> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.uniocean.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.uniocean.io/forecast-platform/support/how-to-play.md).

# How it Works

This section provides new users with everything they need to start forecasting confidently.

## Learning Resources

| Resource                     | What It Covers                                                            |
| ---------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| Step-by-step video tutorials | Visual guides for account creation, submitting forecasts, and withdrawals |
| Reward Simulator             | Practice tool to understand UCPRA rewards without risk                    |
| Market type explanations     | Differences between durations and asset categories                        |
| Timing explanations          | Entry windows, cooling periods, and settlement timing                     |

## Recommended First Steps

```mermaid
flowchart LR
    A[Watch Tutorials] --> B[Review Market Types]
    B --> C[Use Reward Simulator]
    C --> D[Start with Small Markets]
    D --> E[Review Your Results]
```

### 1. Watch Tutorials

Short video tutorials walk through:

* How to create an account
* How to fund your wallet
* How to browse and understand markets
* How to submit a forecast
* How to read the live rankings
* How to withdraw rewards

### 2. Understand Market Types

Learn the differences between:

* Short-term markets (5 min, 1 hour) — fast-paced, quick results
* Medium-term markets (daily) — more research time, larger pools
* Long-term markets (weekly, monthly) — strategic forecasting

### 3. Practice with the Simulator

Use the [Reward Simulator](/forecast-platform/rewards/reward-simulator.md) to:

* See how rankings work with different forecast distances
* Understand the 51% in-the-money threshold
* Learn about Ranker vs Bucket Winner rewards
* Test multiple forecast strategies

### 4. Start Small

Begin with lower entry fee markets to:

* Experience the full forecast → settlement → reward cycle
* Get comfortable with the interface
* Build confidence before larger commitments

## Tips for New Users

* **Research the asset** before forecasting — check recent trends, news, support/resistance levels
* **Submit early** in the market — your forecast is locked and immutable once submitted
* **Multiple forecasts** let you cover a range — you can submit up to 100 per market
* **Track your rank** during live markets — the live rankings update every second
* **Review audit reports** after settlement to understand results

***

## Related Pages

* [Reward Simulator](/forecast-platform/rewards/reward-simulator.md)
* [Submitting Forecasts](/forecast-platform/markets/making-predictions.md)
* [Creating an Account](/forecast-platform/getting-started/creating-account.md)
* [Understanding Markets](/forecast-platform/markets/understanding-markets.md)
* [FAQ](/forecast-platform/faq/faq.md)