So, you’re ready to move past the theory and put some skin in the game. Smart move. Trading on Polymarket is less about “betting” in the traditional sense and more about taking a position on what you believe is going to happen. It’s an active, strategic process. Here’s how to get started and place your first trade.

Step 1: Get Funded

First things first, you need ammunition. Polymarket runs on USDC, a stablecoin that’s pegged 1:1 with the US dollar. You’ll need to get some USDC into your Polymarket wallet. You can typically do this by buying it on a crypto exchange and transferring it over, or by using on-ramps like MoonPay directly on the Polymarket site. This is your stake—the capital you’ll use to buy shares.

Step 2: Find Your Market

Once you’re funded, it’s time to find an event you have an angle on. Polymarket has hundreds of active markets, from major political elections and economic events to tech developments and cultural moments. Scroll through the markets and find a question where you think the crowd has it wrong. This is where your personal knowledge gives you an edge. Understanding the fundamentals of what is Polymarket is crucial here—you’re looking for mispriced probabilities.

Step 3: Analyze the Odds

Click into a market. You’ll see the current trading prices for “Yes” and “No” shares. Remember, the price is the probability. If “Yes” shares are trading at $0.70, the market is pricing in a 70% chance of that outcome. Do you agree? If you think the real chance is closer to 85%, you’ve found a value opportunity. If you think it’s closer to 50%, then the “No” shares (trading at $0.30) are your target.

Step 4: Execute the Trade

This is the moment of truth. Decide which outcome you’re backing (“Yes” or “No”) and how much you want to invest. The interface is straightforward. You’ll enter the amount of USDC you want to spend, and it will show you how many shares you’ll receive at the current price. Confirm the trade, and the shares will appear in your portfolio. That’s it—you’re officially in the game. You’ve taken a position based on your conviction. This entire process is the essence of how Polymarket works.

From here, you can monitor your position, sell your shares at any time to lock in a profit or cut a loss, or hold until the market resolves.