The five-column, three-row diagram is not a real game and carries no probability or payout information.
Fixed paylines
A fixed payline is a path defined by the game. A combination may need to start on a particular reel, run in a stated direction and use an eligible number of matching or substituting symbols. The paytable supplies those conditions.
Ways and clusters
Some games do not use fixed paths. A “ways” system can evaluate matching symbols on adjacent reels; a cluster system can evaluate connected positions. The label is only a clue. The current rules determine adjacency, direction and eligible positions.
Position rule
Which cells can belong to the same evaluated combination?
Symbol rule
Which symbols match, substitute, trigger or pay independently?
Special symbols
- Wild
- May substitute for named symbols, but exclusions and extra behaviour are game-specific.
- Scatter
- May be evaluated outside paylines or trigger a feature. Neither behaviour is guaranteed by the name.
- Feature symbol
- May start or modify a feature only under the stated count and position conditions.
Related reference: paytable terms
Check where direction, substitution and trigger conditions are recorded.