Duel Resolution Rules

These rules define how duel outcomes are determined on the platform and what standards must be followed by both admins and users.

1

Duel requirements (before resolution)

For a duel to be correctly resolved, it must contain:

  • a clear and unambiguous question;
  • a well-defined event;
  • a specific timeframe or exact moment in time;
  • a reliable source of truth.

Important

  • The event date may be specified in the question, even if the deadline is earlier.
  • The deadline does not necessarily equal the event time.
  • If the duel is unclear, it may be refunded or denied before resolution.
2

Core principles of resolution

  • All duels are resolved strictly based on their original conditions.
  • Resolution occurs after the deadline is reached or after the event outcome becomes known.
  • Self-resolve is a privilege, not a default right. It is based on trust that users will resolve duels fairly, objectively, and strictly according to the original conditions.

Time interpretation

  • If a duel states: "X will happen before [time]" - the event is evaluated from duel creation until the specified deadline.
  • If a duel refers to a specific moment in time - the result is determined based on the state at that exact moment.
  • All times are interpreted in UTC.

Source of Truth

  • Resolution is based only on the source provided in the duel.
  • The source must clearly confirm or deny the event.
  • If the source does not cover the event, is ambiguous, or does not allow verification - the duel must not be resolved based on assumptions and may be refunded or denied.
3

Types of resolution

When creating a duel, users can choose whether it will be resolved by the Duel Duck or by the creator (self-resolve).

3.1 Duel Duck admin resolution

If platform resolve is selected the admin reviews duel question, deadline, source of truth and resolves the duel by selecting Yes / No based on duel original conditions.

Timing

Platform-resolved duels are typically resolved within up to 48 hours after the outcome is determinable (deadline reached or event outcome is known).

Admin principles:

  • No assumptions beyond what is written.
  • No interpretation outside the defined conditions.
  • No reliance on external sources other than the provided source of truth.

3.2 Self Resolve

If self resolve is selected, the creator must follow the same rules as the admin.

The creator undertakes to:

  • Follow the original conditions exactly.
  • Use the provided source of truth.
  • Not resolve before the event has actually occurred (if required by the question).
  • Not interpret unclear conditions in their favor.

⚠️ Self resolve does not give freedom to interpret the result arbitrarily. The same core rule applies: every duel is resolved strictly based on its original conditions and the provided source of truth.

Fallback resolution by platform

If a self-resolve duel is not resolved by the creator within 30 days after the deadline, the admin will resolve it based on the available source of truth.

4

Self-Resolve accountability & penalties

Self-resolved duels may be reported by participants and reviewed by admins strictly against the original conditions and the provided source of truth. Any confirmed incorrect resolution will result in penalties.

Consequences of incorrect resolution

  • The user will lose reputation points for each confirmed case of incorrect resolution.
  • Repeated violations will result in stronger penalties, including significant reputation loss and revoked access to self-resolve.

Each duel can only be counted as a single violation, even if multiple reports are submitted for the same case.

Self-resolve restriction

Users who lose access to self-resolve must first restore their reputation to regain the ability to create self-resolved duels again.

Refund condition

If a user creates a self-resolve duel but loses access to self-resolve before the duel is resolved (or before the deadline), such a duel will be automatically refunded.