The 1,024 ways reel system works by multiplying the number of symbol positions on each reel: 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 = 1,024.
A standard 1,024 ways slot has 5 reels and 4 rows. Since each reel has 4 possible symbol positions, any matching symbol on reel 1 can connect with any matching symbol on reel 2, then reel 3, reel 4, and reel 5.
That is why these games are called “all ways” games. The slot does not care whether a match forms a straight line, a zigzag, or a scattered pattern across the rows. It only checks whether the matching symbols land on adjacent reels in the correct direction.
Example: if a winning symbol appears twice on reel 1, once on reel 2, and three times on reel 3, the game counts 2 x 1 x 3 ways for that three-reel symbol combination. The paytable then sets the value of each winning way.
Some games add more flexibility. Lucky Panda, for example, is sometimes described as offering systems such as 64, 128, 256, 512, or 1,024 ways, with additional rows and columns activated as the setup changes. In a normal fixed 1,024 ways slot, all 1,024 paths stay active.