Explainer
Twin Spin: Linked Reels and 243 Ways With Worked Examples
The short answer
Twin Spin links at least two adjacent reels so that they show the same symbols, and its five-by-three layout provides 243 ways. Matching symbols pay across adjacent reels from the left. The linking feature and the ways calculation are related parts of the screen, with separate jobs.
In this article
What the linked reels do
NetEnt’s Twin Spin guide describes adjacent twin reels that can expand into triplets, quadruplets or all five linked reels. Wilds appear on reels two through five and substitute for the other symbols.
Start a demonstration note with the linked columns: for example, “two and three.” Next, read their top, middle and bottom symbols. The matching appearance tells you which reels are synchronised during that spin. The award still follows the combinations and values in the paytable.
Why the full layout has 243 ways
There are three visible positions on each of five reels. Multiplying the position counts gives 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 = 243. This counts possible position paths across the complete layout.
| Reels included | Position-path calculation | Paths |
|---|---|---|
| Three | 3 × 3 × 3 | 27 |
| Four | 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 | 81 |
| Five | 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 × 3 | 243 |
These are geometric counts. To count the combinations for one particular symbol, multiply the number of qualifying copies of that symbol on each participating reel.
A symbol-by-symbol example
Imagine an illustrative qualifying symbol appearing twice on reel one, once on reel two and twice on reel three. Those positions create 2 × 1 × 2 = four three-reel combinations. If an eligible fourth reel contains one matching copy, the position count across four reels becomes four as well.
The monetary award requires the paytable’s value for the symbol and combination length. Suppose, purely for a calculation exercise, the applicable amount per combination is $0.30. Four such combinations total $1.20. Use the game’s actual value and bet basis when reading a real result.
Read the win from the left edge
The provider specifies three or more adjacent reels beginning with the leftmost reel. A practical reading order is therefore reel one, reel two, reel three, then any continuation. Mark the matching positions as you move across. This makes a busy display easier to follow, particularly when linked reels repeat several symbols.
Is there a fixed payline to trace?
Twin Spin uses ways rather than drawn paylines. Our ways-versus-paylines explanation expands that distinction. For a different kind of expanding symbol, see Starburst XXXtreme. Read the exact product title and the local edition’s rules when comparing members of a game family.
