243 Ways to Win Mechanic Explained

243 ways to win is a newer slot math model developed by Microgaming. It comes with 243 winning ways instead of a fixed number of paylines. These slots pay for matching 3 or more symbols anywhere on consecutive reels instead of a single payline.

In the past, most slot machines worked the same way. They have no more than a few paylines, usually paying for 3 matching symbols on a horizontal or vertical line. All of that has changed when slot moved online. The industry introduced numerous mechanics that raised the number of paylines and winning chances. More importantly, slot providers developed a range of engines with hundreds of new ways to win.

Adding more paylines to the grid was the simplest way of raising their number. However, innovative studios such as Microgaming pushed it all further by introducing new payline concepts such as 243 ways to win. This new mechanic gives players hundreds of winning chances on each spin for a single price.

How Does the 243 Ways to Win Mechanic Work?

243 ways to win slots don’t differ greatly from slots with 10 or 20 paylines. In most cases, these are 5 reel slot games with three rows. The gameplay mechanics are the same – place a bet and hit the Spin button. What’s different is that there are no classic paylines. Hit matching symbols on consecutive reels and you will get paid.

There are 243 different ways to win in these slots based on a high-paying math model. The math is simple:

  • You get 3 visible positions on each reel, and they can be combined with the symbols on the other reels
  • If a slot has two reels, the number of possible combinations is 9 (3×3). With three reels, the number is 27 (3x3x3). Slots with five reels push that to 243 (3x3x3x3x3)
  • The winning pattern gives players more chances to win than ever, making this mechanic highly popular among developers and slot fans

Pros and Cons of 243 Ways to Win Slots

This popular math model is being used by numerous providers and players love it. However, there are a few slight disadvantages you need to know about.

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  • Great winning potential
  • All combinations pay
  • More value per bet
  • Combinations pay anywhere on the reels
  • The high winning potential may lead to lower wins than expected

Why Choose Slots with 243 Ways to Win?

It’s clear that Microgaming’s great new math model has redefined the way we think of slot paylines. It has revolutionized the concept and made it clear that paylines need to evolve. Instead of sticking to the good ol’ 3 or 5 paylines, 243 ways to win slot offer higher winning potential with almost no drawbacks.

They doesn’t require any extra knowledge nor they are different in terms of gameplay. Try your luck on these slots and you’ll be surprised by the winning potential.

As mentioned earlier, the winning ways pay for matching symbols on consecutive reels. In this way, you don’t need symbols in specific positions, boosting the game’s winning potential.

Yes and no. The math model offers great winning potential, but doesn’t necessarily pay more than, let’s say, Megaways slots. It’s all about the provider’s decision, but the winning potential is there.

No trick at all. Slots, including those with 243 ways to win, are a game of chance, so you’ll need plenty of luck to win on these slot machines.

No, you don’t. Players can pick up the mechanics pretty easily. In fact, the slot gameplay mechanics haven’t changed at all, so you still have to place a bet and hit the Spin button to win.

That’s up to the developer. These slots may offer a jackpot, but in most cases, they do without it.

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