> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.polymarket.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Resolution
> How markets are resolved and winning positions redeemed
When the outcome of an event becomes known, the market is **resolved**. Resolution determines which outcome won, allowing holders of winning tokens to redeem them for \$1 each. Losing tokens become worthless.
Polymarket uses the **UMA Optimistic Oracle** for decentralized, permissionless resolution. Anyone can propose an outcome, and anyone can dispute it if they believe it's incorrect.
Every market has pre-defined resolution rules that specify:
* **Resolution source** — Where the outcome will be determined from (e.g., official announcements, specific websites)
* **End date** — When the market is eligible for resolution
* **Edge cases** — How ambiguous situations should be handled
<Warning>
Always read the resolution rules before trading. The market title describes
the question, but the **rules** define how it resolves.
</Warning>
<Steps>
<Step title="Proposal">
Anyone can propose a resolution by:
1. Selecting the winning outcome
2. Posting a bond (typically \$750 pUSD)
3. Submitting the proposal to the UMA Oracle
If the proposal is correct and undisputed, the proposer receives their bond back plus a reward.
<Warning>
If you propose incorrectly or too early, you lose your entire bond. Only
propose if you're confident in the outcome and understand the process.
</Warning>
</Step>
<Step title="Challenge Period">
After a proposal, there's a **2-hour challenge period** where anyone can dispute the outcome.
* **If no dispute**: The proposal is accepted and the market resolves
* **If disputed**: A new proposal round begins. If the second proposal is also disputed, the resolution escalates to UMA's DVM (Data Verification Mechanism) for a token holder vote.
There are three possible resolution flows:
1.**No dispute** — Propose then Resolve (fastest, \~2 hours)
| **Proposer wins** | Original proposal accepted | Proposer gets bond back + half of disputer's bond |
| **Disputer wins** | Proposal rejected, new proposal needed | Disputer gets bond back + half of proposer's bond |
| **Too Early** | Event hasn't concluded yet | Disputer gets bond back + half of proposer's bond |
| **Unknown/50-50** | Neither outcome applicable (rare) | Market resolves 50/50 — each token redeems for \$0.50; disputer gets bond back + half of proposer's bond |
</Step>
</Steps>
## After Resolution
Once a market resolves:
* **Trading stops** — You can no longer buy or sell tokens for this market
* **Winning tokens** become redeemable for \$1.00 each
* **Losing tokens** become worthless (\$0.00)
### Redeeming Tokens
After resolution, call the `redeemPositions` function on the CTF contract to exchange winning tokens for pUSD. The contract burns your tokens and returns the corresponding collateral.
```
100 winning tokens → $100 pUSD
```
## Clarifications
In rare cases, unforeseen circumstances require clarification of the rules after trading begins. Polymarket may issue an **"Additional context"** update that proposers and voters should consider during resolution.
Clarifications:
* Cannot change the fundamental intent of the question
* Are published onchain via the bulletin board contract
* Should be considered by UMA voters when resolving disputes
<Tip>
If you believe a clarification is needed, request it in the [Polymarket
