> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://cyphers-3138df4b.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Quickstart

> Connect a wallet, find a market, and place your first private bet on Cyphers.

Get your first bet in under five minutes.

## What you need

* A **Solana wallet** (Phantom, Solflare, or Backpack). Install from [phantom.app](https://phantom.app) if you don't have one.
* A small SOL balance for transaction fees (about `$0.50` is plenty).
* Some **USDC** to bet with. Minimum is `$1`.

<Note>
  Cyphers runs on Solana devnet during beta. Devnet uses test USDC with no real value. Claim free devnet USDC from the in-app faucet or at [faucet.cyphers.live](https://faucet.cyphers.live).
</Note>

## Place your first bet

<Steps>
  <Step title="Connect your wallet">
    Go to the Cyphers app and click **Connect Wallet** in the top right. Approve the connection in your wallet extension.

    <Tip>
      If nothing happens, make sure your wallet is unlocked and set to Devnet.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Pick a market">
    Open **Markets** and look for a market in the **Betting** phase — that's the only phase that accepts bets.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose a side and amount">
    Click into a market. Pick YES or NO (or an option, for multi-outcome markets). Enter your stake — minimum `$1`. The app shows the fees before you confirm.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Confirm the transaction">
    Click **Bet** and approve in your wallet. Your browser encrypts your side before it touches Solana. The whole process takes 10–30 seconds.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Check Positions">
    Open the **Positions** tab. Your bet is there with your side, stake, and locked-in odds — visible only to you.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Wait for resolution, then claim

Once the market closes, the resolver posts the outcome, Arcium decrypts every bet, and a 24–48 hour challenge window opens. After the window passes, winners can click **Claim** in the Positions tab. For the full timeline see [Market lifecycle](/how-it-works/lifecycle).

## What's next

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="How privacy works" icon="lock" href="/how-it-works/privacy-model">
    What's actually encrypted and what isn't.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Fees and odds" icon="receipt" href="/how-it-works/fees">
    What you pay and how payouts are calculated.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Create a market" icon="plus" href="/guides/create-a-market">
    Open your own market and earn creator fees.
  </Card>

  <Card title="FAQ" icon="circle-question" href="/troubleshooting/faq">
    Quick answers to common questions.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>