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Markets resolve based on the rules shown on the market page. Sometimes the rules need extra clarity. When that happens, Polymarket may clarify how the rules should be understood. Clarifications provide additional context when rule wording can be interpreted in more than one way. They specify how the existing rules should be understood, resolve ambiguous language, and ensure markets resolve according to the intended criteria.

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When Clarifications Are Added

Clarifications are added when:
  • A rule could be read in more than one way
  • A detail in the description needs to be specified
  • An event develops in a way that raises a question about what counts
  • Timing or wording could be interpreted more than one way
  • It needs to be stated whether a specific event satisfies the rules
  • Resolution sources need to be defined for the market

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Where Clarifications Appear

Clarifications appear at the top of the rules section as an Additional context message.

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Effect on Orderbooks

Before a clarification is posted:
  • Liquidity may be reduced
  • Spreads may widen
  • Volatility can increase when there is uncertainty
When a clarification is posted, Polymarket clears the order book so that resting orders are not executed under clarified rules.

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Effect on Contracts

After a clarification is posted:
  • It removes ambiguity about what counts
  • It can confirm whether the rule conditions have been met
  • It can clarify whether the market should continue trading or is eligible for resolution

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Examples

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Timing Interpretation

  • Rule ambiguity: The rules require an event to occur “by the end of the quarter.”
  • Clarification: Only events occurring on or before a stated cut-off time count.
  • Effect: Defines the exact timing threshold.

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Event Qualification

  • Rule ambiguity: The rules require “an official announcement” but do not specify the communication channel.
  • Clarification: Only announcements published through the designated official channel count.
  • Effect: Specifies which announcements qualify as the event.

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Source Specification

  • Rule ambiguity: The rules require confirmation “from official data.”
  • Clarification: Only data published by the designated official source counts.
  • Effect: Identifies the authoritative source used for resolution.

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Key Points

  • Clarifications add context to explain the rules
  • They do not change the market question
  • They appear at the top of the rules section as Additional context
  • Polymarket clears the order book when a clarification is posted
  • Clarifications can confirm whether rule conditions have been met
  • Always read the rules and any clarifications before trading