diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/deck_loader/deck_loader.cpp b/cockatrice/src/interface/deck_loader/deck_loader.cpp
index 39a0c1071..a406b6976 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/deck_loader/deck_loader.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/deck_loader/deck_loader.cpp
@@ -384,6 +384,14 @@ void DeckLoader::saveToStream_DeckZone(QTextStream &out,
 
     for (int j = 0; j < zoneNode->size(); j++) {
         auto *card = dynamic_cast<DecklistCardNode *>(zoneNode->at(j));
+        if (!card) {
+            // Cards collected in nested sub-zones are exported by recursion so
+            // they don't end up invisible in the plain text output.
+            if (auto *subZone = dynamic_cast<const InnerDecklistNode *>(zoneNode->at(j))) {
+                saveToStream_DeckZone(out, subZone, addComments, addSetNameAndNumber);
+            }
+            continue;
+        }
 
         CardInfoPtr info = CardDatabaseManager::query()->getCardInfo(card->getName());
         QString cardType = info ? info->getMainCardType() : "unknown";
@@ -510,9 +518,26 @@ bool DeckLoader::convertToCockatriceFormat(LoadedDeck &deck)
 
 void DeckLoader::printDeckListNode(QTextCursor *cursor, const InnerDecklistNode *node)
 {
+    if (!node || node->isEmpty()) {
+        return;
+    }
+
     const int totalColumns = 2;
 
-    if (node->height() == 1) {
+    // Dispatch children by type instead of trusting a whole-node height: a deck
+    // node may hold direct cards and nested zones side by side (custom zones),
+    // and an empty node would previously crash on at(0).
+    QVector<const AbstractDecklistCardNode *> cards;
+    QVector<const InnerDecklistNode *> subZones;
+    for (int i = 0; i < node->size(); i++) {
+        if (auto *card = dynamic_cast<const AbstractDecklistCardNode *>(node->at(i))) {
+            cards.append(card);
+        } else if (auto *zone = dynamic_cast<const InnerDecklistNode *>(node->at(i))) {
+            subZones.append(zone);
+        }
+    }
+
+    if (!cards.isEmpty()) {
         QTextBlockFormat blockFormat;
         QTextCharFormat charFormat;
         charFormat.setFontPointSize(11);
@@ -523,9 +548,9 @@ void DeckLoader::printDeckListNode(QTextCursor *cursor, const InnerDecklistNode
         tableFormat.setCellPadding(0);
         tableFormat.setCellSpacing(0);
         tableFormat.setBorder(0);
-        QTextTable *table = cursor->insertTable(node->size() + 1, totalColumns, tableFormat);
-        for (int i = 0; i < node->size(); i++) {
-            auto *card = dynamic_cast<AbstractDecklistCardNode *>(node->at(i));
+        QTextTable *table = cursor->insertTable(cards.size() + 1, totalColumns, tableFormat);
+        for (int i = 0; i < cards.size(); i++) {
+            const AbstractDecklistCardNode *card = cards[i];
 
             QTextCharFormat cellCharFormat;
             cellCharFormat.setFontPointSize(9);
@@ -540,7 +565,13 @@ void DeckLoader::printDeckListNode(QTextCursor *cursor, const InnerDecklistNode
             cellCursor = cell.firstCursorPosition();
             cellCursor.insertText(card->getName());
         }
-    } else if (node->height() == 2) {
+    }
+
+    for (const InnerDecklistNode *subZone : subZones) {
+        if (subZone->isEmpty()) {
+            continue;
+        }
+
         QTextBlockFormat blockFormat;
         QTextCharFormat charFormat;
         charFormat.setFontPointSize(14);
@@ -559,10 +590,8 @@ void DeckLoader::printDeckListNode(QTextCursor *cursor, const InnerDecklistNode
         tableFormat.setColumnWidthConstraints(constraints);
 
         QTextTable *table = cursor->insertTable(1, totalColumns, tableFormat);
-        for (int i = 0; i < node->size(); i++) {
-            QTextCursor cellCursor = table->cellAt(0, (i * totalColumns) / node->size()).lastCursorPosition();
-            printDeckListNode(&cellCursor, dynamic_cast<InnerDecklistNode *>(node->at(i)));
-        }
+        QTextCursor cellCursor = table->cellAt(0, 0).firstCursorPosition();
+        printDeckListNode(&cellCursor, subZone);
     }
 
     cursor->movePosition(QTextCursor::End);
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/card_database_view.cpp b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/card_database_view.cpp
index c51830cf0..00388a3cd 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/card_database_view.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/card_database_view.cpp
@@ -91,7 +91,7 @@ void CardDatabaseView::decrementCard(const QString &zoneName)
 }
 
 void CardDatabaseView::setZoneMenuProvider(const std::function<QList<QPair<QString, QStringList>>()> &provider,
-                                           const std::function<void()> &newZoneHandler)
+                                           const std::function<QString()> &newZoneHandler)
 {
     zoneMenuProvider = provider;
     this->newZoneHandler = newZoneHandler;
@@ -151,35 +151,46 @@ void CardDatabaseView::openCustomMenu(QPoint point)
 
     if (zoneMenuProvider) {
         QMenu *addToZoneMenu = menu.addMenu(tr("Add to Zone"));
-        for (const QString &boardName : InnerDecklistNode::boardZoneNames()) {
-            QAction *action = addToZoneMenu->addAction(InnerDecklistNode::visibleNameFromName(boardName));
-            connect(action, &QAction::triggered, this,
-                    [this, card, boardName] { emit cardAdded(card->getName(), boardName); });
-        }
-
-        bool anyCustomZone = false;
         const auto zoneBoards = zoneMenuProvider();
-        for (const auto &zoneBoard : zoneBoards) {
-            const QString &boardName = zoneBoard.first;
-            const QStringList &customZones = zoneBoard.second;
+        for (const QString &boardName : InnerDecklistNode::boardZoneNames()) {
+            // Boards with zones nest their children so no two menu entries
+            // share a visible name: "Maindeck ▸ { Maindeck (whole board), … }".
+            const QStringList customZones = [&zoneBoards, boardName] {
+                for (const auto &zoneBoard : zoneBoards) {
+                    if (zoneBoard.first == boardName) {
+                        return zoneBoard.second;
+                    }
+                }
+                return QStringList();
+            }();
             if (customZones.isEmpty()) {
-                continue;
-            }
-            anyCustomZone = true;
-            QMenu *boardSubmenu = addToZoneMenu->addMenu(InnerDecklistNode::visibleNameFromName(boardName));
-            for (const QString &zoneName : customZones) {
-                QAction *action = boardSubmenu->addAction(zoneName);
+                QAction *action = addToZoneMenu->addAction(InnerDecklistNode::visibleNameFromName(boardName));
                 connect(action, &QAction::triggered, this,
-                        [this, card, zoneName] { emit cardAdded(card->getName(), zoneName); });
+                        [this, card, boardName] { emit cardAdded(card->getName(), boardName); });
+            } else {
+                QMenu *boardSubmenu = addToZoneMenu->addMenu(InnerDecklistNode::visibleNameFromName(boardName));
+                QAction *wholeBoardAction = boardSubmenu->addAction(InnerDecklistNode::visibleNameFromName(boardName));
+                connect(wholeBoardAction, &QAction::triggered, this,
+                        [this, card, boardName] { emit cardAdded(card->getName(), boardName); });
+                for (const QString &zoneName : customZones) {
+                    QAction *action = boardSubmenu->addAction(zoneName);
+                    connect(action, &QAction::triggered, this,
+                            [this, card, zoneName] { emit cardAdded(card->getName(), zoneName); });
+                }
             }
         }
 
-        if (anyCustomZone) {
+        if (newZoneHandler) {
             addToZoneMenu->addSeparator();
-        }
 
-        QAction *newZoneAction = addToZoneMenu->addAction(tr("Create &new zone..."));
-        connect(newZoneAction, &QAction::triggered, this, [this] { newZoneHandler(); });
+            QAction *newZoneAction = addToZoneMenu->addAction(tr("Create &new zone..."));
+            connect(newZoneAction, &QAction::triggered, this, [this, card] {
+                const QString zoneName = newZoneHandler();
+                if (!zoneName.isEmpty()) {
+                    emit cardAdded(card->getName(), zoneName);
+                }
+            });
+        }
     }
 
     if (canBeCommander(*card)) {
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/card_database_view.h b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/card_database_view.h
index 72040b97e..668444199 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/card_database_view.h
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/card_database_view.h
@@ -24,7 +24,8 @@ class CardDatabaseView : public QTreeView
     /// The list contains (board zone name, custom zone names) pairs for every board.
     std::function<QList<QPair<QString, QStringList>>()> zoneMenuProvider;
     /// Handler invoked when the user picks "New zone..." from the add-to-zone menu.
-    std::function<void()> newZoneHandler;
+    /// Returns the name of the created zone, or an empty string if creation was cancelled.
+    std::function<QString()> newZoneHandler;
 
 public:
     explicit CardDatabaseView(QWidget *parent, CardDatabaseDisplayModel *model);
@@ -45,10 +46,11 @@ public:
      * If no provider is set, the submenu is not shown.
      *
      * @param provider Returns the custom zones of the current deck, grouped by board zone
-     * @param newZoneHandler Invoked when the user chooses "New zone..." in the submenu
+     * @param newZoneHandler Creates a new custom zone and returns its name, or an empty string
+     *                       if creation was cancelled. The menu entry is hidden when not provided.
      */
     void setZoneMenuProvider(const std::function<QList<QPair<QString, QStringList>>()> &provider,
-                             const std::function<void()> &newZoneHandler);
+                             const std::function<QString()> &newZoneHandler);
 
 signals:
     void cardChanged(const QString &cardName);
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_editor_card_database_dock_widget.cpp b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_editor_card_database_dock_widget.cpp
index d78758375..6269f0323 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_editor_card_database_dock_widget.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_editor_card_database_dock_widget.cpp
@@ -31,7 +31,7 @@ void DeckEditorCardDatabaseDockWidget::createDatabaseDisplayDock(AbstractTabDeck
             }
             return result;
         },
-        [this, deckEditor] {
+        [this, deckEditor]() -> QString {
             QString boardName;
             const QString zoneName =
                 DeckZoneDialog::promptForNewZone(this, {}, &boardName, [deckEditor](const QString &candidate) {
@@ -40,6 +40,7 @@ void DeckEditorCardDatabaseDockWidget::createDatabaseDisplayDock(AbstractTabDeck
             if (!zoneName.isEmpty()) {
                 deckEditor->deckStateManager->createCustomZone(boardName, zoneName);
             }
+            return zoneName;
         });
 
     auto *frame = new QVBoxLayout;
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_editor_deck_dock_widget.cpp b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_editor_deck_dock_widget.cpp
index 9296f8697..6f3fff5ae 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_editor_deck_dock_widget.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_editor_deck_dock_widget.cpp
@@ -784,18 +784,34 @@ void DeckEditorDeckDockWidget::decklistCustomMenu(QPoint point)
     const bool isCardRow =
         sourceIndex.isValid() && !isCustomZoneRow && !isBoardZoneRow && !getModel()->hasChildren(sourceIndex);
 
+    // Walk the row up to its top-level node to find the hosting board. Cards in
+    // the tokens board cannot be moved (moveCardToZone bails for it), so the
+    // move menu is skipped for them.
+    QString currentBoardName;
+    QModelIndex board = sourceIndex.parent();
+    while (board.isValid() && board.parent().isValid()) {
+        board = board.parent();
+    }
+    if (board.isValid()) {
+        currentBoardName = board.siblingAtColumn(DeckListModelColumns::CARD_NAME).data(Qt::EditRole).toString();
+    }
+
     if (isCardRow) {
-        addMoveToZoneMenu(&menu, sourceIndex);
-        menu.addSeparator();
+        if (currentBoardName != DECK_ZONE_TOKENS) {
+            addMoveToZoneMenu(&menu, sourceIndex, currentBoardName);
+            menu.addSeparator();
+        }
     } else if (isCustomZoneRow) {
         const QString zoneName =
             sourceIndex.siblingAtColumn(DeckListModelColumns::CARD_NAME).data(Qt::EditRole).toString();
 
         QAction *renameAction = menu.addAction(tr("&Rename zone..."));
         connect(renameAction, &QAction::triggered, this, [this, zoneName] {
-            const QString newName = DeckZoneDialog::promptForRename(this, zoneName, [this](const QString &candidate) {
-                return deckStateManager->validateNewZoneName(candidate);
-            });
+            // The unchanged name must not validate as a duplicate.
+            const QString newName =
+                DeckZoneDialog::promptForRename(this, zoneName, [this, zoneName](const QString &candidate) {
+                    return candidate == zoneName ? QString() : deckStateManager->validateNewZoneName(candidate);
+                });
             if (!newName.isEmpty() && newName != zoneName) {
                 deckStateManager->renameCustomZone(zoneName, newName);
             }
@@ -805,8 +821,12 @@ void DeckEditorDeckDockWidget::decklistCustomMenu(QPoint point)
         addChangeBoardMenu(boardMenu, zoneName);
 
         QAction *deleteAction = menu.addAction(tr("&Delete zone"));
-        deleteAction->setEnabled(!getModel()->hasChildren(sourceIndex));
-        deleteAction->setStatusTip(tr("Move or remove all cards first."));
+        const bool zoneHasCards = getModel()->hasChildren(sourceIndex);
+        deleteAction->setEnabled(!zoneHasCards);
+        if (zoneHasCards) {
+            deleteAction->setToolTip(tr("Move or remove all cards first."));
+            menu.setToolTipsVisible(true);
+        }
         connect(deleteAction, &QAction::triggered, this, [this, zoneName] {
             const auto result =
                 QMessageBox::warning(this, tr("Delete zone"), tr("Delete the zone \"%1\"?").arg(zoneName),
@@ -837,37 +857,52 @@ void DeckEditorDeckDockWidget::decklistCustomMenu(QPoint point)
     menu.exec(deckView->mapToGlobal(point));
 }
 
-void DeckEditorDeckDockWidget::addMoveToZoneMenu(QMenu *menu, const QModelIndex &sourceCardIndex)
+void DeckEditorDeckDockWidget::addMoveToZoneMenu(QMenu *menu,
+                                                 const QModelIndex &sourceCardIndex,
+                                                 const QString &currentBoardName)
 {
-    const auto moveToZone = [this, sourceCardIndex](const QString &targetZoneName) {
-        deckStateManager->moveCardToZone(sourceCardIndex, targetZoneName);
+    const auto addMoveAction = [this, sourceCardIndex](QMenu *targetMenu, const QString &targetZoneName,
+                                                       const QString &label, bool enabled) {
+        QAction *action = targetMenu->addAction(label);
+        action->setEnabled(enabled);
+        if (enabled) {
+            connect(action, &QAction::triggered, this, [this, sourceCardIndex, targetZoneName] {
+                deckStateManager->moveCardToZone(sourceCardIndex, targetZoneName);
+            });
+        }
     };
 
-    for (const QString &boardName : InnerDecklistNode::boardZoneNames()) {
-        QAction *action = menu->addAction(InnerDecklistNode::visibleNameFromName(boardName));
-        connect(action, &QAction::triggered, this, [moveToZone, boardName] { moveToZone(boardName); });
-    }
-
     const auto tree = deckStateManager->getDeckListShared()->getTree();
-    bool anyCustomZone = false;
+
+    QMenu *moveMenu = menu->addMenu(tr("Move to &zone"));
+
     for (const QString &boardName : InnerDecklistNode::boardZoneNames()) {
-        QList<const InnerDecklistNode *> customZones = tree->getCustomZones(boardName);
-        if (customZones.isEmpty()) {
-            continue;
-        }
-        anyCustomZone = true;
-        QMenu *boardSubmenu = menu->addMenu(InnerDecklistNode::visibleNameFromName(boardName));
-        for (const auto *customZone : customZones) {
-            QAction *action = boardSubmenu->addAction(customZone->getName());
-            connect(action, &QAction::triggered, this, [moveToZone, customZone] { moveToZone(customZone->getName()); });
+        const QString boardLabel = InnerDecklistNode::visibleNameFromName(boardName);
+        const auto customZones = tree->getCustomZones(boardName);
+
+        // Boards with zones nest their children so no two menu entries share a
+        // visible name: "Maindeck ▸ { Maindeck (whole board), Removal, … }".
+        // The board the card already lives on is marked instead of offered.
+        if (!customZones.isEmpty()) {
+            QMenu *boardSubmenu = moveMenu->addMenu(boardLabel);
+            addMoveAction(boardSubmenu, boardName, boardLabel, boardName != currentBoardName);
+            for (const auto *customZone : customZones) {
+                addMoveAction(boardSubmenu, customZone->getName(), customZone->getName(), true);
+            }
+        } else {
+            addMoveAction(moveMenu, boardName, boardLabel, boardName != currentBoardName);
         }
     }
 
-    if (anyCustomZone) {
-        menu->addSeparator();
-    }
+    moveMenu->addSeparator();
 
-    addNewZoneAction(menu);
+    QAction *newZoneAction = moveMenu->addAction(tr("Create new zone and move &here..."));
+    connect(newZoneAction, &QAction::triggered, this, [this, sourceCardIndex, currentBoardName] {
+        const QString zoneName = createNewCustomZone(currentBoardName);
+        if (!zoneName.isEmpty()) {
+            deckStateManager->moveCardToZone(sourceCardIndex, zoneName);
+        }
+    });
 }
 
 void DeckEditorDeckDockWidget::addChangeBoardMenu(QMenu *menu, const QString &zoneName)
@@ -900,16 +935,21 @@ void DeckEditorDeckDockWidget::addChangeBoardMenu(QMenu *menu, const QString &zo
 void DeckEditorDeckDockWidget::addNewZoneAction(QMenu *menu, const QString &initialBoardName)
 {
     QAction *newZoneAction = menu->addAction(tr("Create &new zone..."));
-    connect(newZoneAction, &QAction::triggered, this, [this, initialBoardName] {
-        QString boardName;
-        const QString zoneName =
-            DeckZoneDialog::promptForNewZone(this, initialBoardName, &boardName, [this](const QString &candidate) {
-                return deckStateManager->validateNewZoneName(candidate);
-            });
-        if (!zoneName.isEmpty()) {
-            deckStateManager->createCustomZone(boardName, zoneName);
-        }
-    });
+    connect(newZoneAction, &QAction::triggered, this,
+            [this, initialBoardName] { createNewCustomZone(initialBoardName); });
+}
+
+QString DeckEditorDeckDockWidget::createNewCustomZone(const QString &initialBoardName)
+{
+    QString boardName;
+    const QString zoneName =
+        DeckZoneDialog::promptForNewZone(this, initialBoardName, &boardName, [this](const QString &candidate) {
+            return deckStateManager->validateNewZoneName(candidate);
+        });
+    if (!zoneName.isEmpty()) {
+        deckStateManager->createCustomZone(boardName, zoneName);
+    }
+    return zoneName;
 }
 
 void DeckEditorDeckDockWidget::refreshShortcuts()
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_editor_deck_dock_widget.h b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_editor_deck_dock_widget.h
index fc3b01dc7..1e5f4e677 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_editor_deck_dock_widget.h
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_editor_deck_dock_widget.h
@@ -103,8 +103,9 @@ private:
     [[nodiscard]] QModelIndexList getSelectedCardNodeSourceIndices() const;
     void offsetCountAtIndex(const QModelIndex &idx, bool isIncrement);
 
-    void addMoveToZoneMenu(QMenu *menu, const QModelIndex &sourceCardIndex);
+    void addMoveToZoneMenu(QMenu *menu, const QModelIndex &sourceCardIndex, const QString &currentBoardName);
     void addChangeBoardMenu(QMenu *menu, const QString &zoneName);
+    QString createNewCustomZone(const QString &initialBoardName = {});
     void addNewZoneAction(QMenu *menu, const QString &initialBoardName = {});
 
 private slots:
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_state_manager.cpp b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_state_manager.cpp
index b60685d20..e007e6dd0 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_state_manager.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_state_manager.cpp
@@ -470,20 +470,13 @@ QString DeckStateManager::validateNewZoneName(const QString &zoneName) const
 
     const auto *tree = deckList->getTree();
 
-    // Top-level zones (boards and legacy zones) claim their names too.
-    for (int i = 0; i < tree->getRoot()->size(); i++) {
-        if (tree->getRoot()->at(i)->getName() == trimmedZoneName) {
-            return tr("A zone with this name already exists.");
-        }
-    }
-
-    // Custom zone names are unique across the whole deck.
-    for (const QString &board : InnerDecklistNode::boardZoneNames()) {
-        for (const auto *customZone : tree->getCustomZones(board)) {
-            if (customZone->getName() == trimmedZoneName) {
-                return tr("A zone with this name already exists.");
-            }
-        }
+    // Reuse the tree's own uniqueness contract: any top-level zone and any
+    // custom zone on *every* board claims the name (hasZoneName also reserves
+    // the standard board names, which we already rejected with a dedicated
+    // message above). Scanning only the standard boards here would miss a
+    // custom zone an imported deck carries under `tokens`.
+    if (tree->hasZoneName(trimmedZoneName)) {
+        return tr("A zone with this name already exists.");
     }
 
     return {};
@@ -558,6 +551,7 @@ bool DeckStateManager::modifyTree(const QString &reason, const std::function<boo
         historyManager->save(memento);
         deckListModel->rebuildTree();
         deckList->refreshDeckHash();
+        emit deckListModel->deckHashChanged();
         doCardModified();
     }
 
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_zone_dialog.cpp b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_zone_dialog.cpp
index a14beec0e..9a0be2570 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_zone_dialog.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/deck_editor/deck_zone_dialog.cpp
@@ -50,6 +50,9 @@ DeckZoneDialog::DeckZoneDialog(QWidget *parent,
     if (allowBoardSelection) {
         layout->addWidget(boardLabel);
         layout->addWidget(boardCombo);
+    } else {
+        boardLabel->hide();
+        boardCombo->hide();
     }
     layout->addWidget(buttonBox);
 
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual.cpp b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual.cpp
index 46d1b08b6..0f43893d3 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual.cpp
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ void TabDeckEditorVisual::createCentralFrame()
     connect(tabContainer, &TabDeckEditorVisualTabWidget::printingSelectorRequested, this,
             &TabDeckEditorVisual::showPrintingSelector);
     connect(tabContainer, &TabDeckEditorVisualTabWidget::cardInfoRequested, this, &TabDeckEditorVisual::updateCardInfo);
-    connect(tabContainer, &TabDeckEditorVisualTabWidget::newZoneRequested, this, &TabDeckEditorVisual::createNewZone);
+    tabContainer->visualDatabaseDisplay->setNewZoneCreator([this] { return createNewZone(); });
 
     centralFrame->addWidget(tabContainer);
     setCentralWidget(centralWidget);
@@ -271,8 +271,8 @@ bool TabDeckEditorVisual::actSaveDeckAs()
     return result;
 }
 
-/** @brief Prompts for and creates a new custom deck zone. */
-void TabDeckEditorVisual::createNewZone()
+/** @brief Prompts for and creates a new custom deck zone. Returns the name of the created zone. */
+QString TabDeckEditorVisual::createNewZone()
 {
     QString boardName;
     const QString zoneName = DeckZoneDialog::promptForNewZone(this, {}, &boardName, [this](const QString &candidate) {
@@ -281,6 +281,7 @@ void TabDeckEditorVisual::createNewZone()
     if (!zoneName.isEmpty()) {
         deckStateManager->createCustomZone(boardName, zoneName);
     }
+    return zoneName;
 }
 
 /** @brief Refreshes keyboard shortcuts for this tab from settings. */
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual.h b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual.h
index e0ad6c914..fb09578c4 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual.h
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual.h
@@ -167,8 +167,9 @@ public slots:
 
     /**
      * @brief Prompts for and creates a new custom deck zone.
+     * @return The name of the created zone, or an empty string if creation was cancelled.
      */
-    void createNewZone();
+    QString createNewZone();
 
 private:
     /**
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual_tab_widget.cpp b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual_tab_widget.cpp
index 843ddf493..5ccfcc28f 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual_tab_widget.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual_tab_widget.cpp
@@ -51,8 +51,6 @@ TabDeckEditorVisualTabWidget::TabDeckEditorVisualTabWidget(QWidget *parent,
             &TabDeckEditorVisualTabWidget::printingSelectorRequested);
     connect(visualDatabaseDisplay, &VisualDatabaseDisplayWidget::cardInfoRequested, this,
             &TabDeckEditorVisualTabWidget::cardInfoRequested);
-    connect(visualDatabaseDisplay, &VisualDatabaseDisplayWidget::newZoneRequested, this,
-            &TabDeckEditorVisualTabWidget::newZoneRequested);
 
     statsAnalyzer = new DeckListStatisticsAnalyzer(this, deckModel);
     statsAnalyzer->analyze();
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual_tab_widget.h b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual_tab_widget.h
index a625aaad7..4f04b51f6 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual_tab_widget.h
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/tabs/visual_deck_editor/tab_deck_editor_visual_tab_widget.h
@@ -133,7 +133,6 @@ signals:
     void edhrecRequested(const CardInfoPtr &cardInfo, bool isCommander);
     void printingSelectorRequested();
     void cardInfoRequested(const ExactCard &cardName);
-    void newZoneRequested();
 
 private:
     QVBoxLayout *layout;                  ///< Layout for tabs and controls.
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/visual_database_display/visual_database_display_widget.cpp b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/visual_database_display/visual_database_display_widget.cpp
index 2b58142b7..76bbf344b 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/visual_database_display/visual_database_display_widget.cpp
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/visual_database_display/visual_database_display_widget.cpp
@@ -100,7 +100,7 @@ VisualDatabaseDisplayWidget::VisualDatabaseDisplayWidget(QWidget *parent,
                 }
                 return result;
             },
-            [this] { emit newZoneRequested(); });
+            [this] { return newZoneCreator ? newZoneCreator() : QString(); });
     }
 
     searchEdit->setTreeView(databaseView);
@@ -209,6 +209,11 @@ void VisualDatabaseDisplayWidget::showEvent(QShowEvent *event)
     initializeFilters();
 }
 
+void VisualDatabaseDisplayWidget::setNewZoneCreator(const std::function<QString()> &creator)
+{
+    newZoneCreator = creator;
+}
+
 void VisualDatabaseDisplayWidget::retranslateUi()
 {
     databaseLoadIndicator->setText(tr("Loading database ..."));
diff --git a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/visual_database_display/visual_database_display_widget.h b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/visual_database_display/visual_database_display_widget.h
index bd6b45fdd..d161ce362 100644
--- a/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/visual_database_display/visual_database_display_widget.h
+++ b/cockatrice/src/interface/widgets/visual_database_display/visual_database_display_widget.h
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 #include <QVBoxLayout>
 #include <QWheelEvent>
 #include <QWidget>
+#include <functional>
 #include <libcockatrice/models/database/card_database_model.h>
 #include <libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model.h>
 #include <qscrollarea.h>
@@ -46,6 +47,12 @@ public:
     void sortCardList(const QStringList &properties, Qt::SortOrder order) const;
     void setDeckList(const DeckList &new_deck_list_model);
 
+    /**
+     * @brief Sets the callback used to create a custom zone from the add-to-zone menu.
+     * The callback returns the name of the created zone, or an empty string if creation was cancelled.
+     */
+    void setNewZoneCreator(const std::function<QString()> &creator);
+
     CardDatabaseDisplayModel *getDatabaseDisplayModel()
     {
         return databaseDisplayModel;
@@ -78,7 +85,6 @@ signals:
     void edhrecRequested(const CardInfoPtr &cardInfo, bool isCommander);
     void printingSelectorRequested();
     void cardInfoRequested(const ExactCard &cardName);
-    void newZoneRequested();
 
 protected slots:
     void initialize();
@@ -107,6 +113,7 @@ private:
     VisualDatabaseDisplayFilterToolbarWidget *filterContainer;
     CardDatabaseDisplayModel *databaseDisplayModel;
     CardDatabaseView *databaseView;
+    std::function<QString()> newZoneCreator;
     QList<ExactCard> *cards;
     QVBoxLayout *mainLayout;
     QScrollArea *scrollArea;
diff --git a/libcockatrice_deck_list/libcockatrice/deck_list/deck_list_node_tree.h b/libcockatrice_deck_list/libcockatrice/deck_list/deck_list_node_tree.h
index af1193f26..3c88d6030 100644
--- a/libcockatrice_deck_list/libcockatrice/deck_list/deck_list_node_tree.h
+++ b/libcockatrice_deck_list/libcockatrice/deck_list/deck_list_node_tree.h
@@ -115,6 +115,15 @@ public:
      */
     QList<const InnerDecklistNode *> getCustomZones(const QString &boardZoneName) const;
 
+    /**
+     * @brief Checks whether a zone name is taken anywhere in the deck.
+     *
+     * Covers the standard board names and any top-level or nested custom zone.
+     * @param zoneName The checked name.
+     * @return true if the name is reserved or already in use.
+     */
+    bool hasZoneName(const QString &zoneName) const;
+
     /**
      * @brief Applies a function to every card in the deck tree. This can modify the cards.
      *
@@ -129,7 +138,6 @@ private:
     InnerDecklistNode *findBoardZone(const QString &boardZoneName) const;
     InnerDecklistNode *findOrCreateBoardZone(const QString &boardZoneName);
     InnerDecklistNode *findCustomZoneByName(const QString &zoneName) const;
-    bool hasZoneName(const QString &zoneName) const;
 };
 
 #endif // COCKATRICE_DECKLIST_NODE_TREE_H
diff --git a/libcockatrice_deck_list/libcockatrice/deck_list/tree/inner_deck_list_node.cpp b/libcockatrice_deck_list/libcockatrice/deck_list/tree/inner_deck_list_node.cpp
index 5e7ba403b..d082b3cca 100644
--- a/libcockatrice_deck_list/libcockatrice/deck_list/tree/inner_deck_list_node.cpp
+++ b/libcockatrice_deck_list/libcockatrice/deck_list/tree/inner_deck_list_node.cpp
@@ -94,6 +94,9 @@ AbstractDecklistNode *InnerDecklistNode::findCardChildByNameProviderIdAndNumber(
 
 int InnerDecklistNode::height() const
 {
+    if (isEmpty()) {
+        return 1;
+    }
     return at(0)->height() + 1;
 }
 
diff --git a/libcockatrice_models/libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model.cpp b/libcockatrice_models/libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model.cpp
index ad278c8bf..5e9fb6b4a 100644
--- a/libcockatrice_models/libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model.cpp
+++ b/libcockatrice_models/libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model.cpp
@@ -378,7 +378,8 @@ bool DeckListModel::removeRows(int row, int count, const QModelIndex &parent)
 
 InnerDecklistNode *DeckListModel::createNodeIfNeeded(const QString &name, InnerDecklistNode *parent)
 {
-    auto *newNode = dynamic_cast<InnerDecklistNode *>(parent->findChild(name));
+    // Group lookups must not resolve a mirrored custom zone that shares the name.
+    auto *newNode = DeckListModelCustomZones::findGroupChild(parent, name);
     if (!newNode) {
         beginInsertRows(nodeToIndex(parent), parent->size(), parent->size());
         newNode = new InnerDecklistNode(name, parent);
@@ -401,7 +402,7 @@ DecklistModelCardNode *DeckListModel::findCardNode(const QString &cardName,
     //    nested under the board.
     if (auto *zoneNode = dynamic_cast<InnerDecklistNode *>(root->findChild(zoneName))) {
         QString groupCriteria = extractGroupCriteriaValue(info, activeGroupCriteria);
-        if (auto *groupNode = dynamic_cast<InnerDecklistNode *>(zoneNode->findChild(groupCriteria))) {
+        if (auto *groupNode = DeckListModelCustomZones::findGroupChild(zoneNode, groupCriteria)) {
             if (auto *card = dynamic_cast<DecklistModelCardNode *>(
                     groupNode->findCardChildByNameProviderIdAndNumber(cardName, providerId, cardNumber))) {
                 return card;
@@ -486,6 +487,26 @@ QModelIndex DeckListModel::addCard(const ExactCard &card, const QString &zoneNam
         // Custom zone: cards live flat inside the zone.
         cardParent = customZoneNode;
     } else {
+        // Not present in the shadow tree. The deck tree may still hold a custom
+        // zone that has not been mirrored (callers can add a zone and then a
+        // card without a rebuild). Check before falling back to creating a
+        // top-level zone the deck does not actually have.
+        auto *listRoot = deckList->getTree()->getRoot();
+        bool hasDeckZone = false;
+        for (int i = 0; i < listRoot->size(); ++i) {
+            if (auto *boardZone = dynamic_cast<InnerDecklistNode *>(listRoot->at(i))) {
+                if (boardZone->findChild(zoneName)) {
+                    hasDeckZone = true;
+                    break;
+                }
+            }
+        }
+
+        if (hasDeckZone) {
+            rebuildTree();
+            return addCard(card, zoneName);
+        }
+
         // Unknown zone: create a top-level zone (legacy behavior).
         QString groupCriteria = extractGroupCriteriaValue(cardInfo, activeGroupCriteria);
         auto *newZone = createNodeIfNeeded(zoneName, root);
diff --git a/libcockatrice_models/libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model_custom_zones.cpp b/libcockatrice_models/libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model_custom_zones.cpp
index f10ee1a72..1dc745e63 100644
--- a/libcockatrice_models/libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model_custom_zones.cpp
+++ b/libcockatrice_models/libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model_custom_zones.cpp
@@ -14,26 +14,55 @@ bool isCustomZone(const AbstractDecklistNode *node)
     return dynamic_cast<const DecklistModelSubZoneNode *>(node) != nullptr;
 }
 
+namespace
+{
+
+/**
+ * @brief Flattens every card under @p zone into @p shadowZone, preserving order.
+ *
+ * Custom zones mirror as a single row level: cards nested in sub-zones of any
+ * depth are added as direct children of the mirrored zone so no card is left
+ * without a model row.
+ */
+void flattenCards(const InnerDecklistNode *zone, InnerDecklistNode *shadowZone)
+{
+    for (int k = 0; k < zone->size(); k++) {
+        if (auto *zoneCard = dynamic_cast<DecklistCardNode *>(zone->at(k))) {
+            new DecklistModelCardNode(zoneCard, shadowZone);
+        } else if (auto *subZone = dynamic_cast<const InnerDecklistNode *>(zone->at(k))) {
+            flattenCards(subZone, shadowZone);
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+} // namespace
+
 void mirrorCustomZones(const InnerDecklistNode *deckBoardZone, InnerDecklistNode *shadowBoardZone)
 {
     for (int j = 0; j < deckBoardZone->size(); j++) {
-        auto *customCard = dynamic_cast<DecklistCardNode *>(deckBoardZone->at(j));
-        if (customCard) {
-            continue;
-        }
-
         auto *customZone = dynamic_cast<const InnerDecklistNode *>(deckBoardZone->at(j));
         if (!customZone) {
             continue;
         }
 
         auto *shadowZone = new DecklistModelSubZoneNode(customZone->getName(), shadowBoardZone);
-        for (int k = 0; k < customZone->size(); k++) {
-            if (auto *zoneCard = dynamic_cast<DecklistCardNode *>(customZone->at(k))) {
-                new DecklistModelCardNode(zoneCard, shadowZone);
-            }
+        flattenCards(customZone, shadowZone);
+    }
+}
+
+InnerDecklistNode *findGroupChild(InnerDecklistNode *parent, const QString &name)
+{
+    for (int i = 0; i < parent->size(); i++) {
+        AbstractDecklistNode *child = parent->at(i);
+        if (isCustomZone(child)) {
+            continue;
+        }
+        auto *group = dynamic_cast<InnerDecklistNode *>(child);
+        if (group && group->getName() == name) {
+            return group;
         }
     }
+    return nullptr;
 }
 
 DecklistModelSubZoneNode *findSubZoneByName(InnerDecklistNode *root, const QString &zoneName)
diff --git a/libcockatrice_models/libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model_custom_zones.h b/libcockatrice_models/libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model_custom_zones.h
index a973b127e..518a9e1d2 100644
--- a/libcockatrice_models/libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model_custom_zones.h
+++ b/libcockatrice_models/libcockatrice/models/deck_list/deck_list_model_custom_zones.h
@@ -43,6 +43,21 @@ namespace DeckListModelCustomZones
  */
 [[nodiscard]] bool isCustomZone(const AbstractDecklistNode *node);
 
+/**
+ * @brief Finds a criteria-group child of @p parent by name, skipping custom zones.
+ *
+ * The shadow tree keeps criteria groups and mirrored custom zones as siblings
+ * under a board zone, and `InnerDecklistNode::findChild` matches both by name.
+ * Group lookups must not resolve a custom zone that happens to share the group
+ * name (e.g. a zone called "Creature"), so this searches only non-custom
+ * children.
+ *
+ * @param parent The shadow node whose children are searched.
+ * @param name The group name to find.
+ * @return The matching group node, or nullptr if none exists.
+ */
+[[nodiscard]] InnerDecklistNode *findGroupChild(InnerDecklistNode *parent, const QString &name);
+
 /**
  * @brief Mirrors the custom zones of a deck board zone into its shadow board node.
  *
diff --git a/tests/deck_list_model/CMakeLists.txt b/tests/deck_list_model/CMakeLists.txt
index 8f2cfcc2c..e3096c559 100644
--- a/tests/deck_list_model/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/tests/deck_list_model/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-add_executable(deck_list_model_custom_zones_test deck_list_model_custom_zones_test.cpp)
+add_executable(deck_list_model_custom_zones_test ${VERSION_STRING_CPP} deck_list_model_custom_zones_test.cpp)
 
 if(NOT GTEST_FOUND)
   add_dependencies(deck_list_model_custom_zones_test gtest)
diff --git a/tests/deck_list_model/deck_list_model_custom_zones_test.cpp b/tests/deck_list_model/deck_list_model_custom_zones_test.cpp
index c51c72d8f..7f4ab81e1 100644
--- a/tests/deck_list_model/deck_list_model_custom_zones_test.cpp
+++ b/tests/deck_list_model/deck_list_model_custom_zones_test.cpp
@@ -129,6 +129,51 @@ TEST(DeckListModelCustomZones, MirrorCustomZonesWithNoCustomZonesIsNoop)
     EXPECT_EQ(shadowBoard->size(), 0);
 }
 
+TEST(DeckListModelCustomZones, MirrorCustomZonesFlattensNestedSubzones)
+{
+    // Cards deeper than one level under a custom zone still get a model row.
+    auto *deckBoard = new InnerDecklistNode(DECK_ZONE_MAIN);
+    auto *deckZone = new InnerDecklistNode("Removal", deckBoard);
+    auto *deckCard1 = new DecklistCardNode("Bolt", 1, deckZone);
+    auto *deeper = new InnerDecklistNode("Deeper", deckZone);
+    auto *deckCard2 = new DecklistCardNode("Swords", 1, deeper);
+
+    InnerDecklistNode shadowRoot;
+    auto *shadowBoard = new InnerDecklistNode(DECK_ZONE_MAIN, &shadowRoot);
+
+    DeckListModelCustomZones::mirrorCustomZones(deckBoard, shadowBoard);
+
+    ASSERT_EQ(shadowBoard->size(), 1);
+    auto *shadowZone = dynamic_cast<DecklistModelSubZoneNode *>(shadowBoard->at(0));
+    ASSERT_NE(shadowZone, nullptr);
+    EXPECT_EQ(shadowZone->getName(), QString("Removal"));
+
+    // Both cards are flattened into the mirrored zone, preserving order.
+    ASSERT_EQ(shadowZone->size(), 2);
+    auto *shadowCard1 = dynamic_cast<DecklistModelCardNode *>(shadowZone->at(0));
+    auto *shadowCard2 = dynamic_cast<DecklistModelCardNode *>(shadowZone->at(1));
+    ASSERT_NE(shadowCard1, nullptr);
+    ASSERT_NE(shadowCard2, nullptr);
+    EXPECT_EQ(shadowCard1->getDataNode(), deckCard1);
+    EXPECT_EQ(shadowCard2->getDataNode(), deckCard2);
+}
+
+// =====================================================================================================================
+// findGroupChild
+// =====================================================================================================================
+
+TEST(DeckListModelCustomZones, FindGroupChildSkipsCustomZones)
+{
+    InnerDecklistNode root;
+    auto *board = new InnerDecklistNode(DECK_ZONE_MAIN, &root);
+    auto *group = new InnerDecklistNode("Creature", board);
+    new DecklistModelSubZoneNode("Creature", board);
+
+    EXPECT_EQ(DeckListModelCustomZones::findGroupChild(board, "Creature"), group);
+    EXPECT_EQ(DeckListModelCustomZones::findGroupChild(board, "Missing"), nullptr);
+    EXPECT_EQ(DeckListModelCustomZones::findGroupChild(&root, DECK_ZONE_MAIN), board);
+}
+
 // =====================================================================================================================
 // sortWithCustomZonesLast
 // =====================================================================================================================
@@ -223,3 +268,9 @@ TEST(DeckListModelCustomZones, SortPlainNodeDoesNotReorderCustomZones)
     EXPECT_EQ(mapping[1].first, 0);
     EXPECT_EQ(mapping[1].second, 1);
 }
+
+int main(int argc, char **argv)
+{
+    ::testing::InitGoogleTest(&argc, argv);
+    return RUN_ALL_TESTS();
+}
diff --git a/tests/deck_list_model/deck_list_model_zone_integration_test.cpp b/tests/deck_list_model/deck_list_model_zone_integration_test.cpp
index 530e1c351..d49d1b443 100644
--- a/tests/deck_list_model/deck_list_model_zone_integration_test.cpp
+++ b/tests/deck_list_model/deck_list_model_zone_integration_test.cpp
@@ -1,4 +1,8 @@
 #include <gtest/gtest.h>
+#include <libcockatrice/card/card_info.h>
+#include <libcockatrice/card/database/card_database_manager.h>
+#include <libcockatrice/card/game_specific_terms.h>
+#include <libcockatrice/card/printing/exact_card.h>
 #include <libcockatrice/deck_list/deck_list.h>
 #include <libcockatrice/deck_list/deck_list_node_tree.h>
 #include <libcockatrice/deck_list/tree/deck_list_card_node.h>
@@ -25,6 +29,32 @@ int totalCustomZoneRows(const DeckListModel &model)
     return count;
 }
 
+QModelIndex findBoardIndex(const DeckListModel &model, const QString &boardName)
+{
+    for (int r = 0; r < model.rowCount(QModelIndex()); ++r) {
+        const QModelIndex idx = model.index(r, 0, QModelIndex());
+        if (idx.data(DeckRoles::IsCardRole).toBool()) {
+            continue;
+        }
+        const QString name = idx.sibling(idx.row(), DeckListModelColumns::CARD_NAME).data(Qt::EditRole).toString();
+        if (name == boardName) {
+            return idx;
+        }
+    }
+    return {};
+}
+
+QModelIndex findZoneRow(const DeckListModel &model, const QModelIndex &board)
+{
+    for (int r = 0; r < model.rowCount(board); ++r) {
+        const QModelIndex child = model.index(r, 0, board);
+        if (child.data(DeckRoles::IsCustomZoneRole).toBool()) {
+            return child;
+        }
+    }
+    return {};
+}
+
 } // namespace
 
 // The "Add to Zone" combobox/submenu lists getCustomZoneNames(), which reads the
@@ -69,3 +99,148 @@ TEST(DeckListModelZoneIntegration, RebuildTreeMirrorsEachZoneOnce)
     EXPECT_EQ(model.getCustomZoneNames(DECK_ZONE_MAIN), (QStringList{"Removal", "Utility"}));
     EXPECT_EQ(totalCustomZoneRows(model), 2);
 }
+
+// =====================================================================================================================
+// Model behaviour: addCard routing, findCard lookup, removeRows guard, empty-zone survival.
+// =====================================================================================================================
+
+TEST(DeckListModelZoneIntegration, AddCardRoutesIntoMirroredCustomZone)
+{
+    QSharedPointer<DeckList> deck(new DeckList());
+    DeckListModel model(nullptr, deck);
+    auto *tree = deck->getTree();
+
+    ASSERT_NE(tree->addCustomZone(DECK_ZONE_MAIN, "Removal"), nullptr);
+    model.rebuildTree();
+
+    QModelIndex added = model.addCard(ExactCard(CardInfo::newInstance("Lightning Bolt")), "Removal");
+    ASSERT_TRUE(added.isValid());
+
+    // The card is a direct child of the mirrored custom zone, not a new top-level zone.
+    const QModelIndex zoneParent = added.parent();
+    ASSERT_TRUE(zoneParent.isValid());
+    EXPECT_TRUE(zoneParent.data(DeckRoles::IsCustomZoneRole).toBool());
+    EXPECT_EQ(zoneParent.sibling(zoneParent.row(), DeckListModelColumns::CARD_NAME).data(Qt::DisplayRole).toString(),
+              QString("Removal"));
+
+    // No "Removal" top-level zone appeared in the deck tree.
+    auto *listRoot = tree->getRoot();
+    bool topLevelRemoval = false;
+    for (int i = 0; i < listRoot->size(); ++i) {
+        if (auto *zone = dynamic_cast<InnerDecklistNode *>(listRoot->at(i))) {
+            topLevelRemoval |= zone->getName() == "Removal";
+        }
+    }
+    EXPECT_FALSE(topLevelRemoval);
+}
+
+TEST(DeckListModelZoneIntegration, AddCardToUnmirroredCustomZoneRebuildsNotCreatesTopLevel)
+{
+    QSharedPointer<DeckList> deck(new DeckList());
+    DeckListModel model(nullptr, deck);
+    auto *tree = deck->getTree();
+
+    // The zone exists on the deck tree but the shadow tree has never mirrored it.
+    ASSERT_NE(tree->addCustomZone(DECK_ZONE_MAIN, "Removal"), nullptr);
+
+    QModelIndex added = model.addCard(ExactCard(CardInfo::newInstance("Lightning Bolt")), "Removal");
+    ASSERT_TRUE(added.isValid());
+
+    const QModelIndex zoneParent = added.parent();
+    ASSERT_TRUE(zoneParent.isValid());
+    EXPECT_TRUE(zoneParent.data(DeckRoles::IsCustomZoneRole).toBool());
+    EXPECT_EQ(zoneParent.sibling(zoneParent.row(), DeckListModelColumns::CARD_NAME).data(Qt::DisplayRole).toString(),
+              QString("Removal"));
+}
+
+TEST(DeckListModelZoneIntegration, AddCardCreatesGroupSeparatelyFromSameNamedZone)
+{
+    QSharedPointer<DeckList> deck(new DeckList());
+    DeckListModel model(nullptr, deck);
+    auto *tree = deck->getTree();
+
+    // A custom zone named exactly like a grouping criterion.
+    ASSERT_NE(tree->addCustomZone(DECK_ZONE_MAIN, "Creature"), nullptr);
+    model.rebuildTree();
+
+    CardInfoPtr bear = CardInfo::newInstance("Grizzly Bears");
+    bear->setProperty(Mtg::MainCardType, "Creature");
+
+    QModelIndex added = model.addCard(ExactCard(bear), DECK_ZONE_MAIN);
+    ASSERT_TRUE(added.isValid());
+
+    // The card lands in a *group* node called "Creature", not swallowed by the custom zone.
+    const QModelIndex groupParent = added.parent();
+    ASSERT_TRUE(groupParent.isValid());
+    EXPECT_FALSE(groupParent.data(DeckRoles::IsCustomZoneRole).toBool());
+    EXPECT_EQ(groupParent.sibling(groupParent.row(), DeckListModelColumns::CARD_NAME).data(Qt::DisplayRole).toString(),
+              QString("Creature"));
+
+    // The board keeps both rows: the "Creature" group and the "Creature" custom zone.
+    const QModelIndex boardIndex = groupParent.parent();
+    ASSERT_TRUE(boardIndex.isValid());
+    EXPECT_EQ(model.rowCount(boardIndex), 2);
+}
+
+TEST(DeckListModelZoneIntegration, FindCardResolvesCardInsideCustomZone)
+{
+    QSharedPointer<DeckList> deck(new DeckList());
+    DeckListModel model(nullptr, deck);
+    auto *tree = deck->getTree();
+
+    ASSERT_NE(tree->addCustomZone(DECK_ZONE_MAIN, "Removal"), nullptr);
+    model.rebuildTree();
+
+    // findCard resolves through the card database; register the card we add.
+    const QString cardName = "Swords to Plowshares";
+    CardInfoPtr info = CardInfo::newInstance(cardName);
+    CardDatabaseManager::getInstance()->addCard(info);
+
+    QModelIndex added = model.addCard(ExactCard(info), "Removal");
+    ASSERT_TRUE(added.isValid());
+
+    QModelIndex found = model.findCard(cardName, "Removal");
+    EXPECT_TRUE(found.isValid());
+    EXPECT_EQ(found, added);
+}
+
+TEST(DeckListModelZoneIntegration, RemoveRowsRefusesCustomZoneRow)
+{
+    QSharedPointer<DeckList> deck(new DeckList());
+    DeckListModel model(nullptr, deck);
+    auto *tree = deck->getTree();
+
+    ASSERT_NE(tree->addCustomZone(DECK_ZONE_MAIN, "Removal"), nullptr);
+    tree->addCard("Lightning Bolt", 2, DECK_ZONE_MAIN, -1);
+    model.rebuildTree();
+
+    const QModelIndex mainIndex = findBoardIndex(model, DECK_ZONE_MAIN);
+    ASSERT_TRUE(mainIndex.isValid());
+    const QModelIndex zoneRow = findZoneRow(model, mainIndex);
+    ASSERT_TRUE(zoneRow.isValid());
+
+    EXPECT_FALSE(model.removeRow(zoneRow.row(), zoneRow.parent()));
+    EXPECT_EQ(model.rowCount(mainIndex), 2); // the zone survives, alongside the card group
+}
+
+TEST(DeckListModelZoneIntegration, EmptyCustomZoneSurvivesMirrorAndPruning)
+{
+    QSharedPointer<DeckList> deck(new DeckList());
+    DeckListModel model(nullptr, deck);
+    auto *tree = deck->getTree();
+
+    // An empty custom zone must be mirrored (the stack deliberately keeps it alive).
+    ASSERT_NE(tree->addCustomZone(DECK_ZONE_MAIN, "Removal"), nullptr);
+    model.rebuildTree();
+
+    const QModelIndex mainIndex = findBoardIndex(model, DECK_ZONE_MAIN);
+    ASSERT_TRUE(mainIndex.isValid());
+    EXPECT_EQ(model.rowCount(mainIndex), 1);
+    EXPECT_TRUE(findZoneRow(model, mainIndex).isValid());
+}
+
+int main(int argc, char **argv)
+{
+    ::testing::InitGoogleTest(&argc, argv);
+    return RUN_ALL_TESTS();
+}