# Verdict FAQ

## What does Validated mean?

At least one candidate cleared every stage. It says the result was not explained by luck or by the search alone. It is not a promise of future profit.

## What does Killed at the hold-out mean?

Some candidates cleared the cheap checks, and none did well enough on the data the search never saw. See [read a verdict](https://oathra.dev/docs/how-to/read-a-verdict).

## Why do more settings make a pass harder?

Every combination tried is a trial, and the verdict is reduced for how many there were. See [what the verdict tests](https://oathra.dev/docs/concepts/what-the-verdict-tests).

## Are costs part of the verdict?

Yes. The cost of trades is applied in every stage, and tested again with wider spreads. See [costs, swap and funding](https://oathra.dev/docs/concepts/costs-swap-and-funding).

## What does Interrupted mean?

The run stopped before a verdict. Its partial result is not one to act on.

## Can I change a strategy and test again on the same data?

You can, and each round uses up some of what the data can tell you. Change less, and change it for a reason.