Donald Phillips 
Adjacent symbol matching requirements determine which grid arrangements qualify as winning combinations based on positional relationships between identical icons. Adjacency rules specify whether symbols must appear on consecutive reels, adjacent rows, or clustered groups to satisfy combination criteria. MrATM88 Casino game mechanics employ varied adjacency definitions from strict left-to-right sequential requirements through flexible cluster matching, accepting any grouped arrangements. Adjacency specifications reveals which symbol placements generate prizes versus arrangements failing qualification despite containing matching symbols. Adjacency rules fundamentally shape combination formation possibilities, affecting overall gameplay mathematics and winning frequency expectations throughout sessions.
1. Consecutive reel adjacency requirements
Traditional payline systems demand symbols appearing on consecutive reels starting from the leftmost positions, progressing rightward without gaps. Five-reel games require matching symbols occupying reels one, two, and three for three-symbol combinations or extending through reels four and five for longer matches. Consecutive reel rules mean symbols on reels one, three, and five fail qualification despite matching because reel two interruption breaks continuity. Unbroken sequential appearance from starting positions represents a fundamental adjacency requirement across most payline-based games. Ways-to-win systems maintain consecutive reel requirements while relaxing row-specific positioning demands.
2. Horizontal adjacency specifications
Single-payline horizontal systems require matching symbols appearing on identical rows across consecutive reels. Centre-line configurations demand symbols occupying middle row positions exclusively, where top or bottom row appearances disqualify matches. Strict horizontal adjacency creates narrow combination criteria where vertical position matters equally to symbol identity. Multi-payline systems expand horizontal options through multiple row-specific paths but maintain individual line integrity, requiring dedicated horizontal alignment per payline. Diagonal adjacency variants accept symbols following slanted paths across reels where ascending or descending patterns satisfy combination requirements. Diagonal paylines create alternative adjacency definitions where symbols on reel one-bottom, two-middle, three-top form valid matches through positional progression.
3. Cluster adjacency mechanics
Cluster systems abandon sequential reel requirements, accepting any grouped symbol arrangements where matching icons touch through shared edges or corners. Five cherry symbols forming connected groups anywhere across the grids qualify regardless of reel or row distribution. Cluster adjacency dramatically expands combination possibilities as positional restrictions dissolve, requiring only physical proximity between matching symbols. Touching definitions vary, where edge-adjacent systems demand shared sides while corner-adjacent variants accept diagonal contact. Minimum cluster sizes establish qualification thresholds where five, six, or nine matching symbols might represent entry-level requirements. Graduated prize scales reward larger clusters where ten-symbol groups pay more than the minimum qualifications.
4. Scatter adjacency exceptions
Scatter symbols typically bypass standard adjacency requirements, qualifying through pure presence regardless of positional relationships. Three scatters anywhere across five reels satisfy trigger conditions without needing consecutive reel appearances or physical proximity. Exception status distinguishes scatters from regular symbols operating under strict adjacency rules. Scatter independence creates reliable trigger mechanisms unaffected by unfortunate symbol distributions failing adjacency criteria. Bonus symbols sometimes share scatter-like adjacency exemptions where appearance quantities matter more than positioning. Trigger conditions specify “three bonus symbols anywhere” rather than demanding specific arrangements.
5. Win-both-ways adjacency modifications
Bidirectional evaluation systems assess adjacency from both left-to-right and right-to-left perspectives, doubling valid combination quantities. Symbols on reels three, four, and five satisfy right-to-left adjacency criteria, generating prizes despite failing traditional left-origin requirements. Symbol adjacency determination involves consecutive reel requirements, horizontal specifications, cluster mechanics, scatter exceptions, and bidirectional modifications. Adjacency rules fundamentally govern which symbol arrangements qualify as winning combinations throughout gameplay.
