diff --git a/script.js b/script.js
index 43cfa50..522ec48 100644
--- a/script.js
+++ b/script.js
@@ -135,18 +135,24 @@ function generateKeyboard() {
 function startGame() {
     const p1Name = document.getElementById('player1Name').value.trim();
     const p2Name = document.getElementById('player2Name').value.trim();
-    
-    gameState.player1.name = p1Name || 'Player 1';
-    gameState.player2.name = p2Name || 'Player 2';
-    
+
+    if (p1Name === "" || p2Name === "") {
+        alert("Both players must enter their names");s
+        return;
+    }
+
+    gameState.player1.name = p1Name;
+    gameState.player2.name = p2Name;
+
     document.getElementById('player1Display').textContent = gameState.player1.name;
     document.getElementById('player2Display').textContent = gameState.player2.name;
-    
+
     document.getElementById('gameArea').style.display = 'block';
-    
+
     nextRound();
 }
 
+
 function nextRound() {
     if (wordBank.length === 0) {
         alert('No words in the word bank! Add some words first.');