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How Markets Work

Markets are the core of Beforehand. They allow you to bet on future events with simple YES or NO outcomes.

Market Timers​

Every market has two important timers:

1) Trading Close Time​

  • This is when betting stops
  • After trading closes, nobody can add to YES or NO
  • Your position locks at that moment

2) Resolution Time​

  • This is when the market outcome is decided
  • Resolution happens after trading is already closed

Time Rules​

  • Trading window minimum: 5 minutes
  • Trading window maximum: 1 week
  • Resolution time maximum: 1 year

Market States​

A market moves through clear states:

  • Pending: Created and posted to a community, waiting for a match
  • Live: Matched and open for trading until trading closes
  • Closed: Trading is closed and positions are locked
  • Resolved: Outcome is set to YES or NO and payouts distribute automatically
  • Disputed: Outcome is challenged and evidence is reviewed
  • Canceled: Outcome is CANCELED and users receive refunds

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong​

  • If a market is still pending when trading closes, it auto cancels
  • If the resolution time passes without a valid resolution, it auto escalates to platform moderation