diff --git a/coach/coach_service.py b/coach/coach_service.py
index 685fdb0..f81fddc 100644
--- a/coach/coach_service.py
+++ b/coach/coach_service.py
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ class CoachService:
             logger.warning("Deck report not found: %s", deck_id)
             return None
         try:
-            with open(report_path, "r") as f:
+            with open(report_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
                 data = json.load(f)
             return DeckReport(**data)
         except Exception as e:
@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ class CoachService:
         """Persist a coaching session to disk and SQLite."""
         COACH_SESSIONS_DIR.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
         path = COACH_SESSIONS_DIR / f"{session.sessionId}.json"
-        with open(path, "w") as f:
+        with open(path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             f.write(session.model_dump_json(indent=2))
         if _DB_AVAILABLE:
             try:
@@ -147,7 +147,7 @@ class CoachService:
         if not path.exists():
             return None
         try:
-            with open(path, "r") as f:
+            with open(path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
                 data = json.load(f)
             return CoachSession(**data)
         except Exception as e:
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ class CoachService:
         sessions = []
         for f in sorted(COACH_SESSIONS_DIR.glob("*.json"), reverse=True):
             try:
-                with open(f, "r") as fh:
+                with open(f, "r", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
                     data = json.load(fh)
                 if deck_id and data.get("deckId", "") != deck_id:
                     continue
diff --git a/lan-client/engine.js b/lan-client/engine.js
index bb38f8a..245161a 100644
--- a/lan-client/engine.js
+++ b/lan-client/engine.js
@@ -5286,8 +5286,7 @@ function setLife(playerId, newLife) {
     eliminatePlayer(playerId, 'life total reached 0');
   }
   checkStateBasedActions();
-  // Sync enhanced player panels
-  if (typeof renderEnhancedPanels === 'function') renderEnhancedPanels();
+  if (typeof renderCmdDmgInline === 'function') renderCmdDmgInline();
 }
 
 // ============================================================
@@ -5322,8 +5321,7 @@ function adjustCommanderDamage(targetPlayerId, sourcePlayerId, amount) {
     panelContainer.replaceWith(newPanel);
   }
   checkStateBasedActions();
-  // Sync enhanced player panels
-  if (typeof renderEnhancedPanels === 'function') renderEnhancedPanels();
+  if (typeof renderCmdDmgInline === 'function') renderCmdDmgInline();
 }
 
 // ============================================================
@@ -5356,8 +5354,6 @@ function adjustPoison(playerId, amount) {
     panelContainer.replaceWith(newPanel);
   }
   if (gameState.rulesEngine && gameState.rulesEngine.sbaChecks) checkStateBasedActions();
-  // Sync enhanced player panels
-  if (typeof renderEnhancedPanels === 'function') renderEnhancedPanels();
 }
 
 // ============================================================
@@ -13049,6 +13045,8 @@ function startGame() {
   renderHandArea();
   renderPhaseTracker();
   updateTurnDisplay();
+  if (typeof renderCmdDmgInline === 'function') renderCmdDmgInline();
+  if (typeof refreshLeftPanelTriggers === 'function') refreshLeftPanelTriggers();
 
   // Set default search focus
   setTimeout(() => {
diff --git a/lan-client/index.html b/lan-client/index.html
index 182f799..0a2c5e5 100644
--- a/lan-client/index.html
+++ b/lan-client/index.html
@@ -269,7 +269,7 @@
           <button onclick="adjustLife(0,1)" aria-label="Increase P1 life">+</button>
         </div>
       </div>
-      <div class="life-panel-box cmd-dmg-box" id="cmd-dmg-inline-0">
+      <div class="life-panel-box cmd-dmg-box" id="cmd-dmg-inline-0" onclick="openCmdDmgMatrix()" title="Open Commander Damage matrix">
         <span class="life-panel-label">Cmd Dmg</span>
         <div class="cmd-dmg-inline-row">&#8212;</div>
       </div>
@@ -288,7 +288,7 @@
           <button onclick="adjustLife(1,1)" aria-label="Increase P2 life">+</button>
         </div>
       </div>
-      <div class="life-panel-box cmd-dmg-box" id="cmd-dmg-inline-1">
+      <div class="life-panel-box cmd-dmg-box" id="cmd-dmg-inline-1" onclick="openCmdDmgMatrix()" title="Open Commander Damage matrix">
         <span class="life-panel-label">Cmd Dmg</span>
         <div class="cmd-dmg-inline-row">&#8212;</div>
       </div>
@@ -307,7 +307,7 @@
           <button onclick="adjustLife(2,1)" aria-label="Increase P3 life">+</button>
         </div>
       </div>
-      <div class="life-panel-box cmd-dmg-box" id="cmd-dmg-inline-2">
+      <div class="life-panel-box cmd-dmg-box" id="cmd-dmg-inline-2" onclick="openCmdDmgMatrix()" title="Open Commander Damage matrix">
         <span class="life-panel-label">Cmd Dmg</span>
         <div class="cmd-dmg-inline-row">&#8212;</div>
       </div>
@@ -326,7 +326,7 @@
           <button onclick="adjustLife(3,1)" aria-label="Increase P4 life">+</button>
         </div>
       </div>
-      <div class="life-panel-box cmd-dmg-box" id="cmd-dmg-inline-3">
+      <div class="life-panel-box cmd-dmg-box" id="cmd-dmg-inline-3" onclick="openCmdDmgMatrix()" title="Open Commander Damage matrix">
         <span class="life-panel-label">Cmd Dmg</span>
         <div class="cmd-dmg-inline-row">&#8212;</div>
       </div>
@@ -369,6 +369,24 @@
   <!-- Sidebar edge tab -->
   <div id="sidebar-edge-tab" class="sidebar-edge-tab" title="Toggle card search">&#x2039;</div>
 
+  <!-- LEFT ACTION PANEL (triggers + quick actions) -->
+  <div id="left-action-panel" class="collapsed">
+    <div class="left-panel-header">
+      <span class="left-panel-title">Triggers <span id="left-panel-trigger-count" class="left-panel-count">0</span></span>
+      <button class="sidebar-toggle" onclick="toggleLeftPanel()" title="Close panel">&#x2715;</button>
+    </div>
+    <div class="left-panel-actions">
+      <button class="left-panel-btn" onclick="openTokenModal((typeof gameState !== 'undefined' && gameState) ? (gameState.currentPlayerIndex || 0) : 0)" title="Create token">&#x2728; Create Token</button>
+      <button class="left-panel-btn" onclick="autoArrangeBattlefield()" title="Auto-arrange battlefield">&#x21C4; Auto-Arrange</button>
+    </div>
+    <div class="left-panel-body" id="left-panel-triggers">
+      <div class="left-panel-empty">No pending triggers.</div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+
+  <!-- Left panel edge tab -->
+  <div id="left-panel-edge-tab" class="left-panel-edge-tab" onclick="toggleLeftPanel()" title="Toggle quick actions">&#x203A;</div>
+
 </div><!-- /.table-surface / #game-battlefield -->
 
 <!-- ====================================================
@@ -763,6 +781,121 @@ function toggleCollectionPanel() {
   if (panel) panel.classList.toggle('hidden');
 }
 
+function toggleLeftPanel() {
+  var panel = document.getElementById('left-action-panel');
+  if (panel) {
+    panel.classList.toggle('collapsed');
+    if (!panel.classList.contains('collapsed') && typeof refreshLeftPanelTriggers === 'function') {
+      refreshLeftPanelTriggers();
+    }
+  }
+}
+
+// Render the triggers list inside the left action panel.
+// Mirrors #trigger-stack-body rendering but stays embedded in the panel.
+function refreshLeftPanelTriggers() {
+  var body = document.getElementById('left-panel-triggers');
+  var countEl = document.getElementById('left-panel-trigger-count');
+  if (!body) return;
+  if (typeof gameState === 'undefined' || !gameState) {
+    if (countEl) countEl.textContent = '0';
+    body.innerHTML = '<div class="left-panel-empty">No pending triggers.</div>';
+    return;
+  }
+  var pending = (gameState.triggerStack || []).filter(function(t){ return !t.resolved; });
+  if (countEl) countEl.textContent = String(pending.length);
+  if (pending.length === 0) {
+    body.innerHTML = '<div class="left-panel-empty">No pending triggers.</div>';
+    return;
+  }
+  var icons = (typeof TRIGGER_TYPE_ICONS !== 'undefined') ? TRIGGER_TYPE_ICONS : {};
+  var labels = (typeof TRIGGER_TYPE_LABELS !== 'undefined') ? TRIGGER_TYPE_LABELS : {};
+  var html = '';
+  pending.forEach(function(t) {
+    var icon = icons[t.type] || '\u2747';
+    var label = labels[t.type] || t.type || '';
+    var owner = (gameState.players && gameState.players[t.ownerIndex]) || {};
+    var color = owner.color || '#888';
+    var name = (t.cardName || 'Unknown').replace(/</g,'&lt;');
+    var snip = (t.oracleSnippet || '').replace(/</g,'&lt;');
+    html +=
+      '<div class="lpt-item">' +
+        '<div class="lpt-icon">' + icon + '</div>' +
+        '<div class="lpt-body">' +
+          '<div class="lpt-title">' + name + '</div>' +
+          '<div class="lpt-type">' + label + '</div>' +
+          '<div class="lpt-text">' + snip + '</div>' +
+        '</div>' +
+        '<div class="lpt-dot" style="background:' + color + '"></div>' +
+        '<button class="lpt-dismiss" title="Dismiss" onclick="if(typeof dismissTrigger===\'function\')dismissTrigger(' + t.id + ');refreshLeftPanelTriggers();">&#x2715;</button>' +
+      '</div>';
+  });
+  body.innerHTML = html;
+}
+
+// Populate each seat's Cmd Dmg score-area box with per-opponent badges.
+// Skips the seat's own player number from the display.
+function renderCmdDmgInline() {
+  if (typeof gameState === 'undefined' || !gameState || !gameState.players) return;
+  var players = gameState.players;
+  for (var i = 0; i < players.length; i++) {
+    var box = document.getElementById('cmd-dmg-inline-' + i);
+    if (!box) continue;
+    var row = box.querySelector('.cmd-dmg-inline-row');
+    if (!row) continue;
+    var me = players[i];
+    if (!me) continue;
+    var html = '';
+    for (var j = 0; j < players.length; j++) {
+      if (j === i) continue;  // leave own player number out
+      var op = players[j];
+      if (!op) continue;
+      var dmg = (me.commanderDamage && me.commanderDamage[op.id]) || 0;
+      var danger = dmg >= 21 ? ' danger' : dmg >= 15 ? ' crit' : dmg >= 8 ? ' warn' : '';
+      html +=
+        '<span class="cdi-badge' + danger + '" title="Commander damage from ' + (op.name||'P'+(j+1)) + '">' +
+          '<span class="cdi-dot" style="background:' + (op.color||'#888') + '"></span>' +
+          'P' + (j + 1) + ' <b>' + dmg + '</b>' +
+        '</span>';
+    }
+    row.innerHTML = html || '&#8212;';
+  }
+}
+
+// Hook into the trigger-stack badge updater so the left panel stays in sync.
+(function() {
+  if (typeof window === 'undefined') return;
+  var tryHook = function() {
+    if (typeof window.updateTriggerBadge === 'function' && !window.updateTriggerBadge._leftPanelHooked) {
+      var orig = window.updateTriggerBadge;
+      window.updateTriggerBadge = function() {
+        var r = orig.apply(this, arguments);
+        try { refreshLeftPanelTriggers(); } catch(e) {}
+        return r;
+      };
+      window.updateTriggerBadge._leftPanelHooked = true;
+    }
+    // Also wrap adjustCommanderDamage so badges refresh after matrix clicks.
+    if (typeof window.adjustCommanderDamage === 'function' && !window.adjustCommanderDamage._cdmInlineHooked) {
+      var origAdj = window.adjustCommanderDamage;
+      window.adjustCommanderDamage = function() {
+        var r = origAdj.apply(this, arguments);
+        try { renderCmdDmgInline(); } catch(e) {}
+        return r;
+      };
+      window.adjustCommanderDamage._cdmInlineHooked = true;
+    }
+  };
+  if (document.readyState === 'loading') {
+    document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', tryHook);
+  } else {
+    tryHook();
+  }
+  // Also attempt the hook again a tick later (engine.js loads after this script in some orderings)
+  setTimeout(tryHook, 0);
+  setTimeout(tryHook, 500);
+})();
+
 // Listen for deck exports from the deck builder iframe
 window.addEventListener('message', function(e) {
   if (!e.data || e.data.type !== 'DECK_BUILDER_EXPORT') return;
diff --git a/lan-client/style.css b/lan-client/style.css
index f68f589..541e6ef 100644
--- a/lan-client/style.css
+++ b/lan-client/style.css
@@ -3705,3 +3705,259 @@ kbd {
   font-size: 18px;
   line-height: 1;
 }
+
+/* ==========================================================
+   LEFT ACTION PANEL — triggers list + quick actions
+   (mirrors #card-search-sidebar on the right)
+   ========================================================== */
+:root {
+  --left-panel-w: 240px;
+}
+
+#left-action-panel {
+  position: absolute;
+  top: 50%;
+  left: 0;
+  transform: translateY(-50%);
+  width: var(--left-panel-w);
+  max-height: 80vh;
+  display: flex;
+  flex-direction: column;
+  background: linear-gradient(180deg, rgba(24,20,32,0.97) 0%, rgba(16,14,22,0.97) 100%);
+  border: 1px solid rgba(139,92,246,0.35);
+  border-left: none;
+  border-radius: 0 10px 10px 0;
+  box-shadow: 0 8px 28px rgba(0,0,0,0.55), 0 0 24px rgba(139,92,246,0.18);
+  z-index: 45;
+  transition: transform 0.28s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1), opacity 0.28s ease;
+  overflow: hidden;
+}
+#left-action-panel.collapsed {
+  transform: translateY(-50%) translateX(calc(-1 * var(--left-panel-w) - 8px));
+  opacity: 0;
+  pointer-events: none;
+}
+
+.left-panel-header {
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: space-between;
+  padding: 8px 10px 8px 12px;
+  background: rgba(139,92,246,0.14);
+  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(139,92,246,0.28);
+  flex-shrink: 0;
+}
+.left-panel-title {
+  font-size: 12px;
+  font-weight: 700;
+  letter-spacing: 0.08em;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  color: #c084fc;
+  text-shadow: 0 0 6px rgba(192,132,252,0.5);
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 6px;
+}
+.left-panel-count {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: center;
+  min-width: 18px;
+  height: 16px;
+  padding: 0 5px;
+  border-radius: 8px;
+  background: rgba(168,85,247,0.4);
+  color: #fff;
+  font-size: 10px;
+  font-weight: 700;
+  letter-spacing: 0;
+  text-shadow: none;
+}
+
+.left-panel-actions {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-direction: column;
+  gap: 6px;
+  padding: 8px 10px;
+  border-bottom: 1px solid rgba(139,92,246,0.2);
+  flex-shrink: 0;
+}
+
+.left-panel-body {
+  display: flex;
+  flex-direction: column;
+  gap: 4px;
+  padding: 8px;
+  overflow-y: auto;
+  flex: 1 1 auto;
+}
+
+.left-panel-empty {
+  text-align: center;
+  font-size: 11px;
+  color: rgba(200,190,220,0.4);
+  padding: 16px 8px;
+  font-style: italic;
+}
+
+.left-panel-btn {
+  appearance: none;
+  -webkit-appearance: none;
+  display: block;
+  width: 100%;
+  padding: 8px 10px;
+  text-align: left;
+  font-size: 12px;
+  font-weight: 600;
+  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
+  color: rgba(240,235,250,0.92);
+  background: rgba(40,34,56,0.85);
+  border: 1px solid rgba(139,92,246,0.25);
+  border-radius: 6px;
+  cursor: pointer;
+  transition: background 0.15s ease, border-color 0.15s ease, transform 0.08s ease, box-shadow 0.15s ease;
+}
+.left-panel-btn:hover {
+  background: rgba(124,58,237,0.32);
+  border-color: rgba(168,85,247,0.6);
+  color: #ffffff;
+  box-shadow: 0 0 10px rgba(139,92,246,0.35), inset 0 0 8px rgba(139,92,246,0.15);
+}
+.left-panel-btn:active {
+  transform: translateY(1px);
+  background: rgba(109,40,217,0.45);
+}
+
+/* Trigger items in the left panel */
+.lpt-item {
+  display: grid;
+  grid-template-columns: 20px 1fr 8px 18px;
+  gap: 6px;
+  align-items: flex-start;
+  padding: 6px 8px;
+  background: rgba(40,34,56,0.55);
+  border: 1px solid rgba(139,92,246,0.15);
+  border-radius: 5px;
+  font-size: 10px;
+}
+.lpt-icon {
+  font-size: 14px;
+  line-height: 1;
+  text-align: center;
+  color: #c084fc;
+}
+.lpt-body { min-width: 0; overflow: hidden; }
+.lpt-title {
+  font-weight: 700;
+  font-size: 11px;
+  color: rgba(240,235,250,0.95);
+  white-space: nowrap;
+  overflow: hidden;
+  text-overflow: ellipsis;
+}
+.lpt-type {
+  font-size: 9px;
+  text-transform: uppercase;
+  letter-spacing: 0.05em;
+  color: rgba(192,132,252,0.75);
+  margin-top: 1px;
+}
+.lpt-text {
+  font-size: 9px;
+  color: rgba(200,190,220,0.55);
+  margin-top: 2px;
+  line-height: 1.3;
+  display: -webkit-box;
+  -webkit-line-clamp: 2;
+  -webkit-box-orient: vertical;
+  overflow: hidden;
+}
+.lpt-dot {
+  width: 8px; height: 8px;
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  margin-top: 2px;
+}
+.lpt-dismiss {
+  width: 18px; height: 18px;
+  border-radius: 3px;
+  border: 1px solid rgba(255,255,255,0.1);
+  background: transparent;
+  color: rgba(200,190,220,0.55);
+  font-size: 10px;
+  line-height: 1;
+  cursor: pointer;
+  padding: 0;
+}
+.lpt-dismiss:hover {
+  background: rgba(211,32,42,0.2);
+  color: #ff9090;
+  border-color: rgba(211,32,42,0.4);
+}
+
+/* Edge tab (always visible; click to toggle panel) */
+.left-panel-edge-tab {
+  position: absolute;
+  top: 50%;
+  left: 0;
+  transform: translateY(-50%);
+  width: 22px;
+  height: 60px;
+  display: flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  justify-content: center;
+  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(139,92,246,0.85) 0%, rgba(109,40,217,0.85) 100%);
+  color: #fff;
+  font-size: 18px;
+  font-weight: 700;
+  border: 1px solid rgba(168,85,247,0.6);
+  border-left: none;
+  border-radius: 0 8px 8px 0;
+  cursor: pointer;
+  z-index: 44;
+  box-shadow: 2px 0 10px rgba(0,0,0,0.5), 0 0 12px rgba(139,92,246,0.3);
+  transition: background 0.15s ease, transform 0.15s ease, left 0.28s cubic-bezier(0.4, 0, 0.2, 1);
+  user-select: none;
+}
+.left-panel-edge-tab:hover {
+  background: linear-gradient(90deg, rgba(168,85,247,0.95) 0%, rgba(124,58,237,0.95) 100%);
+  box-shadow: 2px 0 14px rgba(0,0,0,0.6), 0 0 18px rgba(168,85,247,0.5);
+}
+/* When panel is open, push tab to panel's right edge and flip arrow */
+#left-action-panel:not(.collapsed) ~ .left-panel-edge-tab {
+  left: var(--left-panel-w);
+  transform: translateY(-50%) rotate(180deg);
+}
+
+/* ==========================================================
+   CMD DMG score-area badges (inline per-opponent readout)
+   ========================================================== */
+.cmd-dmg-box {
+  cursor: pointer;
+  transition: background 0.15s ease, border-color 0.15s ease;
+}
+.cmd-dmg-box:hover {
+  background: rgba(139,92,246,0.12);
+  border-color: rgba(139,92,246,0.35);
+}
+.cdi-badge {
+  display: inline-flex;
+  align-items: center;
+  gap: 3px;
+  padding: 1px 5px;
+  border-radius: 3px;
+  background: rgba(255,255,255,0.05);
+  color: rgba(255,255,255,0.75);
+  font-size: 9px;
+  font-weight: 600;
+  letter-spacing: 0.02em;
+  line-height: 1.3;
+}
+.cdi-badge b { font-size: 10px; color: #fff; }
+.cdi-badge.warn  { background: rgba(241,196,15,0.12); color: #f1c40f; }
+.cdi-badge.crit  { background: rgba(230,126,34,0.15); color: #e67e22; }
+.cdi-badge.danger { background: rgba(211,32,42,0.2); color: #ff6b6b; }
+.cdi-dot {
+  width: 5px; height: 5px;
+  border-radius: 50%;
+  display: inline-block;
+}
diff --git a/ml/actions/labeler.py b/ml/actions/labeler.py
index 07aa1b3..5c409cf 100644
--- a/ml/actions/labeler.py
+++ b/ml/actions/labeler.py
@@ -330,7 +330,7 @@ def label_decisions_file(jsonl_path: str) -> Tuple[np.ndarray, List[dict]]:
     labels = []
     raw = []
 
-    with open(jsonl_path, "r") as f:
+    with open(jsonl_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
         for i, line in enumerate(f):
             line = line.strip()
             if not line:
diff --git a/ml/data/dataset_builder.py b/ml/data/dataset_builder.py
index 6ec8a1a..0e08bb9 100644
--- a/ml/data/dataset_builder.py
+++ b/ml/data/dataset_builder.py
@@ -266,7 +266,7 @@ def build_dataset(
             logger.info("Processing %s [%s] ...", jsonl_file.name, source)
             file_count = 0
 
-            with open(jsonl_file, "r") as f:
+            with open(jsonl_file, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
                 for line_num, line in enumerate(f):
                     line = line.strip()
                     if not line:
diff --git a/ml/data/quality_gate.py b/ml/data/quality_gate.py
index 045fb1c..afc75e5 100644
--- a/ml/data/quality_gate.py
+++ b/ml/data/quality_gate.py
@@ -523,7 +523,7 @@ class QualityGate:
         report_path = os.path.join(
             self.config.reports_dir, f"quality_{timestamp}.json"
         )
-        with open(report_path, "w") as f:
+        with open(report_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             json.dump(metrics, f, indent=2)
         logger.info("Quality report saved: %s", report_path)
 
@@ -582,6 +582,6 @@ class QualityGate:
             path = os.path.join(self.config.reports_dir, "verdict_history.json")
 
         history = [v.to_dict() for v in self.verdicts]
-        with open(path, "w") as f:
+        with open(path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             json.dump(history, f, indent=2)
         logger.info("Verdict history saved: %s (%d entries)", path, len(history))
diff --git a/ml/encoder/state_encoder.py b/ml/encoder/state_encoder.py
index 7056516..5770913 100644
--- a/ml/encoder/state_encoder.py
+++ b/ml/encoder/state_encoder.py
@@ -415,7 +415,7 @@ def encode_decisions_file(
     states = []
     raw = []
 
-    with open(jsonl_path, "r") as f:
+    with open(jsonl_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
         for i, line in enumerate(f):
             if max_samples and i >= max_samples:
                 break
diff --git a/ml/eval/elo_tracker.py b/ml/eval/elo_tracker.py
index 1be0b15..6622824 100644
--- a/ml/eval/elo_tracker.py
+++ b/ml/eval/elo_tracker.py
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ class EloHistory:
     def _load(self):
         if os.path.exists(self.path):
             try:
-                with open(self.path, "r") as f:
+                with open(self.path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
                     data = json.load(f)
                 self.entries = data.get("entries", [])
             except Exception:
@@ -138,7 +138,7 @@ class EloHistory:
 
     def save(self):
         os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(self.path) or ".", exist_ok=True)
-        with open(self.path, "w") as f:
+        with open(self.path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             json.dump({"entries": self.entries}, f, indent=2)
 
     def append(self, generation: int, ratings: Dict[str, float]):
diff --git a/ml/eval/forge_evaluator.py b/ml/eval/forge_evaluator.py
index abd67a5..5509f52 100644
--- a/ml/eval/forge_evaluator.py
+++ b/ml/eval/forge_evaluator.py
@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@ class ForgeEvaluator:
         if not Path(batch_path).exists():
             logger.warning("[Eval] Batch JSON not found at %s — falling back to synthetic", batch_path)
             return self._run_synthetic_eval(service)
-        with open(batch_path) as f:
+        with open(batch_path, encoding="utf-8") as f:
             batch = json.load(f)
         games_list = batch.get("games", [])
         if not games_list:
@@ -543,6 +543,6 @@ class ForgeEvaluator:
             "games": [asdict(r) for r in self._records],
         }
         os.makedirs(self.cfg.results_dir, exist_ok=True)
-        with open(self._result_path, "w") as f:
+        with open(self._result_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             json.dump(payload, f, indent=2)
         logger.info("[Eval %s] Results written to %s", self.cfg.run_id, self._result_path)
diff --git a/ml/eval/forge_evaluator_FIXED.py b/ml/eval/forge_evaluator_FIXED.py
index 80a5129..ee53f65 100644
--- a/ml/eval/forge_evaluator_FIXED.py
+++ b/ml/eval/forge_evaluator_FIXED.py
@@ -280,7 +280,7 @@ class ForgeEvaluator:
         if not Path(batch_path).exists():
             logger.warning("[Eval] Batch JSON not found at %s — falling back to synthetic", batch_path)
             return self._run_synthetic_eval(service)
-        with open(batch_path) as f:
+        with open(batch_path, encoding="utf-8") as f:
             batch = json.load(f)
         games_list = batch.get("games", [])
         if not games_list:
@@ -543,6 +543,6 @@ class ForgeEvaluator:
             "games": [asdict(r) for r in self._records],
         }
         os.makedirs(self.cfg.results_dir, exist_ok=True)
-        with open(self._result_path, "w") as f:
+        with open(self._result_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             json.dump(payload, f, indent=2)
         logger.info("[Eval %s] Results written to %s", self.cfg.run_id, self._result_path)
diff --git a/ml/eval/tournament.py b/ml/eval/tournament.py
index 5e1f154..3c78d30 100644
--- a/ml/eval/tournament.py
+++ b/ml/eval/tournament.py
@@ -417,7 +417,7 @@ def main():
 
     # Save results
     output_path = args.output or os.path.join(ckpt_dir, "tournament_results.json")
-    with open(output_path, "w") as f:
+    with open(output_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
         json.dump(result.to_dict(), f, indent=2)
     logger.info("Results saved: %s", output_path)
 
diff --git a/ml/scripts/generate_synthetic_data.py b/ml/scripts/generate_synthetic_data.py
index 309beae..1abec7b 100644
--- a/ml/scripts/generate_synthetic_data.py
+++ b/ml/scripts/generate_synthetic_data.py
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@ def load_precon_cards(precon_dir: str) -> dict:
         cards = {"commander": None, "creatures": [], "spells": [], "lands": [], "artifacts": [], "all": []}
 
         section = "Main"
-        with open(dck_file, "r") as f:
+        with open(dck_file, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             for line in f:
                 line = line.strip()
                 if not line or line.startswith("//") or line.startswith("Name="):
@@ -380,7 +380,7 @@ def main():
     os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(args.output) or ".", exist_ok=True)
     total_decisions = 0
 
-    with open(args.output, "w") as f:
+    with open(args.output, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
         for game_idx in range(args.games):
             # Pick two random decks
             d1_name, d2_name = random.sample(deck_names, 2)
diff --git a/ml/scripts/ml_cli.py b/ml/scripts/ml_cli.py
index 5388c16..244ebf9 100644
--- a/ml/scripts/ml_cli.py
+++ b/ml/scripts/ml_cli.py
@@ -68,7 +68,7 @@ def cmd_status(args):
     for f in jsonl_files:
         lines = 0
         try:
-            with open(f) as fh:
+            with open(f, encoding="utf-8") as fh:
                 lines = sum(1 for _ in fh)
         except Exception:
             pass
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ def cmd_inspect(args):
 
     print(f"\n  Inspecting: {filepath.name}\n")
     count = 0
-    with open(filepath) as f:
+    with open(filepath, encoding="utf-8") as f:
         for i, line in enumerate(f):
             if i >= args.limit:
                 break
@@ -150,7 +150,7 @@ def cmd_inspect(args):
             except Exception as e:
                 print(f"  [{i:>4}] ERROR: {e}")
 
-    with open(filepath) as f:
+    with open(filepath, encoding="utf-8") as f:
         total = sum(1 for _ in f)
     print(f"\n  Showing {count} of {total:,} total decisions.\n")
 
diff --git a/ml/training/decision_exporter.py b/ml/training/decision_exporter.py
index bdc7424..eb08c3b 100644
--- a/ml/training/decision_exporter.py
+++ b/ml/training/decision_exporter.py
@@ -253,7 +253,7 @@ class DecisionExporter:
         filename = f"ml-decisions-ppo-{self._batch_id}.jsonl"
         filepath = os.path.join(self.config.output_dir, filename)
 
-        with open(filepath, "w") as f:
+        with open(filepath, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             for record in self._records:
                 f.write(json.dumps(record) + "\n")
 
diff --git a/ml/training/distillation_loop.py b/ml/training/distillation_loop.py
index 9ec64a5..204943e 100644
--- a/ml/training/distillation_loop.py
+++ b/ml/training/distillation_loop.py
@@ -759,7 +759,7 @@ class DistillationLoop:
         """Save generation history to JSON."""
         path = os.path.join(self.config.history_dir, "generations.json")
         history = [g.to_dict() for g in self.generations]
-        with open(path, "w") as f:
+        with open(path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             json.dump(history, f, indent=2)
         logger.info("  Generation history saved: %s", path)
 
@@ -793,7 +793,7 @@ class DistillationLoop:
     def _save_summary(self, summary: Dict):
         """Save final summary to JSON."""
         path = os.path.join(self.config.history_dir, "summary.json")
-        with open(path, "w") as f:
+        with open(path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             json.dump(summary, f, indent=2, default=str)
         logger.info("  Summary saved: %s", path)
 
diff --git a/ml/training/forge_episode_generator.py b/ml/training/forge_episode_generator.py
index 539d210..596dc3a 100644
--- a/ml/training/forge_episode_generator.py
+++ b/ml/training/forge_episode_generator.py
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ def parse_forge_jsonl(path: Path) -> List[Dict[str, Any]]:
         game_id, turn, phase, active_seat, state, action, outcome
     """
     snapshots = []
-    with open(path, "r") as f:
+    with open(path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
         for lineno, line in enumerate(f, 1):
             line = line.strip()
             if not line:
diff --git a/ml/training/ppo_trainer.py b/ml/training/ppo_trainer.py
index 82c76db..747f3e4 100644
--- a/ml/training/ppo_trainer.py
+++ b/ml/training/ppo_trainer.py
@@ -696,7 +696,7 @@ class PPOTrainer:
         self.save_checkpoint()
 
         history_path = os.path.join(cfg.checkpoint_dir, "ppo_history.json")
-        with open(history_path, "w") as f:
+        with open(history_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             json.dump(self.history, f, indent=2, default=str)
 
         summary = {
diff --git a/ml/training/trainer.py b/ml/training/trainer.py
index cd9d86f..41c2567 100644
--- a/ml/training/trainer.py
+++ b/ml/training/trainer.py
@@ -322,7 +322,7 @@ class SupervisedTrainer:
             }
             serializable_history.append(entry)
 
-        with open(history_path, "w") as f:
+        with open(history_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             json.dump(serializable_history, f, indent=2)
         logger.info("  History saved:  %s", history_path)
 
@@ -644,7 +644,7 @@ def main():
 
         # Save evaluation results
         eval_path = os.path.join(ckpt_dir, "eval_results.json")
-        with open(eval_path, "w") as f:
+        with open(eval_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             json.dump(results, f, indent=2)
         logger.info(f"  Results saved: {eval_path}")
         return
@@ -702,7 +702,7 @@ def main():
         print_evaluation(results)
 
         eval_path = os.path.join(ckpt_dir, "eval_results.json")
-        with open(eval_path, "w") as f:
+        with open(eval_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             json.dump(results, f, indent=2)
         logger.info("  Eval results saved: %s", eval_path)
     else:
diff --git a/patch_eval.py b/patch_eval.py
index 7754244..89b355b 100644
--- a/patch_eval.py
+++ b/patch_eval.py
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@ new_method = '''
         if not Path(batch_path).exists():
             logger.warning("[Eval] Batch JSON not found at %s -- falling back to synthetic", batch_path)
             return self._run_synthetic_eval(service)
-        with open(batch_path) as f:
+        with open(batch_path, encoding='utf-8') as f:
             batch = json.load(f)
         games_list = batch.get("games", [])
         if not games_list:
diff --git a/routes/deepseek.py b/routes/deepseek.py
index d93c791..dbc222c 100644
--- a/routes/deepseek.py
+++ b/routes/deepseek.py
@@ -226,7 +226,7 @@ def _finish_sim(sim_id, summary, game_results, engine=None):
         results_dir = os.path.join(os.path.dirname(os.path.abspath(__file__)), 'results')
         os.makedirs(results_dir, exist_ok=True)
         batch_path = os.path.join(results_dir, f'ml-decision-sim-{sim_id}.json')
-        with open(batch_path, 'w') as f:
+        with open(batch_path, 'w', encoding='utf-8') as f:
             json.dump(batch_data, f, indent=2, default=str)
         logger.info(f'Saved batch results to {batch_path}')
 
diff --git a/routes/ml.py b/routes/ml.py
index a1f50fa..c7d27b5 100644
--- a/routes/ml.py
+++ b/routes/ml.py
@@ -130,7 +130,7 @@ async def ml_status():
         for f in sorted(results_dir.glob("ml-decisions-*.jsonl")):
             lines = 0
             try:
-                with open(f) as fh:
+                with open(f, encoding="utf-8") as fh:
                     lines = sum(1 for _ in fh)
             except Exception:
                 pass
@@ -168,7 +168,7 @@ async def ml_get_decisions(filename: str, limit: int = 100, offset: int = 0):
         raise HTTPException(404, f"ML decisions file not found: {filename}")
     decisions = []
     try:
-        with open(filepath) as f:
+        with open(filepath, encoding="utf-8") as f:
             for i, line in enumerate(f):
                 if i < offset:
                     continue
@@ -436,7 +436,7 @@ def _run_training_pipeline(
             best_model, _ = load_checkpoint(summary["checkpoint_path"], device)
             eval_results = evaluate_model(best_model, test_states, test_labels, device)
             eval_path = os.path.join(ckpt_dir, "eval_results.json")
-            with open(eval_path, "w") as f:
+            with open(eval_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
                 json.dump(eval_results, f, indent=2)
         # Done
         with _training_lock:
@@ -530,7 +530,7 @@ async def ml_data_status():
         for f in sorted(results_dir.glob("ml-decisions-*.jsonl")):
             line_count = 0
             try:
-                with open(f, "r") as fh:
+                with open(f, "r", encoding="utf-8") as fh:
                     line_count = sum(1 for _ in fh)
             except Exception:
                 pass
@@ -561,7 +561,7 @@ async def ml_data_status():
     eval_results = None
     if eval_path.exists():
         try:
-            with open(eval_path, "r") as f:
+            with open(eval_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
                 eval_results = json.load(f)
         except Exception:
             pass
@@ -705,7 +705,7 @@ def _run_tournament_pipeline(episodes: int, playstyle: str):
             playstyle=playstyle,
         )
         output_path = os.path.join(ckpt_dir, "tournament_results.json")
-        with open(output_path, "w") as f:
+        with open(output_path, "w", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             json.dump(result.to_dict(), f, indent=2)
         with _tournament_lock:
             _tournament_state.phase = "done"
@@ -758,7 +758,7 @@ async def ml_tournament_results():
     project_root = Path(__file__).resolve().parent.parent
     results_path = project_root / "ml" / "models" / "checkpoints" / "tournament_results.json"
     if results_path.exists():
-        with open(results_path, "r") as f:
+        with open(results_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
             return json.load(f)
     return {"error": "No tournament results found. Run a tournament first."}
 
@@ -798,7 +798,7 @@ async def ml_stats():
     eval_path = ckpt_dir / "eval_results.json"
     if eval_path.exists():
         try:
-            with open(eval_path, "r") as f:
+            with open(eval_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
                 eval_results = json.load(f)
         except Exception:
             pass
@@ -1057,14 +1057,14 @@ async def ml_distillation_history():
 
     if history_path.exists():
         try:
-            with open(history_path, "r") as f:
+            with open(history_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
                 result["generations"] = json.load(f)
         except Exception:
             pass
 
     if summary_path.exists():
         try:
-            with open(summary_path, "r") as f:
+            with open(summary_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
                 result["summary"] = json.load(f)
         except Exception:
             pass
@@ -1203,7 +1203,7 @@ async def ml_elo_history():
     history_path = project_root / "data" / "elo_history.json"
     if history_path.exists():
         try:
-            with open(history_path, "r") as f:
+            with open(history_path, "r", encoding="utf-8") as f:
                 return json.load(f)
         except Exception:
             pass
diff --git a/scripts/compare_eval.py b/scripts/compare_eval.py
index 97c6ba6..604b54a 100644
--- a/scripts/compare_eval.py
+++ b/scripts/compare_eval.py
@@ -113,7 +113,7 @@ def load_result(path: str) -> dict:
         print(f"ERROR: File not found: {path}", file=sys.stderr)
         sys.exit(2)
     try:
-        with open(p) as f:
+        with open(p, encoding="utf-8") as f:
             data = json.load(f)
     except json.JSONDecodeError as e:
         print(f"ERROR: Invalid JSON in {path}: {e}", file=sys.stderr)
@@ -289,7 +289,7 @@ def main() -> int:
             "passed": delta >= args.min_delta and pval < args.alpha,
         }
         Path(args.json_out).parent.mkdir(parents=True, exist_ok=True)
-        with open(args.json_out, "w") as jf:
+        with open(args.json_out, "w", encoding="utf-8") as jf:
             json.dump(out, jf, indent=2)
         print(f"Comparison JSON written to: {args.json_out}")
 
diff --git a/services/forge_runner.py b/services/forge_runner.py
index 7b9af7a..7775002 100644
--- a/services/forge_runner.py
+++ b/services/forge_runner.py
@@ -499,7 +499,7 @@ def _run_deepseek_batch_thread(
                 for fname in sorted(os.listdir(results_dir), reverse=True):
                     if fname.startswith('ml-decision-') and fname.endswith('.json'):
                         try:
-                            with open(os.path.join(results_dir, fname), 'r') as rf:
+                            with open(os.path.join(results_dir, fname), 'r', encoding='utf-8') as rf:
                                 past = json.loads(rf.read())
                             for dd in past.get('decks', []):
                                 dname = dd.get('deckName', '')