How Ways to Win Works
In a traditional payline pokie, symbols must land in a specific pattern across the reels, such as a straight line through the middle row. Only those patterns count.
In a ways to win pokie, every symbol position is in play. To form a win:
- Matching symbols must land on adjacent reels, with no reel skipped
- The sequence must start on the leftmost reel (on most games)
- The symbols can appear in any row on each reel
- Usually at least three matching symbols in a row of reels are needed, although some high-value symbols pay for two
For example, a symbol on the top row of reel one, the bottom row of reel two and the middle row of reel three forms a win, even though those positions are not on any single line.
How the Number of Ways Is Calculated
The number of ways equals the number of symbol positions on each reel multiplied together.
- 243 ways: 5 reels × 3 rows = 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 3
- 1,024 ways: 5 reels × 4 rows = 4 × 4 × 4 × 4 × 4
- 3,125 ways: 5 reels × 5 rows = 5 × 5 × 5 × 5 × 5
- 4,096 ways: 6 reels × 4 rows = 4 × 4 × 4 × 4 × 4 × 4
Some games use reels of different heights. In that case, you still multiply the number of positions on each reel. For example, reels with 3, 4, 5, 4 and 3 positions create 3 × 4 × 5 × 4 × 3 = 720 ways.
In Megaways games, the height of each reel changes on every spin, so the number of ways changes too.
How Wins Are Counted
When several matching symbols land on the same reel, each one creates a separate way.
Example: On a 243 ways game, you land:
- 2 matching symbols on reel one
- 1 on reel two
- 2 on reel three
- None on reel four
That is 2 × 1 × 2 = 4 winning ways for a three-reel win with that symbol. Each way pays the three-of-a-kind amount shown in the paytable, so the total win is four times that amount.
If matching symbols continue onto reel four or five, each way pays the higher four- or five-of-a-kind amount instead.
How Wild Symbols Work in Ways Games
Wild symbols substitute for other symbols, so a wild on a middle reel can connect matching symbols on either side and often count towards several different winning ways at once. In many ways games, wilds only appear on the middle reels.
Ways That Pay Both Directions
Some games pay in both directions, from left to right and from right to left. This increases the number of ways a combination can win. The paytable will say whether a game pays one way or both ways.
How Betting Works in Ways Games
In a payline game, the cost of a spin is often linked to the number of lines in play. In most ways games, you set a single total stake per spin, and every way is in play automatically. You do not pay separately for each way.
This means a 243 ways game does not cost 243 times as much as a single line. Instead, the paytable values are set so that each individual way pays a small fraction of the stake.
Ways to Win vs Paylines
Ways to Win
- Matching symbols can land in any row on adjacent reels
- Usually produces more frequent small wins
- All ways are always active
- Easier to follow, because you only need to watch for matching symbols reel by reel
Paylines
- Symbols must land in set patterns across the reels
- Some older games let you choose how many lines to play
- Wins can feel less frequent, but individual line wins may pay more relative to the stake
- The pattern of each line is shown in the paytable
Neither system is more generous by default. A game's overall return is set by its RTP, and the way symbols pay is simply part of how that return is distributed. Every spin is still decided by a random number generator.
Examples of Ways to Win Games
Many well-known pokies use a ways to win system. Immortal Romance, for example, uses a five-reel, three-row grid with 243 ways to win. Our slot game reviews explain the win system used by each title.
Ways to Win and Volatility
Ways to win games often produce wins more frequently than payline games, but many of those wins are smaller than the stake. A frequent "win" that pays back only part of your bet is still a loss for that spin. Volatility still depends on the game's overall design, including its bonus features and top prizes. Our Slot Volatility Explained guide explains how to read a game's volatility.
Playing Responsibly
Frequent small wins, often accompanied by sounds and animations, can make a session feel more successful than it really is. Keep track of your balance rather than the number of wins, and set a budget and a time limit before you start.
Our guides on setting gambling limits and recognising gambling harm explain practical steps, and Gambling Help Online offers free, confidential support 24/7 on 1800 858 858.