubmitPlay(ctx, req.UserID, string(in.GameId()), string(in.Dir()), decodeTiles(in))
+		res, err := backend.SubmitPlay(ctx, req.UserID, string(in.GameId()), decodeTiles(in))
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}
@@ -367,7 +367,7 @@ func hintHandler(backend *backendclient.Client) Handler {
 func evaluateHandler(backend *backendclient.Client) Handler {
 	return func(ctx context.Context, req Request) ([]byte, error) {
 		in := fb.GetRootAsEvalRequest(req.Payload, 0)
-		res, err := backend.Evaluate(ctx, req.UserID, string(in.GameId()), string(in.Dir()), decodeEvalTiles(in))
+		res, err := backend.Evaluate(ctx, req.UserID, string(in.GameId()), decodeEvalTiles(in))
 		if err != nil {
 			return nil, err
 		}
diff --git a/gateway/internal/transcode/transcode_alphabet_test.go b/gateway/internal/transcode/transcode_alphabet_test.go
index 873aac6..d45fc02 100644
--- a/gateway/internal/transcode/transcode_alphabet_test.go
+++ b/gateway/internal/transcode/transcode_alphabet_test.go
@@ -110,7 +110,6 @@ func TestSubmitPlayForwardsIndexTiles(t *testing.T) {
 
 	b := flatbuffers.NewBuilder(64)
 	gid := b.CreateString("g-5")
-	dir := b.CreateString("H")
 	fb.PlayTileStart(b)
 	fb.PlayTileAddRow(b, 7)
 	fb.PlayTileAddCol(b, 7)
@@ -122,7 +121,6 @@ func TestSubmitPlayForwardsIndexTiles(t *testing.T) {
 	tiles := b.EndVector(1)
 	fb.SubmitPlayRequestStart(b)
 	fb.SubmitPlayRequestAddGameId(b, gid)
-	fb.SubmitPlayRequestAddDir(b, dir)
 	fb.SubmitPlayRequestAddTiles(b, tiles)
 	b.Finish(fb.SubmitPlayRequestEnd(b))
 
diff --git a/loadtest/internal/edge/encode.go b/loadtest/internal/edge/encode.go
index e68633c..eeb6c3a 100644
--- a/loadtest/internal/edge/encode.go
+++ b/loadtest/internal/edge/encode.go
@@ -37,12 +37,11 @@ func stateReq(gameID string, includeAlphabet bool) []byte {
 	return b.FinishedBytes()
 }
 
-// submitPlay builds a SubmitPlayRequest payload. dir is "H" or "V"; tiles are the
-// newly-placed tiles in main-word order.
-func submitPlay(gameID, dir string, tiles []PlayTile) []byte {
+// submitPlay builds a SubmitPlayRequest payload. tiles are the newly-placed tiles in
+// main-word order; the backend infers the play's orientation from them and the board.
+func submitPlay(gameID string, tiles []PlayTile) []byte {
 	b := flatbuffers.NewBuilder(256)
 	gid := b.CreateString(gameID)
-	d := b.CreateString(dir)
 	offs := make([]flatbuffers.UOffsetT, len(tiles))
 	for i, t := range tiles {
 		fb.PlayTileStart(b)
@@ -59,7 +58,6 @@ func submitPlay(gameID, dir string, tiles []PlayTile) []byte {
 	tilesVec := b.EndVector(len(offs))
 	fb.SubmitPlayRequestStart(b)
 	fb.SubmitPlayRequestAddGameId(b, gid)
-	fb.SubmitPlayRequestAddDir(b, d)
 	fb.SubmitPlayRequestAddTiles(b, tilesVec)
 	b.Finish(fb.SubmitPlayRequestEnd(b))
 	return b.FinishedBytes()
diff --git a/loadtest/internal/edge/ops.go b/loadtest/internal/edge/ops.go
index 7aa5d9d..ab86fa1 100644
--- a/loadtest/internal/edge/ops.go
+++ b/loadtest/internal/edge/ops.go
@@ -27,8 +27,8 @@ func (c *Client) History(ctx context.Context, token, gameID string) ([]Move, str
 }
 
 // SubmitPlay commits a play and returns the post-move game.
-func (c *Client) SubmitPlay(ctx context.Context, token, gameID, dir string, tiles []PlayTile) (Game, string, error) {
-	r, err := c.execute(ctx, token, msgSubmitPlay, submitPlay(gameID, dir, tiles))
+func (c *Client) SubmitPlay(ctx context.Context, token, gameID string, tiles []PlayTile) (Game, string, error) {
+	r, err := c.execute(ctx, token, msgSubmitPlay, submitPlay(gameID, tiles))
 	if err != nil || r.Code != "ok" {
 		return Game{}, r.Code, err
 	}
diff --git a/loadtest/internal/moves/moves.go b/loadtest/internal/moves/moves.go
index a64e864..8e8a13b 100644
--- a/loadtest/internal/moves/moves.go
+++ b/loadtest/internal/moves/moves.go
@@ -78,11 +78,10 @@ func (r *Registry) Close() {
 	}
 }
 
-// Action is a chosen turn. Kind is "play", "exchange" or "pass". A play carries Dir
-// ("H"/"V") and Tiles; an exchange carries Exchange (rack indices to swap).
+// Action is a chosen turn. Kind is "play", "exchange" or "pass". A play carries Tiles
+// (the backend infers the orientation); an exchange carries Exchange (rack indices to swap).
 type Action struct {
 	Kind     string
-	Dir      string
 	Tiles    []edge.PlayTile
 	Exchange []byte
 }
@@ -106,7 +105,7 @@ func (r *Registry) Pick(variant string, history []edge.Move, rackIdx []byte, bag
 		return noPlay(rackIdx, bagLen >= e.rs.RackSize), nil
 	}
 	m := midRanked(legal, rng)
-	return Action{Kind: "play", Dir: dirString(m.Dir), Tiles: toPlayTiles(m.Tiles)}, nil
+	return Action{Kind: "play", Tiles: toPlayTiles(m.Tiles)}, nil
 }
 
 // toPlayTiles maps the solver's newly-placed tiles to the edge submit-play tiles
@@ -176,11 +175,3 @@ func noPlay(rackIdx []byte, canExchange bool) Action {
 	}
 	return Action{Kind: "pass"}
 }
-
-// dirString renders a solver direction as the "H"/"V" the edge submit-play expects.
-func dirString(d scrabble.Direction) string {
-	if d == scrabble.Vertical {
-		return "V"
-	}
-	return "H"
-}
diff --git a/loadtest/internal/moves/moves_test.go b/loadtest/internal/moves/moves_test.go
index 54327dc..b896f26 100644
--- a/loadtest/internal/moves/moves_test.go
+++ b/loadtest/internal/moves/moves_test.go
@@ -146,9 +146,6 @@ func TestPickWithDawg(t *testing.T) {
 		if len(act.Tiles) == 0 {
 			t.Error("play action has no tiles")
 		}
-		if act.Dir != "H" && act.Dir != "V" {
-			t.Errorf("dir = %q, want H or V", act.Dir)
-		}
 	case "exchange", "pass":
 		// acceptable when the rack has no legal first move
 	default:
diff --git a/loadtest/internal/scenario/scenario.go b/loadtest/internal/scenario/scenario.go
index e86a8ca..29bf611 100644
--- a/loadtest/internal/scenario/scenario.go
+++ b/loadtest/internal/scenario/scenario.go
@@ -197,7 +197,7 @@ func (d *Driver) playTurn(ctx context.Context, c *edge.Client, p seed.Account, g
 	switch action.Kind {
 	case "play":
 		t0 = time.Now()
-		_, code, _ := c.SubmitPlay(ctx, p.Token, g.ID, action.Dir, action.Tiles)
+		_, code, _ := c.SubmitPlay(ctx, p.Token, g.ID, action.Tiles)
 		d.rec.Record("game.submit_play", code, time.Since(t0))
 	case "exchange":
 		t0 = time.Now()
diff --git a/pkg/fbs/scrabble.fbs b/pkg/fbs/scrabble.fbs
index bfc4bc6..b0e74e2 100644
--- a/pkg/fbs/scrabble.fbs
+++ b/pkg/fbs/scrabble.fbs
@@ -151,11 +151,10 @@ table Profile {
 
 // --- game (authenticated) ---
 
-// SubmitPlayRequest places tiles in a direction on the player's turn. tiles are addressed
-// by alphabet index.
+// SubmitPlayRequest places tiles on the player's turn; the backend infers the play's
+// orientation from the tiles and the board. tiles are addressed by alphabet index.
 table SubmitPlayRequest {
   game_id:string;
-  dir:string;
   tiles:[PlayTile];
 }
 
@@ -205,18 +204,19 @@ table ExchangeRequest {
 }
 
 // EvalRequest previews a tentative play without committing it. tiles are addressed by
-// alphabet index.
+// alphabet index; the backend infers the play's orientation from the tiles and the board.
 table EvalRequest {
   game_id:string;
-  dir:string;
   tiles:[PlayTile];
 }
 
-// EvalResult is an unlimited move preview: legality, score and the words formed.
+// EvalResult is an unlimited move preview: legality, score, the words formed (main word
+// first) and the orientation the backend inferred (dir is "H"/"V", empty when illegal).
 table EvalResult {
   legal:bool;
   score:int;
   words:[string];
+  dir:string;
 }
 
 // CheckWordRequest looks a word up in the game's pinned dictionary. word is a sequence of
diff --git a/pkg/fbs/scrabblefb/EvalRequest.go b/pkg/fbs/scrabblefb/EvalRequest.go
index 1687a67..07ebb49 100644
--- a/pkg/fbs/scrabblefb/EvalRequest.go
+++ b/pkg/fbs/scrabblefb/EvalRequest.go
@@ -49,16 +49,8 @@ func (rcv *EvalRequest) GameId() []byte {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (rcv *EvalRequest) Dir() []byte {
-	o := flatbuffers.UOffsetT(rcv._tab.Offset(6))
-	if o != 0 {
-		return rcv._tab.ByteVector(o + rcv._tab.Pos)
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
 func (rcv *EvalRequest) Tiles(obj *PlayTile, j int) bool {
-	o := flatbuffers.UOffsetT(rcv._tab.Offset(8))
+	o := flatbuffers.UOffsetT(rcv._tab.Offset(6))
 	if o != 0 {
 		x := rcv._tab.Vector(o)
 		x += flatbuffers.UOffsetT(j) * 4
@@ -70,7 +62,7 @@ func (rcv *EvalRequest) Tiles(obj *PlayTile, j int) bool {
 }
 
 func (rcv *EvalRequest) TilesLength() int {
-	o := flatbuffers.UOffsetT(rcv._tab.Offset(8))
+	o := flatbuffers.UOffsetT(rcv._tab.Offset(6))
 	if o != 0 {
 		return rcv._tab.VectorLen(o)
 	}
@@ -78,16 +70,13 @@ func (rcv *EvalRequest) TilesLength() int {
 }
 
 func EvalRequestStart(builder *flatbuffers.Builder) {
-	builder.StartObject(3)
+	builder.StartObject(2)
 }
 func EvalRequestAddGameId(builder *flatbuffers.Builder, gameId flatbuffers.UOffsetT) {
 	builder.PrependUOffsetTSlot(0, flatbuffers.UOffsetT(gameId), 0)
 }
-func EvalRequestAddDir(builder *flatbuffers.Builder, dir flatbuffers.UOffsetT) {
-	builder.PrependUOffsetTSlot(1, flatbuffers.UOffsetT(dir), 0)
-}
 func EvalRequestAddTiles(builder *flatbuffers.Builder, tiles flatbuffers.UOffsetT) {
-	builder.PrependUOffsetTSlot(2, flatbuffers.UOffsetT(tiles), 0)
+	builder.PrependUOffsetTSlot(1, flatbuffers.UOffsetT(tiles), 0)
 }
 func EvalRequestStartTilesVector(builder *flatbuffers.Builder, numElems int) flatbuffers.UOffsetT {
 	return builder.StartVector(4, numElems, 4)
diff --git a/pkg/fbs/scrabblefb/EvalResult.go b/pkg/fbs/scrabblefb/EvalResult.go
index 0255618..6fc90a9 100644
--- a/pkg/fbs/scrabblefb/EvalResult.go
+++ b/pkg/fbs/scrabblefb/EvalResult.go
@@ -82,8 +82,16 @@ func (rcv *EvalResult) WordsLength() int {
 	return 0
 }
 
+func (rcv *EvalResult) Dir() []byte {
+	o := flatbuffers.UOffsetT(rcv._tab.Offset(10))
+	if o != 0 {
+		return rcv._tab.ByteVector(o + rcv._tab.Pos)
+	}
+	return nil
+}
+
 func EvalResultStart(builder *flatbuffers.Builder) {
-	builder.StartObject(3)
+	builder.StartObject(4)
 }
 func EvalResultAddLegal(builder *flatbuffers.Builder, legal bool) {
 	builder.PrependBoolSlot(0, legal, false)
@@ -97,6 +105,9 @@ func EvalResultAddWords(builder *flatbuffers.Builder, words flatbuffers.UOffsetT
 func EvalResultStartWordsVector(builder *flatbuffers.Builder, numElems int) flatbuffers.UOffsetT {
 	return builder.StartVector(4, numElems, 4)
 }
+func EvalResultAddDir(builder *flatbuffers.Builder, dir flatbuffers.UOffsetT) {
+	builder.PrependUOffsetTSlot(3, flatbuffers.UOffsetT(dir), 0)
+}
 func EvalResultEnd(builder *flatbuffers.Builder) flatbuffers.UOffsetT {
 	return builder.EndObject()
 }
diff --git a/pkg/fbs/scrabblefb/SubmitPlayRequest.go b/pkg/fbs/scrabblefb/SubmitPlayRequest.go
index 9ae7be0..10697d6 100644
--- a/pkg/fbs/scrabblefb/SubmitPlayRequest.go
+++ b/pkg/fbs/scrabblefb/SubmitPlayRequest.go
@@ -49,16 +49,8 @@ func (rcv *SubmitPlayRequest) GameId() []byte {
 	return nil
 }
 
-func (rcv *SubmitPlayRequest) Dir() []byte {
-	o := flatbuffers.UOffsetT(rcv._tab.Offset(6))
-	if o != 0 {
-		return rcv._tab.ByteVector(o + rcv._tab.Pos)
-	}
-	return nil
-}
-
 func (rcv *SubmitPlayRequest) Tiles(obj *PlayTile, j int) bool {
-	o := flatbuffers.UOffsetT(rcv._tab.Offset(8))
+	o := flatbuffers.UOffsetT(rcv._tab.Offset(6))
 	if o != 0 {
 		x := rcv._tab.Vector(o)
 		x += flatbuffers.UOffsetT(j) * 4
@@ -70,7 +62,7 @@ func (rcv *SubmitPlayRequest) Tiles(obj *PlayTile, j int) bool {
 }
 
 func (rcv *SubmitPlayRequest) TilesLength() int {
-	o := flatbuffers.UOffsetT(rcv._tab.Offset(8))
+	o := flatbuffers.UOffsetT(rcv._tab.Offset(6))
 	if o != 0 {
 		return rcv._tab.VectorLen(o)
 	}
@@ -78,16 +70,13 @@ func (rcv *SubmitPlayRequest) TilesLength() int {
 }
 
 func SubmitPlayRequestStart(builder *flatbuffers.Builder) {
-	builder.StartObject(3)
+	builder.StartObject(2)
 }
 func SubmitPlayRequestAddGameId(builder *flatbuffers.Builder, gameId flatbuffers.UOffsetT) {
 	builder.PrependUOffsetTSlot(0, flatbuffers.UOffsetT(gameId), 0)
 }
-func SubmitPlayRequestAddDir(builder *flatbuffers.Builder, dir flatbuffers.UOffsetT) {
-	builder.PrependUOffsetTSlot(1, flatbuffers.UOffsetT(dir), 0)
-}
 func SubmitPlayRequestAddTiles(builder *flatbuffers.Builder, tiles flatbuffers.UOffsetT) {
-	builder.PrependUOffsetTSlot(2, flatbuffers.UOffsetT(tiles), 0)
+	builder.PrependUOffsetTSlot(1, flatbuffers.UOffsetT(tiles), 0)
 }
 func SubmitPlayRequestStartTilesVector(builder *flatbuffers.Builder, numElems int) flatbuffers.UOffsetT {
 	return builder.StartVector(4, numElems, 4)
diff --git a/ui/src/game/Controls.svelte b/ui/src/game/Controls.svelte
deleted file mode 100644
index 2edc105..0000000
--- a/ui/src/game/Controls.svelte
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,101 +0,0 @@
-<script lang="ts">
-  import type { EvalResult } from '../lib/model';
-  import { t } from '../lib/i18n/index.svelte';
-
-  let {
-    preview,
-    hints,
-    busy,
-    ambiguous,
-    dir,
-    ondraw,
-    onskip,
-    onshuffle,
-    onhint,
-    ondir,
-  }: {
-    preview: EvalResult | null;
-    hints: number;
-    busy: boolean;
-    ambiguous: boolean;
-    dir: 'H' | 'V';
-    ondraw: () => void;
-    onskip: () => void;
-    onshuffle: () => void;
-    onhint: () => void;
-    ondir: () => void;
-  } = $props();
-</script>
-
-<div class="controls">
-  <div class="preview">
-    {#if preview}
-      {#if preview.legal}
-        <span class="ok">{t('game.preview', { n: preview.score })}</span>
-      {:else}
-        <span class="bad">{t('game.previewIllegal')}</span>
-      {/if}
-    {/if}
-    {#if ambiguous}
-      <button class="dir" onclick={ondir} title="direction">{dir === 'H' ? '↔' : '↕'}</button>
-    {/if}
-  </div>
-  <div class="row">
-    <button onclick={ondraw} disabled={busy}>{t('game.draw')}</button>
-    <button onclick={onskip} disabled={busy}>{t('game.skip')}</button>
-    <button onclick={onshuffle} disabled={busy}>{t('game.shuffle')}</button>
-    <button class="hint" onclick={onhint} disabled={busy || hints <= 0}>
-      {t('game.hint')}{hints > 0 ? ` (${hints})` : ''}
-    </button>
-  </div>
-</div>
-
-<style>
-  .controls {
-    display: flex;
-    flex-direction: column;
-    gap: 8px;
-  }
-  .preview {
-    min-height: 22px;
-    display: flex;
-    align-items: center;
-    gap: 10px;
-    font-weight: 600;
-  }
-  .ok {
-    color: var(--ok);
-  }
-  .bad {
-    color: var(--danger);
-  }
-  .dir {
-    margin-left: auto;
-    width: 34px;
-    height: 28px;
-    border: 1px solid var(--border);
-    background: var(--surface);
-    color: var(--text);
-    border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
-    font-size: 1rem;
-  }
-  .row {
-    display: flex;
-    gap: 6px;
-  }
-  .row button {
-    flex: 1;
-    padding: 11px 6px;
-    border: 1px solid var(--border);
-    background: var(--surface);
-    color: var(--text);
-    border-radius: var(--radius-sm);
-    font-weight: 600;
-  }
-  .row button:disabled {
-    opacity: 0.45;
-  }
-  .hint {
-    color: var(--accent);
-  }
-</style>
diff --git a/ui/src/game/Game.svelte b/ui/src/game/Game.svelte
index ffc16de..4f4b292 100644
--- a/ui/src/game/Game.svelte
+++ b/ui/src/game/Game.svelte
@@ -12,7 +12,7 @@
   import { connection } from '../lib/connection.svelte';
   import { GatewayError } from '../lib/client';
   import { t, type MessageKey } from '../lib/i18n/index.svelte';
-  import type { Direction, EvalResult, MoveRecord, MoveResult, StateView, Tile } from '../lib/model';
+  import type { EvalResult, MoveRecord, MoveResult, StateView, Tile } from '../lib/model';
   import { lastMoveCells, replay } from '../lib/board';
   import { historyGrid } from '../lib/history';
   import { centre, premiumGrid } from '../lib/premiums';
@@ -42,7 +42,6 @@
   let moves = $state<MoveRecord[]>([]);
   let placement = $state<Placement>(newPlacement([]));
   let preview = $state<EvalResult | null>(null);
-  let dirOverride = $state<Direction | undefined>(undefined);
   let busy = $state(false);
   let zoomed = $state(false);
   let selected = $state<number | null>(null);
@@ -130,7 +129,6 @@
       moves = hist.moves;
       setCachedGame(id, st, hist.moves);
       selected = null;
-      dirOverride = undefined;
       await applyDraft(st);
       recompute();
       refreshRecent();
@@ -491,11 +489,11 @@
     if (previewTimer) clearTimeout(previewTimer);
     // Off-turn the composition is position-only: no score preview or evaluate.
     if (!isMyTurn) return;
-    const sub = toSubmit(placement, dirOverride);
+    const sub = toSubmit(placement);
     if (!sub) return;
     previewTimer = setTimeout(async () => {
       try {
-        preview = await gateway.evaluate(id, sub.dir, sub.tiles, variant);
+        preview = await gateway.evaluate(id, sub.tiles, variant);
       } catch {
         /* best-effort */
       }
@@ -511,17 +509,16 @@
     rackIds = r.rack.map((_, i) => i);
     placement = newPlacement(r.rack);
     selected = null;
-    dirOverride = undefined;
     recompute();
     refreshRecent();
   }
 
   async function commit() {
-    const sub = toSubmit(placement, dirOverride);
+    const sub = toSubmit(placement);
     if (!sub) return;
     busy = true;
     try {
-      applyMoveResult(await gateway.submitPlay(id, sub.dir, sub.tiles, variant));
+      applyMoveResult(await gateway.submitPlay(id, sub.tiles, variant));
       telegramHaptic('success');
       zoomed = false;
     } catch (e) {
@@ -534,7 +531,6 @@
     placement = reset(placement);
     preview = null;
     selected = null;
-    dirOverride = undefined;
     scheduleDraftSave();
   }
 
@@ -857,11 +853,11 @@
       <span>{view.bagLen === 0 ? t('game.bagEmpty') : t('game.bag', { n: view.bagLen })}</span>
       {#if gameOver}
         <strong class="over">{t('game.over')} — {resultText()}</strong>
-      {:else}
+      {:else if placement.pending.length === 0}
         <span class="turn-ind">{isMyTurn ? t('game.yourTurn') : view.game.seats[view.game.toMove]?.displayName ?? ''}</span>
       {/if}
       <span class="scores">
-        {#if preview}{preview.legal ? t('game.scores', { n: preview.score }) : t('game.previewIllegal')}{/if}
+        {#if preview}{preview.legal ? t('game.previewWords', { words: preview.words.join(', '), n: preview.score }) : t('game.previewIllegal')}{/if}
       </span>
     </div>
 
@@ -880,7 +876,7 @@
         />
       </div>
       {#if !gameOver && placement.pending.length > 0}
-        <button class="make" onclick={commit} disabled={busy || !isMyTurn || !connection.online || (preview !== null && !preview.legal)} aria-label={t('game.makeMove')}>✅</button>
+        <button class="make" onclick={commit} disabled={busy || !isMyTurn || !connection.online || !preview?.legal} aria-label={t('game.makeMove')}>✅</button>
       {/if}
     </div>
   {:else}
diff --git a/ui/src/gen/fbs/scrabblefb/eval-request.ts b/ui/src/gen/fbs/scrabblefb/eval-request.ts
index 64a2cf1..8ce5914 100644
--- a/ui/src/gen/fbs/scrabblefb/eval-request.ts
+++ b/ui/src/gen/fbs/scrabblefb/eval-request.ts
@@ -30,37 +30,26 @@ gameId(optionalEncoding?:any):string|Uint8Array|null {
   return offset ? this.bb!.__string(this.bb_pos + offset, optionalEncoding) : null;
 }
 
-dir():string|null
-dir(optionalEncoding:flatbuffers.Encoding):string|Uint8Array|null
-dir(optionalEncoding?:any):string|Uint8Array|null {
-  const offset = this.bb!.__offset(this.bb_pos, 6);
-  return offset ? this.bb!.__string(this.bb_pos + offset, optionalEncoding) : null;
-}
-
 tiles(index: number, obj?:PlayTile):PlayTile|null {
-  const offset = this.bb!.__offset(this.bb_pos, 8);
+  const offset = this.bb!.__offset(this.bb_pos, 6);
   return offset ? (obj || new PlayTile()).__init(this.bb!.__indirect(this.bb!.__vector(this.bb_pos + offset) + index * 4), this.bb!) : null;
 }
 
 tilesLength():number {
-  const offset = this.bb!.__offset(this.bb_pos, 8);
+  const offset = this.bb!.__offset(this.bb_pos, 6);
   return offset ? this.bb!.__vector_len(this.bb_pos + offset) : 0;
 }
 
 static startEvalRequest(builder:flatbuffers.Builder) {
-  builder.startObject(3);
+  builder.startObject(2);
 }
 
 static addGameId(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, gameIdOffset:flatbuffers.Offset) {
   builder.addFieldOffset(0, gameIdOffset, 0);
 }
 
-static addDir(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, dirOffset:flatbuffers.Offset) {
-  builder.addFieldOffset(1, dirOffset, 0);
-}
-
 static addTiles(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, tilesOffset:flatbuffers.Offset) {
-  builder.addFieldOffset(2, tilesOffset, 0);
+  builder.addFieldOffset(1, tilesOffset, 0);
 }
 
 static createTilesVector(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, data:flatbuffers.Offset[]):flatbuffers.Offset {
@@ -80,10 +69,9 @@ static endEvalRequest(builder:flatbuffers.Builder):flatbuffers.Offset {
   return offset;
 }
 
-static createEvalRequest(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, gameIdOffset:flatbuffers.Offset, dirOffset:flatbuffers.Offset, tilesOffset:flatbuffers.Offset):flatbuffers.Offset {
+static createEvalRequest(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, gameIdOffset:flatbuffers.Offset, tilesOffset:flatbuffers.Offset):flatbuffers.Offset {
   EvalRequest.startEvalRequest(builder);
   EvalRequest.addGameId(builder, gameIdOffset);
-  EvalRequest.addDir(builder, dirOffset);
   EvalRequest.addTiles(builder, tilesOffset);
   return EvalRequest.endEvalRequest(builder);
 }
diff --git a/ui/src/gen/fbs/scrabblefb/eval-result.ts b/ui/src/gen/fbs/scrabblefb/eval-result.ts
index f8e9c4e..6f451a7 100644
--- a/ui/src/gen/fbs/scrabblefb/eval-result.ts
+++ b/ui/src/gen/fbs/scrabblefb/eval-result.ts
@@ -42,8 +42,15 @@ wordsLength():number {
   return offset ? this.bb!.__vector_len(this.bb_pos + offset) : 0;
 }
 
+dir():string|null
+dir(optionalEncoding:flatbuffers.Encoding):string|Uint8Array|null
+dir(optionalEncoding?:any):string|Uint8Array|null {
+  const offset = this.bb!.__offset(this.bb_pos, 10);
+  return offset ? this.bb!.__string(this.bb_pos + offset, optionalEncoding) : null;
+}
+
 static startEvalResult(builder:flatbuffers.Builder) {
-  builder.startObject(3);
+  builder.startObject(4);
 }
 
 static addLegal(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, legal:boolean) {
@@ -70,16 +77,21 @@ static startWordsVector(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, numElems:number) {
   builder.startVector(4, numElems, 4);
 }
 
+static addDir(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, dirOffset:flatbuffers.Offset) {
+  builder.addFieldOffset(3, dirOffset, 0);
+}
+
 static endEvalResult(builder:flatbuffers.Builder):flatbuffers.Offset {
   const offset = builder.endObject();
   return offset;
 }
 
-static createEvalResult(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, legal:boolean, score:number, wordsOffset:flatbuffers.Offset):flatbuffers.Offset {
+static createEvalResult(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, legal:boolean, score:number, wordsOffset:flatbuffers.Offset, dirOffset:flatbuffers.Offset):flatbuffers.Offset {
   EvalResult.startEvalResult(builder);
   EvalResult.addLegal(builder, legal);
   EvalResult.addScore(builder, score);
   EvalResult.addWords(builder, wordsOffset);
+  EvalResult.addDir(builder, dirOffset);
   return EvalResult.endEvalResult(builder);
 }
 }
diff --git a/ui/src/gen/fbs/scrabblefb/submit-play-request.ts b/ui/src/gen/fbs/scrabblefb/submit-play-request.ts
index 207d7ed..93dd00d 100644
--- a/ui/src/gen/fbs/scrabblefb/submit-play-request.ts
+++ b/ui/src/gen/fbs/scrabblefb/submit-play-request.ts
@@ -30,37 +30,26 @@ gameId(optionalEncoding?:any):string|Uint8Array|null {
   return offset ? this.bb!.__string(this.bb_pos + offset, optionalEncoding) : null;
 }
 
-dir():string|null
-dir(optionalEncoding:flatbuffers.Encoding):string|Uint8Array|null
-dir(optionalEncoding?:any):string|Uint8Array|null {
-  const offset = this.bb!.__offset(this.bb_pos, 6);
-  return offset ? this.bb!.__string(this.bb_pos + offset, optionalEncoding) : null;
-}
-
 tiles(index: number, obj?:PlayTile):PlayTile|null {
-  const offset = this.bb!.__offset(this.bb_pos, 8);
+  const offset = this.bb!.__offset(this.bb_pos, 6);
   return offset ? (obj || new PlayTile()).__init(this.bb!.__indirect(this.bb!.__vector(this.bb_pos + offset) + index * 4), this.bb!) : null;
 }
 
 tilesLength():number {
-  const offset = this.bb!.__offset(this.bb_pos, 8);
+  const offset = this.bb!.__offset(this.bb_pos, 6);
   return offset ? this.bb!.__vector_len(this.bb_pos + offset) : 0;
 }
 
 static startSubmitPlayRequest(builder:flatbuffers.Builder) {
-  builder.startObject(3);
+  builder.startObject(2);
 }
 
 static addGameId(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, gameIdOffset:flatbuffers.Offset) {
   builder.addFieldOffset(0, gameIdOffset, 0);
 }
 
-static addDir(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, dirOffset:flatbuffers.Offset) {
-  builder.addFieldOffset(1, dirOffset, 0);
-}
-
 static addTiles(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, tilesOffset:flatbuffers.Offset) {
-  builder.addFieldOffset(2, tilesOffset, 0);
+  builder.addFieldOffset(1, tilesOffset, 0);
 }
 
 static createTilesVector(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, data:flatbuffers.Offset[]):flatbuffers.Offset {
@@ -80,10 +69,9 @@ static endSubmitPlayRequest(builder:flatbuffers.Builder):flatbuffers.Offset {
   return offset;
 }
 
-static createSubmitPlayRequest(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, gameIdOffset:flatbuffers.Offset, dirOffset:flatbuffers.Offset, tilesOffset:flatbuffers.Offset):flatbuffers.Offset {
+static createSubmitPlayRequest(builder:flatbuffers.Builder, gameIdOffset:flatbuffers.Offset, tilesOffset:flatbuffers.Offset):flatbuffers.Offset {
   SubmitPlayRequest.startSubmitPlayRequest(builder);
   SubmitPlayRequest.addGameId(builder, gameIdOffset);
-  SubmitPlayRequest.addDir(builder, dirOffset);
   SubmitPlayRequest.addTiles(builder, tilesOffset);
   return SubmitPlayRequest.endSubmitPlayRequest(builder);
 }
diff --git a/ui/src/lib/client.ts b/ui/src/lib/client.ts
index 8f2f0af..2c957e0 100644
--- a/ui/src/lib/client.ts
+++ b/ui/src/lib/client.ts
@@ -74,12 +74,12 @@ export interface GatewayClient {
   // table), and gameState's includeAlphabet asks the server to embed that table.
   gameState(gameId: string, includeAlphabet: boolean): Promise<StateView>;
   gameHistory(gameId: string): Promise<History>;
-  submitPlay(gameId: string, dir: 'H' | 'V', tiles: PlacedTile[], variant: Variant): Promise<MoveResult>;
+  submitPlay(gameId: string, tiles: PlacedTile[], variant: Variant): Promise<MoveResult>;
   pass(gameId: string): Promise<MoveResult>;
   exchange(gameId: string, tiles: string[], variant: Variant): Promise<MoveResult>;
   resign(gameId: string): Promise<MoveResult>;
   hint(gameId: string): Promise<HintResult>;
-  evaluate(gameId: string, dir: 'H' | 'V', tiles: PlacedTile[], variant: Variant): Promise<EvalResult>;
+  evaluate(gameId: string, tiles: PlacedTile[], variant: Variant): Promise<EvalResult>;
   checkWord(gameId: string, word: string, variant: Variant): Promise<WordCheckResult>;
   complaint(gameId: string, word: string, note: string): Promise<void>;
   /** Hide a finished game from the caller's own lobby list; per-account, irreversible. */
diff --git a/ui/src/lib/codec.test.ts b/ui/src/lib/codec.test.ts
index 547de5c..3e17cf9 100644
--- a/ui/src/lib/codec.test.ts
+++ b/ui/src/lib/codec.test.ts
@@ -43,7 +43,6 @@ describe('codec', () => {
     // A placed blank carries its designated letter's index with the blank flag set.
     const buf = encodeSubmitPlay(
       'g1',
-      'H',
       [
         { row: 7, col: 7, letter: 'A', blank: false },
         { row: 7, col: 8, letter: 'B', blank: true },
@@ -52,7 +51,6 @@ describe('codec', () => {
     );
     const r = fb.SubmitPlayRequest.getRootAsSubmitPlayRequest(new ByteBuffer(buf));
     expect(r.gameId()).toBe('g1');
-    expect(r.dir()).toBe('H');
     expect(r.tilesLength()).toBe(2);
     expect(r.tiles(0)?.letter()).toBe(0);
     expect(r.tiles(1)?.letter()).toBe(1);
diff --git a/ui/src/lib/codec.ts b/ui/src/lib/codec.ts
index 0d14875..ae38b75 100644
--- a/ui/src/lib/codec.ts
+++ b/ui/src/lib/codec.ts
@@ -87,7 +87,6 @@ export function encodeDraftSave(gameId: string, json: string): Uint8Array {
 
 export function encodeSubmitPlay(
   gameId: string,
-  dir: 'H' | 'V',
   tiles: PlacedTile[],
   variant: Variant,
 ): Uint8Array {
@@ -95,28 +94,19 @@ export function encodeSubmitPlay(
   const tileOffs = tiles.map((t) => buildPlayTile(b, t, variant));
   const vec = fb.SubmitPlayRequest.createTilesVector(b, tileOffs);
   const gid = b.createString(gameId);
-  const d = b.createString(dir);
   fb.SubmitPlayRequest.startSubmitPlayRequest(b);
   fb.SubmitPlayRequest.addGameId(b, gid);
-  fb.SubmitPlayRequest.addDir(b, d);
   fb.SubmitPlayRequest.addTiles(b, vec);
   return finish(b, fb.SubmitPlayRequest.endSubmitPlayRequest(b));
 }
 
-export function encodeEval(
-  gameId: string,
-  dir: 'H' | 'V',
-  tiles: PlacedTile[],
-  variant: Variant,
-): Uint8Array {
+export function encodeEval(gameId: string, tiles: PlacedTile[], variant: Variant): Uint8Array {
   const b = new Builder(256);
   const tileOffs = tiles.map((t) => buildPlayTile(b, t, variant));
   const vec = fb.EvalRequest.createTilesVector(b, tileOffs);
   const gid = b.createString(gameId);
-  const d = b.createString(dir);
   fb.EvalRequest.startEvalRequest(b);
   fb.EvalRequest.addGameId(b, gid);
-  fb.EvalRequest.addDir(b, d);
   fb.EvalRequest.addTiles(b, vec);
   return finish(b, fb.EvalRequest.endEvalRequest(b));
 }
@@ -377,7 +367,7 @@ export function decodeEvalResult(buf: Uint8Array): EvalResult {
   const r = fb.EvalResult.getRootAsEvalResult(new ByteBuffer(buf));
   const words: string[] = [];
   for (let i = 0; i < r.wordsLength(); i++) words.push(s(r.words(i)));
-  return { legal: r.legal(), score: r.score(), words };
+  return { legal: r.legal(), score: r.score(), words, dir: s(r.dir()) };
 }
 
 export function decodeWordCheck(buf: Uint8Array): WordCheckResult {
diff --git a/ui/src/lib/i18n/en.ts b/ui/src/lib/i18n/en.ts
index 2472a96..45971c7 100644
--- a/ui/src/lib/i18n/en.ts
+++ b/ui/src/lib/i18n/en.ts
@@ -67,7 +67,7 @@ export const en = {
   'game.checkWord': 'Check word',
   'game.dictionary': 'Dictionary',
   'game.dropGame': 'Drop game',
-  'game.preview': 'Scores {n}',
+  'game.previewWords': '{words}: {n}',
   'game.previewIllegal': 'Not a legal move',
   'game.chooseBlank': 'Choose a letter for the blank',
   'game.exchangeTitle': 'Select tiles to exchange',
@@ -86,7 +86,6 @@ export const en = {
   'game.check': 'Check',
   'game.checkWait': 'Please wait a moment.',
   'game.noHintOptions': 'No options with your letters.',
-  'game.scores': 'Scores: {n}',
   'game.thinking': 'thinking…',
 
   'move.pass': 'pass',
diff --git a/ui/src/lib/i18n/ru.ts b/ui/src/lib/i18n/ru.ts
index 6738b95..77c9d85 100644
--- a/ui/src/lib/i18n/ru.ts
+++ b/ui/src/lib/i18n/ru.ts
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ export const ru: Record<MessageKey, string> = {
   'game.checkWord': 'Проверить слово',
   'game.dictionary': 'Словарь',
   'game.dropGame': 'Покинуть игру',
-  'game.preview': 'Очков: {n}',
+  'game.previewWords': '{words}: {n}',
   'game.previewIllegal': 'Недопустимый ход',
   'game.chooseBlank': 'Выберите букву для бланка',
   'game.exchangeTitle': 'Выберите фишки для обмена',
@@ -87,7 +87,6 @@ export const ru: Record<MessageKey, string> = {
   'game.check': 'Проверить',
   'game.checkWait': 'Секунду, пожалуйста.',
   'game.noHintOptions': 'Нет вариантов с вашим набором.',
-  'game.scores': 'Очков: {n}',
   'game.thinking': 'думает…',
 
   'move.pass': 'пас',
diff --git a/ui/src/lib/mock/client.ts b/ui/src/lib/mock/client.ts
index 76366d9..73bc7c9 100644
--- a/ui/src/lib/mock/client.ts
+++ b/ui/src/lib/mock/client.ts
@@ -205,7 +205,7 @@ export class MockGateway implements GatewayClient {
     return { gameId, moves: structuredClone(g.moves) };
   }
 
-  async submitPlay(gameId: string, dir: 'H' | 'V', tiles: PlacedTile[], _variant: Variant): Promise<MoveResult> {
+  async submitPlay(gameId: string, tiles: PlacedTile[], _variant: Variant): Promise<MoveResult> {
     const g = this.game(gameId);
     const seat = this.mySeat(g);
     if (g.view.toMove !== seat) throw new GatewayError('not_your_turn');
@@ -213,6 +213,7 @@ export class MockGateway implements GatewayClient {
     let score = tiles.reduce((s, t) => s + valueForLetter(variant, t.blank ? '?' : t.letter), 0);
     if (tiles.length === 7) score += 50;
     const total = g.view.seats[seat].score + score;
+    const dir = new Set(tiles.map((t) => t.row)).size === 1 ? 'H' : 'V';
     const move = {
       player: seat,
       action: 'play' as const,
@@ -311,12 +312,13 @@ export class MockGateway implements GatewayClient {
     };
   }
 
-  async evaluate(gameId: string, _dir: 'H' | 'V', tiles: PlacedTile[], _variant: Variant): Promise<EvalResult> {
+  async evaluate(gameId: string, tiles: PlacedTile[], _variant: Variant): Promise<EvalResult> {
     const g = this.game(gameId);
-    if (tiles.length === 0) return { legal: false, score: 0, words: [] };
+    if (tiles.length === 0) return { legal: false, score: 0, words: [], dir: '' };
     let score = tiles.reduce((s, t) => s + valueForLetter(g.view.variant, t.blank ? '?' : t.letter), 0);
     if (tiles.length === 7) score += 50;
-    return { legal: true, score, words: [tiles.map((t) => t.letter).join('')] };
+    const dir = new Set(tiles.map((t) => t.row)).size === 1 ? 'H' : 'V';
+    return { legal: true, score, words: [tiles.map((t) => t.letter).join('')], dir };
   }
 
   async checkWord(_gameId: string, word: string, _variant: Variant): Promise<WordCheckResult> {
diff --git a/ui/src/lib/model.ts b/ui/src/lib/model.ts
index 394d8bf..2cc1603 100644
--- a/ui/src/lib/model.ts
+++ b/ui/src/lib/model.ts
@@ -84,6 +84,8 @@ export interface EvalResult {
   legal: boolean;
   score: number;
   words: string[];
+  /** Orientation the backend inferred for the play ("H"/"V"), empty when illegal. */
+  dir: string;
 }
 
 export interface WordCheckResult {
diff --git a/ui/src/lib/placement.test.ts b/ui/src/lib/placement.test.ts
index f46cb74..0f388d9 100644
--- a/ui/src/lib/placement.test.ts
+++ b/ui/src/lib/placement.test.ts
@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@ import { describe, expect, it } from 'vitest';
 import {
   BLANK,
   cellOccupied,
-  direction,
   isBlankSlot,
   newPlacement,
   place,
@@ -47,23 +46,11 @@ describe('placement state machine', () => {
     expect(reset(place(p, 0, 7, 7)).pending).toHaveLength(0);
   });
 
-  it('infers direction H for a row, V for a column, null for a single tile', () => {
-    let h = place(newPlacement(rack), 0, 7, 7);
-    h = place(h, 1, 7, 8);
-    expect(direction(h)).toBe('H');
-    let v = place(newPlacement(rack), 0, 7, 7);
-    v = place(v, 1, 8, 7);
-    expect(direction(v)).toBe('V');
-    expect(direction(place(newPlacement(rack), 0, 7, 7))).toBeNull();
-  });
-
-  it('builds a sorted submit payload and honours a direction override', () => {
+  it('builds a sorted submit payload and returns null when empty', () => {
     let p = place(newPlacement(rack), 1, 7, 9);
     p = place(p, 0, 7, 7);
     const sub = toSubmit(p);
-    expect(sub?.dir).toBe('H');
     expect(sub?.tiles.map((t) => t.col)).toEqual([7, 9]);
-    expect(toSubmit(place(newPlacement(rack), 0, 7, 7), 'V')?.dir).toBe('V');
     expect(toSubmit(newPlacement(rack))).toBeNull();
   });
 
@@ -78,15 +65,8 @@ describe('placement state machine', () => {
     expect(isBlankSlot(newPlacement(rack), 0)).toBe(false);
   });
 
-  it('treats a non-linear placement as no inferred direction', () => {
-    let p = place(newPlacement(rack), 0, 7, 7);
-    p = place(p, 1, 8, 8); // diagonal
-    expect(direction(p)).toBeNull();
-  });
-
-  it('defaults a single-tile submit to H without an override', () => {
+  it('submits a single tile as a one-tile payload', () => {
     const sub = toSubmit(place(newPlacement(rack), 0, 7, 7));
-    expect(sub?.dir).toBe('H');
     expect(sub?.tiles).toHaveLength(1);
   });
 });
diff --git a/ui/src/lib/placement.ts b/ui/src/lib/placement.ts
index d38de1c..28727e8 100644
--- a/ui/src/lib/placement.ts
+++ b/ui/src/lib/placement.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@
 // payload. It is board-agnostic (the gateway/engine does full legality validation at
 // submit), which keeps it trivially unit-testable.
 
-import type { Direction, Tile } from './model';
+import type { Tile } from './model';
 import type { PlacedTile } from './client';
 
 export interface PendingTile {
@@ -119,30 +119,13 @@ export function reorderIndices(n: number, from: number, toSlot: number): number[
   return order;
 }
 
-/**
- * direction infers the play orientation from the pending tiles: H if they share a row,
- * V if they share a column, null if a single tile (ambiguous) or non-linear (invalid).
- */
-export function direction(p: Placement): Direction | null {
-  if (p.pending.length < 2) return null;
-  const rows = new Set(p.pending.map((t) => t.row));
-  const cols = new Set(p.pending.map((t) => t.col));
-  if (rows.size === 1 && cols.size === p.pending.length) return 'H';
-  if (cols.size === 1 && rows.size === p.pending.length) return 'V';
-  return null;
-}
-
-/** toSubmit builds the submit payload. dirOverride resolves a single-tile play, where
- * the orientation cannot be inferred; otherwise the inferred direction is used. */
-export function toSubmit(
-  p: Placement,
-  dirOverride?: Direction,
-): { dir: Direction; tiles: PlacedTile[] } | null {
+/** toSubmit builds the submit payload: the placed tiles in board order. The backend
+ * infers the play's orientation from the tiles and the board, so none is sent. */
+export function toSubmit(p: Placement): { tiles: PlacedTile[] } | null {
   if (p.pending.length === 0) return null;
-  const dir = dirOverride ?? direction(p) ?? 'H';
   const tiles: PlacedTile[] = p.pending
     .slice()
     .sort((a, b) => a.row - b.row || a.col - b.col)
     .map((t) => ({ row: t.row, col: t.col, letter: t.letter, blank: t.blank }));
-  return { dir, tiles };
+  return { tiles };
 }
diff --git a/ui/src/lib/transport.ts b/ui/src/lib/transport.ts
index 9e8366c..725e6ab 100644
--- a/ui/src/lib/transport.ts
+++ b/ui/src/lib/transport.ts
@@ -97,8 +97,8 @@ export function createTransport(baseUrl: string): GatewayClient {
     async gameHistory(id) {
       return codec.decodeHistory(await exec('game.history', codec.encodeGameAction(id)));
     },
-    async submitPlay(id, dir, tiles, variant) {
-      return codec.decodeMoveResult(await exec('game.submit_play', codec.encodeSubmitPlay(id, dir, tiles, variant)));
+    async submitPlay(id, tiles, variant) {
+      return codec.decodeMoveResult(await exec('game.submit_play', codec.encodeSubmitPlay(id, tiles, variant)));
     },
     async pass(id) {
       return codec.decodeMoveResult(await exec('game.pass', codec.encodeGameAction(id)));
@@ -112,8 +112,8 @@ export function createTransport(baseUrl: string): GatewayClient {
     async hint(id) {
       return codec.decodeHintResult(await exec('game.hint', codec.encodeGameAction(id)));
     },
-    async evaluate(id, dir, tiles, variant) {
-      return codec.decodeEvalResult(await exec('game.evaluate', codec.encodeEval(id, dir, tiles, variant)));
+    async evaluate(id, tiles, variant) {
+      return codec.decodeEvalResult(await exec('game.evaluate', codec.encodeEval(id, tiles, variant)));
     },
     async checkWord(id, word, variant) {
       return codec.decodeWordCheck(await exec('game.check_word', codec.encodeCheckWord(id, word, variant)));
diff --git a/ui/src/screens/Lobby.svelte b/ui/src/screens/Lobby.svelte
index da1056f..112e0ee 100644
--- a/ui/src/screens/Lobby.svelte
+++ b/ui/src/screens/Lobby.svelte
@@ -324,8 +324,13 @@
     user-select: none;
     touch-action: pan-y; /* keep vertical list scroll; we only read horizontal swipes */
   }
-  .open:active {
-    background: var(--surface-2);
+  /* A tap/click on a game row leaves no highlight: drop the WebKit tap-flash on
+     both tappable areas (the open body and the chevron / kebab) and the held
+     :active background, which added nothing and only spoiled the look. */
+  .open,
+  .chev,
+  .kebab {
+    -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent;
   }
   .kebab {
     flex: 0 0 auto;