How Hold and Win mechanics work step by step
Hold & Win mechanics have become the standard for hundreds of modern video slots. Its principle is simple: the player receives repeated spins with the retention of the dropped bonus symbols. But to understand all the details, it is useful to consider the process step by step.
Step 1. Bonus launch
The function is activated when a certain number of special characters appear (usually 6 or more coins, balls or tokens). Once the condition is met, normal play is interrupted and Hold & Win mode begins.
Step 2. Restarting the spin counter
The player receives 3 respins. This is a standard number, but in some slots it may be different (for example, 4 or 5).
Each respin is a chance to catch new bonus symbols.
During spins, the reels contain only empty cells and bonus values, without the usual characters.
Step 3. Fixing characters
All bonus signs that appear on the screen "stick" in their places and remain until the end of the function.
If a new character appears, it is added to those already fixed.
In this case, the spin counter is again reset to 3.
Step 4. Round dynamics
The player continues to rotate until:
The longer new signs fall, the longer the game lasts and the higher the total reward.
Step 5. Total accrual
After completion of the mode, the gain is calculated:
Step 6. Additional modifications (variations)
Depending on the provider, improvements can be built into the mechanics:
Result
Hold & Win mechanics step-by-step looks like this: activation - issuing respins - fixing characters - extending due to new drops - counting winnings. Its popularity is explained by the simplicity of the rules, the dynamics of the process and the ability to receive significant rewards when the screen is successfully filled.
Step 1. Bonus launch
The function is activated when a certain number of special characters appear (usually 6 or more coins, balls or tokens). Once the condition is met, normal play is interrupted and Hold & Win mode begins.
Step 2. Restarting the spin counter
The player receives 3 respins. This is a standard number, but in some slots it may be different (for example, 4 or 5).
Each respin is a chance to catch new bonus symbols.
During spins, the reels contain only empty cells and bonus values, without the usual characters.
Step 3. Fixing characters
All bonus signs that appear on the screen "stick" in their places and remain until the end of the function.
If a new character appears, it is added to those already fixed.
In this case, the spin counter is again reset to 3.
Step 4. Round dynamics
The player continues to rotate until:
- respins will not end (three empty in a row);
- or until the entire field is filled with bonus characters.
The longer new signs fall, the longer the game lasts and the higher the total reward.
Step 5. Total accrual
After completion of the mode, the gain is calculated:
- All held characters have their own values (fixed amounts, multipliers, special bonuses).
- These add up and are added to the player's balance.
- If jackpots are provided in the slot, then they can be obtained either for a specific character or for completely filling the screen.
Step 6. Additional modifications (variations)
Depending on the provider, improvements can be built into the mechanics:
- Multipliers. Each new coin can add to the total winnings.
- Special characters. For example, "collectors" (Collector), which summarize the values of all coins.
- Progressive jackpots. Mini, Minor, Major and Grand add large payouts.
- Extended fields. In some slots, you can open additional rows and enlarge the grid.
Result
Hold & Win mechanics step-by-step looks like this: activation - issuing respins - fixing characters - extending due to new drops - counting winnings. Its popularity is explained by the simplicity of the rules, the dynamics of the process and the ability to receive significant rewards when the screen is successfully filled.
