> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hermestrade.xyz/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hermestrade.xyz/getting-started/getting-started.md).

# Getting started

Discover markets, connect your wallet, and place your first trade on HermesTrade.

HermesTrade is a prediction market on the Monad blockchain. You buy YES or NO shares on real-world events — prices reflect collective probability, and winning shares redeem at $1.00 each. These pages walk you through everything you need to go from zero to your first trade.

<table data-card-size="large" data-view="cards"><thead><tr><th></th><th></th><th></th><th data-hidden data-card-target data-type="content-ref"></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><h4><i class="fa-lightbulb" style="color:$primary;">:lightbulb:</i></h4></td><td><strong>What is HermesTrade?</strong></td><td>Prediction markets, outcome shares, and how prices work — start here.</td><td><a href="/getting-started/what-is-hermestrade.md">What is HermesTrade?</a></td></tr><tr><td><h4><i class="fa-bolt" style="color:$primary;">:bolt:</i></h4></td><td><strong>Quickstart</strong></td><td>Browse markets and understand prices in under five minutes — no wallet needed.</td><td><a href="/getting-started/quickstart.md">Quickstart</a></td></tr><tr><td><h4><i class="fa-wallet" style="color:$primary;">:wallet:</i></h4></td><td><strong>Connect wallet</strong></td><td>Link your EVM wallet and set up your smart wallet for gasless trading.</td><td><a href="/getting-started/connect-wallet.md">Connect wallet</a></td></tr><tr><td><h4><i class="fa-chart-line" style="color:$primary;">:chart-line:</i></h4></td><td><strong>Place your first trade</strong></td><td>Buy your first outcome share — from reading the order book to confirming a fill.</td><td><a href="/getting-started/place-first-trade.md">Place your first trade</a></td></tr></tbody></table>

## What you'll need

* [x] An EVM-compatible wallet (MetaMask, Coinbase Wallet, or any WalletConnect wallet)
* [x] A small amount of MON for the one-time smart wallet deployment (all trades after that are gasless)
* [x] Collateral to fund your positions

{% hint style="info" %}
After your smart wallet is deployed, the Relayer covers gas for every trade. You will not need MON again unless you perform on-chain operations outside of trading. See [Connect wallet](/getting-started/connect-wallet.md) for details.
{% endhint %}

## Order book pricing

HermesTrade uses a **central limit order book (CLOB)**: every price you see comes from a real buyer or seller placing an order. This means tighter spreads in active markets and the ability to set limit orders at any price you choose.

If you have traded on a centralised exchange, the mechanics are familiar. If you are new to order books, [Core Concepts](/core-concepts/core-concepts.md) explains how the book works before you put money in.


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