Paylines in slot games are patterns behind the reels that symbols must follow from left to right in order to create a winning symbol combination. Occasionally, you’ll come across a pay both ways online slot where symbols can line up left to right or right to left.
Classic slots, or the very first slot games, used a simple one-pay line that ran vertically across the middle of the slot face, and all you would need to do was line up three symbols on that line to form a combination win.
As slots modernized, we saw the introductions of 3, 5, 9, 15, 20, 25, 30, 50 and up to 100 pay lines
Almost all payline slots use three, four or five symbols to create combinations. Some also use just two symbols. The rule of thumb is that the first symbol must start on the first reel and run through the pay lines on adjacent reels from left to right to create a winning combination.
Here are some examples of pay line slots symbol combination wins:
- 2-symbol combination = The same symbols on reels 1-2
- 3-symbol combination = The same symbols on reels 1-2-3
- 4-symbol combination = The same symbols on reels 1-2-3-4
- 5-symbol combination = The same symbols on reels 1-2-3-4-5
When choosing a slot, it helps to consider the payline setup. Some players prefer the flexibility of adjustable lines for budget control, while others enjoy all-ways-to-win formats for their constant action. You can read more about ways-to-win slots to see how they compare with traditional pay line structures.
Key takeaway: Paylines define how wins are formed, so knowing the type of layout a slot uses will help you pick games that match your style and bankroll. Learn your lines, and you’ll play smarter slots.
