How to Play Aztec Bonanza
Rules, ways wins, paytable and controls, plus a simple plan for your first session.
Learning how to play Aztec Bonanza takes a few minutes. The slot pays ways wins from left to right on a grid that starts small and grows with tumbles. This page covers the rules, the on-screen controls, how ways are counted and a simple plan for your first session.
The Core Rules
Here are the essential rules to know before your first spin. The specifics for each game modifier are detailed in other site sections. The Aztec Bonanza overview covers the base rules and symbols.
| Reels | 5 |
| Rows | 2-4-6-4-2 at the start, up to 6 on every reel |
| Ways to win | 384 at the start, up to 7,776 |
| How wins pay | 3 or more matching symbols on adjacent reels from reel 1 |
| Paying symbols | 8 |
| Bet | 30 coins per spin, $0.30 - $150 |
| Wilds and scatters | None |
How Ways Wins Work
Aztec Bonanza uses ways, not fixed paylines. A winning combination requires the same symbol on reels 1, 2, and 3, and it may extend to reels 4 and 5. Symbols can land on any row of each reel.
The ways total is found by multiplying the positions on each reel. The initial diamond shape is 2 x 4 x 6 x 4 x 2, or 384 ways. The full expanded grid is 6 x 6 x 6 x 6 x 6, or 7,776 ways.
When a symbol appears more than once on a reel, each instance counts. Two green gems on reel 1 with one gem on reels 2 and 3 pays the three-symbol prize two times.
Symbols and Paytable
The paytable includes three gem types and three card suits. Listed values are for five-of-a-kind wins, shown as a multiple of your total bet.
The golden statue is the Mystery Symbol. It holds no value itself, but transforms into a regular paying symbol when revealed.
| Green gem | 2.5x |
| Blue gem | 1x |
| Turquoise gem | 1x |
| Orange gem | 0.5x |
| Triangle gem | 0.5x |
| Spade, Heart, Club | 0.33x each |
Controls and Settings
The game interface uses Pragmatic Play's standard design. The same controls are present on desktop and mobile, sized for touch screens on phones.
- Spin button: starts one paid spin
- Bet menu: sets coin value and bet level, shown as total bet
- Autoplay: runs a set number of spins with stop limits
- Turbo or quick spin: shortens the reel animation
- Info button: opens the paytable and full rules
- Sound and settings: mute and music options
On desktop, pressing the spacebar also starts a spin. Your total bet and current balance are shown on the bottom bar.
Your First Session in Six Moves
A simple plan lets you learn the game without quickly using funds. Follow these steps in order during your first session.
- Open the info screen and read the paytable once
- Set a session budget and a time limit before spinning
- Pick a low bet, such as $0.30 or $0.60
- Play 50 spins and count how many tumble chains reach two drops
- Note each corner that breaks and the modifier it brings
- Stop at your limit, win or lose, and look back at the numbers you noted
Volatility is medium. You'll see frequent small wins. The 5 free spins require a chain of eight tumbles.
Common Beginner Mistakes
New players tend to repeat the same few errors. Each one is easy to avoid once you know the rules.
| Looking for scatters | Free spins come from 8 tumbles in a row |
| Expecting a win multiplier | The game has none, wins grow through ways |
| Raising the bet after losses | Keep the stake you planned |
| Using autoplay without limits | Set a loss limit and a spin count |
| Judging the game on 20 spins | Give it a full session at a small stake |
Pros and Cons
Highlights
- Simple ways rules, no paylines to track
- Low $0.30 entry bet
- Clear on-screen paytable
- Same controls on desktop and mobile
- Autoplay with stop limits
Drawbacks
- No wild symbol
- Free spins need long tumble chains
- Only 8 paying symbols with modest values
- No bonus buy
- Grid returns to 384 ways after each chain
FAQ
Match three or more symbols on adjacent reels, beginning with reel 1. Symbols can be on any row.
It starts with 384 ways on the diamond grid. Breaking all four stone corners opens the full grid with 7,776 ways.
No. It uses ways to win. Each matching symbol on adjacent reels counts, regardless of its row.
No. There is no wild or scatter. The Mystery Symbol transforms into a single paying symbol.
Begin with a low stake, such as $0.30, to learn chain and corner mechanics. Increase it only if your bankroll permits.
Yes. Autoplay completes a set number of spins. Define a loss limit first so it stops automatically.
Responsible Gambling
Play only if you are of legal gambling age in your state, and set a budget and a session limit before you start. If gambling stops being fun, call 1-800-MY-RESET (1-800-697-3738) or visit ncpgambling.org.