> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://polymarketguide.gitbook.io/polymarketguide/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://polymarketguide.gitbook.io/polymarketguide/rules/common-issues.md).

# Common Rule Issues

Here are some common issues to watch out for when trading.

### Market titles can be misleading

Market titles may **oversimplify** or fail to reflect the **nuance of the resolution criteria**.

*Examples*: In *Will Trump jail Elon Musk?*, the title suggested that Trump would send Elon Musk to jail, but the rules required Elon Musk to actually serve jail time, regardless of who sent him there.

In *What will Powell say during July Press Conference?*, one of the outcomes was "Step/Stepping Down." Some thought Powell saying the word "step" would qualify, but Polymarket clarified that only "step down" or "stepping down" counted.

### Rules can be unclear

Sometimes, rules are **poorly worded, vague, or ambiguous**. They may fail to define **key terms or qualifying events**, which can lead to disputes.

*Examples*: In *Will Zelenskyy wear a suit before July?*, the rules never defined "suit." Some traders counted any formal attire, while others argued only a traditional Western-style suit qualified. The lack of clarity led to disagreement over what counted.

In *Biden senile during the debate?*, the rules never defined "senile." Some traders pointed to Biden appearing confused, while others argued that was opinion-based. The market ultimately resolved to 50/50.

### Similar markets have different resolution criteria

Markets with nearly identical titles can still have very different **resolution criteria** and **resolution sources**.

*Examples*: In *Ukraine agrees to Trump mineral deal before April?*, the market resolved to Yes if the countries agreed to a deal. Its resolution source was official information from the governments of the U.S. and Ukraine.

In *Trump x Ukraine mineral deal signed before June?*, the rules required a formally signed deal before the deadline. Its resolution sources were official information from the governments of the U.S. and Ukraine and a consensus of credible reporting.

### Resolution sources can be unreliable

Resolution sources may be **inaccurate, inconsistently maintained, or fundamentally flawed**.

*Examples*: In *Will DOGE cut $3B of DEI contracts before March?*, the designated source (doge-tracker.com) changed its data after the market went live. This made it impossible to determine a clear outcome, and the market resolved to 50/50 with refunds issued.

In *Lord Miles completes 40-day water fast in the desert?*, Lord Miles initially livestreamed his fast, but later turned off the stream. This made the designated source unreliable and raised doubts about how the market could resolve.

### Market titles can be edited

Market titles may be **edited** to better reflect the rules, but resolution is always based on the rules.

*Example*: In *Yoon in jail before September?*, the resolution criteria required Yoon's arrest or detention by law enforcement. The title was later updated to *Yoon arrested before September?* to better reflect the rules, but the criteria did not change.

### Rules can be edited

Market rules may be **edited after creation** to clarify or revise the resolution criteria, sources, context, or other details.

*Example*: Several 2025 NYC mayoral election markets, including *Will Andrew Yang win second place in the 2025 NYC mayoral election?*, originally resolved based on a consensus of credible reporting, with official New York City information used if results were ambiguous. The rules were later updated to require calls from the Associated Press, Fox News, and NBC, with official certification used if all three did not agree.

### Market thumbnails are illustrative

Market thumbnails are **illustrative** only and have no impact on how the market should resolve. Most markets use a stock photo of a country flag, public figure, or other related image.

*Example*: In *Will Zelenskyy wear a suit before July?*, the image showed him in formal attire, but the rules, not the image, defined the resolution criteria.

### Polymarket social media does not decide resolution

Polymarket's **social media activity is not a basis for resolution** unless specified by the rules.

*Example*: After the Epstein files were released, Polymarket's official X account posted, "[It contains NONE of the names of Epstein's associates](https://x.com/Polymarket/status/1895261380581958086)." The Markets team later clarified in the market *Who will be named in Epstein files by June 30?* that names of associates were in fact included.