Question 1

What is FiresidePlay?

Accepted Answer

FiresidePlay is a family card game platform where you can play Hand & Foot and other classic card games together online — whether everyone's online at the same time or taking turns over a few days, from anywhere.

Question 2

Do I need to create an account?

Accepted Answer

Yes — a free account lets you start games, track your scores, and invite family. You can sign up with email and password or with Google in seconds on the sign-up page.

Question 3

Is FiresidePlay free to play?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The free plan lets you play games with family and friends. Paid plans (Fireside Plus and the Family Plan) add extra perks — see the pricing page for details.

Question 4

Can I play on my phone or tablet?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. FiresidePlay works in any modern browser on desktop, phone, and tablet. It's also an installable app (PWA) — open it in your phone's browser and choose "Add to Home Screen" for a full-screen, app-like experience.

Question 5

Which games can I play?

Accepted Answer

Hand & Foot is available now with full support for melds, draw and discard piles, and in-game chat. Hillbilly Rummy is coming soon. Check the games page for the latest lineup, and Learn to Play for the rules.

Question 6

Can I play in real time or take turns over days?

Accepted Answer

Both. Play live when everyone's online, or take your turns whenever it suits you — FiresidePlay saves the game between turns so async play with far-flung family works just as well.

Question 7

What if I don't have enough players?

Accepted Answer

You can add computer players (bots) to fill seats. The host adds them from the game lobby whenever you're ready — after a short wait with open seats, the lobby prompts the host to add computer players. Real players are never automatically replaced by a bot, so no one loses their seat while you wait for family to join.

Question 8

How does the partners "go out" rule work in Hand & Foot?

Accepted Answer

In team play, both teammates must have picked up their feet before either player can ask to go out. After drawing, you can ask your teammate for permission at any point during your turn — even while cards remain in a teammate's foot. Everyone must approve, and that approval lasts for the current turn. If your game uses the completed-book rule, your team still needs a completed book before you can actually go out. Individual (non-team) play isn't affected.

Question 9

How are scores and leaderboards tracked?

Accepted Answer

Lifetime points are tracked per player. There's a global leaderboard ranked by wins and total points, and each Family Group also has its own leaderboard. Bots are excluded from rankings.

Question 10

What are Family Groups?

Accepted Answer

Family Groups let you gather your people in one place, with a shared leaderboard so you can see who's on top. Create a group and invite family by email from the Friends & Family area once you're signed in.

Question 11

How do I invite family or friends?

Accepted Answer

Invite people by email from your group or a game lobby. They'll get an email with a link to join, and their open seat stays available — the game never fills it automatically, so there's no rush for them to respond.

Question 12

What do the paid plans include?

Accepted Answer

There are three tiers: Free, Fireside Plus ($4.99/mo), and the Family Plan ($9.99/mo). See the pricing page for a full feature comparison.

Question 13

How do I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

You can cancel anytime from your account settings. Your benefits continue through the end of the current billing period. For details on refunds and cancellations, see our Refund & Cancellation Policy.

Question 14

What is the "free month" promotion I sometimes see?

Accepted Answer

During select holiday promotions we grant eligible players a free month of a paid tier. If one's running and you qualify, you'll see a "Claim your free month" banner on your dashboard. It's genuinely free — no card required — and won't downgrade you if you're already on an equal or higher tier.

Question 15

Can I get notified when it's my turn?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Turn alerts can send a push notification to your device when it becomes your turn. You can toggle this per device, and set quiet hours so you're not pinged overnight. Manage it all from your account settings — the in-app notification is always recorded even during quiet hours.

Question 16

How do I stop marketing emails or texts?

Accepted Answer

Every marketing message includes an unsubscribe link, and you can opt out at any time. We also cap how often we reach out so you're never overwhelmed.

Question 17

I still need help — how do I reach you?

Accepted Answer

We're happy to help. Email us at hello@firesideplay.com or use the Contact & Help page and we'll get back to you.

FiresidePlay Frequently Asked Questions