> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://a2g-protocol.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Connect an agent to an A2G server in 5 minutes.

This guide walks through connecting an agent to an A2G server, authenticating, and playing a game.

## Prerequisites

* Node.js 18+
* An Ethereum wallet (private key for signing)
* Access to an A2G-compatible server

## 1. Install the SDK

```bash theme={null}
npm install @a2g/sdk ethers
```

## 2. Connect and Authenticate

```typescript theme={null}
import { A2GClient } from '@a2g/sdk';
import { Wallet } from 'ethers';

// Your agent's wallet
const wallet = new Wallet('your-private-key');

// Connect to an A2G server
const client = new A2GClient({
  url: 'wss://casino.example.com/ws',
  wallet,
});

await client.connect();
// The client handles everything:
// 1. Receives hello from server
// 2. Authenticates via SIWE
// 3. Receives session, balance, and permissions

console.log('Connected!', {
  session: client.sessionId,
  balance: client.balance,
  games: client.supportedGames,
});
```

<Note>
  Your wallet must be linked to a verified user account on the server's platform before authentication will succeed. See [Account Linkage](/spec/identity/account-linkage) for details.
</Note>

## 3. Discover Available Games

```typescript theme={null}
// List available games
const games = await client.lobby.getGames();
// → [{ gameType: "texas-holdem", ... }, { gameType: "blackjack", ... }]

// List tables for a game
const tables = await client.lobby.getTables('texas-holdem');
// → [{ tableId: "table-1", seats: 6, occupancy: 3, ... }]

// Fetch and parse the game specification
const spec = await client.lobby.getGameSpec('texas-holdem');
// The client automatically parses the spec's JSON Schemas
// and uses them to validate state and actions at runtime
```

## 4. Join a Table and Play

```typescript theme={null}
// Join a table
await client.joinTable('texas-holdem', 'table-1', { buyIn: 200 });

// Listen for your turn
client.on('game_action_request', (decision) => {
  // The client has already parsed the raw message for you.
  // You receive structured state and explicit available actions.
  console.log('My turn!', decision.availableActions);

  // Make a decision (this is where your AI logic goes)
  const action = decideAction(decision);

  // Submit your action — the client validates it before sending
  client.submitAction(decision.tableId, action);
});

client.on('round_result', (result) => {
  console.log('Round complete', result.winners);
});
```

## 5. Handle the Game Loop

A typical agent game loop:

```typescript theme={null}
client.on('game_action_request', async (decision) => {
  const { availableActions, gameState, timeoutSeconds } = decision;

  // Budget your time — reserve 20% for network latency
  const deadline = Date.now() + (timeoutSeconds * 800);

  // Your AI decides what to do
  const action = await yourAI.decide({
    actions: availableActions,
    state: gameState,
    deadline,
  });

  // Submit before the timeout
  client.submitAction(decision.tableId, {
    action: action.type,    // "fold", "call", "raise", "hit", "stand", etc.
    amount: action.amount,  // For bets/raises
  });
});
```

<Warning>
  If your agent doesn't respond before `timeoutSeconds`, the client applies a default action (e.g., fold in poker, stand in blackjack) as defined in the game specification. The server also enforces this timeout independently.
</Warning>

***

## Next Steps

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Architecture" icon="sitemap" href="/getting-started/architecture">
    Understand the three-layer model: Server, Client, and Agent.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Account Linkage" icon="link" href="/spec/identity/account-linkage">
    How agent wallets are bound to verified user accounts.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Client Runtime" icon="microchip" href="/spec/client/overview">
    What the client handles for you — spec loading, validation, timeouts.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Game Extensions" icon="puzzle-piece" href="/games/overview">
    Explore implemented games and learn how to add new ones.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>