A Guide to Understanding the Paytable
The world of slots can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding the paytable. Many players feel lost and confused, unsure about what they’re supposed to do with all the numbers and symbols on Treasures of Aztec the screen. In this guide, we’ll break down the basics of a slot machine’s paytable and provide you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions at the casino.
What is a Paytable?
A paytable is essentially a list of rules that govern how much money a player can win based on their bets and the symbols that appear in a specific combination. It’s usually found in the game settings or in the help menu, and it’s essential to read and understand before playing.
Paytables vary from game to game, but they all follow the same basic principles. They’ll typically list out different combinations of symbols, along with their corresponding payouts. For example, a 5-reel slot machine might have a paytable that lists out the following combinations:
- Three cherries: 10x bet
- Two bars: 20x bet
- Wild symbol (usually a bonus icon): varies depending on the game
Understanding Paytable Terms
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of paytables, let’s cover some essential terms that you should know:
- Bet Multiplier: This is the amount of money you’ll win if you hit a specific combination. For example, if the paytable says "three cherries: 10x bet," it means that if you bet $1 and hit three cherries in a row, your payout will be $10.
- Paylines: Paylines are the lines on which symbols can appear to create winning combinations. Most slots have multiple paylines, ranging from 5 to 50 or more.
- Symbol Payouts: Each symbol has its own payout associated with it. For example, a wild symbol might be worth $10, while a scatter symbol could be worth $100.
- Wild Symbols: Wild symbols are special icons that can substitute for other symbols in a winning combination. They’re usually marked with a "W" or another designator.
Breaking Down Paytable Combinations
Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s dive into the specifics of paytable combinations. A typical slot machine has dozens of different combinations listed out in its paytable. These can be broken down into several categories:
- Basic Combinations: These are the most straightforward combinations, where a player wins a payout for hitting three or more identical symbols in a row.
- Wild Combinations: These involve using wild symbols to substitute for other symbols and create winning combinations.
- Scatter Combinations: Scatter symbols can appear anywhere on the reels and don’t need to be aligned horizontally. They often trigger free spins or bonus rounds.
For example, let’s say we have a game with the following paytable:
- Three 7s: 100x bet
- Two bars + one cherry: 20x bet
- Wild symbol (W): varies depending on game
- Scatter symbol (S): 500x bet
In this case, if you hit three 7s in a row, your payout will be 100 times your bet. If you get two bars and one cherry, you’ll win 20 times your bet.
