You have checked in, cleared security, made your way through the terminal, queued to get on board, struggled with your overhead locker and settled back into your seat – only to hear that you are waiting for a slot. What is a slot and why can’t you take off as soon as you are ready?
A slot is a position in the schedule that allows a query to be scheduled for execution by BigQuery. A slot is assigned based on the capacity demands of the query and the availability of resources, allowing for fair scheduling and resource allocation across the system.
There are many different types of slots. Some are Cluster Pays (which require players to form clusters of matching symbols, typically adjacent to each other) and others are multi-payline slots where there are anywhere from 10 to hundreds of ways to win per spin (also known as 243-ways or 10-ways). Each type offers a different gaming experience with different themes, gameplay styles and features.
The pay table is a key part of any slot machine and lists the payout values for each symbol. It also includes information on bonus features and how to trigger them. On mechanical machines, this is often displayed above and below the reels. On video slots, this can be found within the help menu.
Knowing how to read a pay table is essential for any slot player, regardless of their chosen game. This is because the pay tables will give players an insight into what makes a winning combination and what to look out for. In addition, the pay tables will also display the percentage of the total return to player (RTP) that a slot is expected to pay out in the long run.