diff --git a/client/index.html b/client/index.html
index ed22839..41b1202 100644
--- a/client/index.html
+++ b/client/index.html
@@ -19,8 +19,8 @@
             <h1><img src="golfball-logo.svg" alt="" class="golfball-logo"><span class="golfer-swing">🏌️</span><span class="kicked-ball">⚪</span> <span class="golf-title">Golf</span></h1>
             <p class="subtitle">6-Card Golf Card Game <button id="rules-btn" class="btn btn-small btn-rules">Rules</button> <button id="leaderboard-btn" class="btn btn-small leaderboard-btn">Leaderboard</button></p>
 
-            <!-- Auth buttons for guests -->
-            <div id="auth-buttons" class="auth-buttons">
+            <!-- Auth buttons for guests (hidden until auth check confirms not logged in) -->
+            <div id="auth-buttons" class="auth-buttons hidden">
                 <button id="login-btn" class="btn btn-small">Login</button>
                 <button id="signup-btn" class="btn btn-small btn-primary">Sign Up</button>
             </div>