full card structure in place, card binder working.

README.md

@@ -1,25 +1,61 @@
+# Mine Triad
 
-Installation information
-=======
+Mine Triad is a NeoForge mod for Minecraft 1.21.1 that brings a Minecraft-themed take on Triple Triad into the game. Collect custom cards, organize them in a binder, and challenge a built-in training opponent on a physical duel table placed in the world.
 
-This template repository can be directly cloned to get you started with a new
-mod. Simply create a new repository cloned from this one, by following the
-instructions provided by [GitHub](https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/creating-and-managing-repositories/creating-a-repository-from-a-template).
+This project is currently focused on delivering a polished core card game experience: high-quality card presentation, a full starter card pool, an in-world board, and a clean collection UI.
 
-Once you have your clone, simply open the repository in the IDE of your choice. The usual recommendation for an IDE is either IntelliJ IDEA or Eclipse.
+## Features
 
-If at any point you are missing libraries in your IDE, or you've run into problems you can
-run `gradlew --refresh-dependencies` to refresh the local cache. `gradlew clean` to reset everything 
-{this does not affect your code} and then start the process again.
+- 110 unique Triad cards across 10 progression levels
+- Minecraft-themed card roster with custom names, art, rarity tiers, and stat layouts
+- In-world `Duel Table` block with a playable 3x3 Triple Triad-style board
+- Solo duels against a built-in `Training Duelist`
+- Custom first-person and item rendering for cards
+- `Card Binder` UI for organizing and previewing your collection by level
+- JEI integration so every card variant can be browsed directly in item lookup
+- Separate creative tabs for cards and gameplay items
 
-Mapping Names:
-============
-By default, the MDK is configured to use the official mapping names from Mojang for methods and fields 
-in the Minecraft codebase. These names are covered by a specific license. All modders should be aware of this
-license. For the latest license text, refer to the mapping file itself, or the reference copy here:
-https://github.com/NeoForged/NeoForm/blob/main/Mojang.md
+## What Is Implemented Right Now
 
-Additional Resources: 
-==========
-Community Documentation: https://docs.neoforged.net/  
-NeoForged Discord: https://discord.neoforged.net/
+Mine Triad already includes a complete playable duel loop:
+
+1. Put at least 5 Triad Cards in your inventory.
+2. Place a Duel Table.
+3. Right-click the top face of the table to start a duel.
+4. Hold one of your duel cards and click an open board space to play your turn.
+5. Alternate turns with the Training Duelist until the board is full.
+6. Right-click the table again after the result screen to finish the match and return cards.
+
+The current AI opponent evaluates legal moves and prefers plays that capture the most cards.
+
+## Card Set Overview
+
+- `Levels 1-3`: common, lower-power wildlife and passive mob inspired cards
+- `Levels 4-5`: uncommon hostile mob focused cards
+- `Levels 6-7`: rare advanced and elite encounter cards
+- `Levels 8-10`: legendary endgame, structure, item, and community-inspired cards
+
+The stat layouts are intentionally modeled after the progression curve of classic Triple Triad, but the card identities are reimagined around Minecraft.
+
+## Items And Blocks
+
+### Triad Card
+
+The core collectible item. Each stack stores its own card identity as item data, renders as an individual card, and shows its level, sides, and rarity in the tooltip.
+
+### Duel Table
+
+The main gameplay block used to play matches in-world. The board state is shown directly on the table during a duel, and the block prevents normal survival breaking while a match is active.
+
+### Card Binder
+
+A collection binder with 110 slots arranged by card level. It supports:
+
+- per-level paging
+- persistent storage inside the binder item
+- previewing the selected card in the UI
+- locked held-slot behavior so the binder cannot be moved out from under the menu
+
+### Deck Box
+
+The item is present in the current build as part of the gameplay set, but deck management behavior is not implemented yet.