When slot machines were first invented, they only featured three reels and they were pretty basic compared to the blockbuster games we’re used to playing now. The three reel format can still be found if you play one-armed bandit machines, but you can also find them at online casinos under the category ‘classic slots’. This type of game can be great for those players who want a more simplistic slot experience, or for those who have only just made the move from land-based casinos to online.
However, in three reel slots you won’t find the surplus of bonus features or complex animation that you do in five reel creations. Which you like to play is a matter of personal preference, but each type of slot does have it’s advantages and disadvantages and may suit a certain kind of player better.
What Is A Three Reel Slot?
When you read about a slot one of the first thing that will be mentioned is how many reels it contains. Reels are the number of vertical sections in the game, that roll and change with each spin. Most slots fall into two categories: three reels or five reels. However, these days software developers are always on the search for innovative ideas, so we’ve seen a rise in alternative game formats and reel configurations.
The more reels a slot has, the more chances a player has at finding a possible combination. Even in three reel slots, three of a kind is the aim for a winning combination, so you’ll need to find a symbol upon each reel. On the other hand, in five reel slots, you have three possible combinations of three of a kind per pay line (three in a row in reels 1-3, reels, 2-4, or 3-5).
This is why five or more reel slots have proved more popular and are therefore more common. However, they are more complicated and visually hectic. Whilst for many players this is part of the appeal, not everyone is looking for a slot with so many bells and whistles. This is why three reel slots still maintain a strong following.
If you’re usually a land based casino player, or just like to play the one armed bandit machines found in pubs and bars, then you’ll probably prefer three reel slots. These are the types of games that most resemble a traditional slot machine experience and are often the games that appeal to player’s who’re still getting used to playing online. You’ll be able to find three reel games at most online casinos and we have a great range to enjoy here at Fortune Frenzy.
Pros And Cons of 3 Reel Slots
As mentioned, 3 reel slots are noticeably more simple than recent five reel releases. Slot designers know that the type of people who chose to play 3 reel slots are probably looking for a more traditional feel, and therefore these types of slots don’t feature the crazy bonus features and mini games. They’re also much more basic in appearance. They’ll usually feature vintage symbols such as cherries, sevens bells and bars.
The advantage of a paired back visual approach is the fact it means that the reels remain clean and uncrowded. The lack of bonus features also turns the game into a fast past experience, although there are some three reel slots that throw in a simple bonus round to allow players to quickly earn cash.
As three reel slots only generally feature the ability to spin, you need to be careful with your bankroll when you play these types of games. If you’re used to five reel slots with bonus features that distract from the base game, you may find your cash is dwindling faster than usual.
Plus, those who do play a lot of five reel games may grow bored of a 3 reel slot before they can claim a good payout. Conversely, as betting options are limited, 3 reel slots can be good for players on a budget, if they pay attention to what’s being spent. There’s no extra risks to these games, such s gamble features, which means that it’s easier to stay on track.
Which Should I Play?
Deciding which type of slots to play all comes down to personal preference, however it’s useful to consider the pros and cons before making a decision. If you’re looking for exciting features and graphics more reminiscent of video games than slots then a 5 reel layout is probably for you. Most new releases feature a five or more reel configuration, so if you want to play the latest releases from designers such as NetEnt and Microgaming then 5 reel slots are the way to go.
3 reel slots are perfect for players who love traditional machines and want to keep their gameplay simple. They often feature symbols and designs similar to classic fruit machines and one armed bandits, so if it’s that type of feel your looking for then 3 reel slots are for you. They also offer a financial benefit, as they’re not packed full of extra betting options, however it does become easy to spend a lot of cash fast when playing these types of games.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you but the good news is that we offer both types of slots here at Fortune Frenzy so you’ll be catered for whichever type you choose!
