Blending the strategic flair of Cờ Tướng (Chinese Chess) with the thrill of modern slot mechanics, Checkmate by Nautilus Games is a visually striking and richly engaging slot experience. Drawing from the cultural roots of Vietnam’s beloved board game, this 5-reel slot introduces players to a battlefield where tactics, timing, and a bit of luck combine for epic wins.

🎮 Game Overview

♟️ How to Play

1. Winning Combinations & Fill In Feature

Each spin can trigger cascading wins. When a winning combination is formed, the matching symbols explode, creating space for new icons to "fill in". If this results in another win, the cascade continues until no new combinations appear.

This system creates a chain reaction potential, where a single spin can lead to multiple rewards—especially when paired with the Multiplier system.

2. Wild & Scatter Symbols

Wilds: Appear beneath winning golden-bordered icons. Once the original symbol explodes, the Wild is revealed and substitutes all symbols except Scatters.

Scatters: Trigger Free Spins.

• 3 Scatters = 10 Free Spins

• 4 Scatters = 12 Free Spins

• 5 Scatters = 14 Free Spins

3. Free Spins & Enhanced Wild Chance

During Free Spins, Reel 3 always has a full golden symbol, increasing the probability of triggering Hidden Wilds. Additional Scatters during this mode can retrigger more spins. Multipliers are doubled during Free Spins, starting at ×2 and going up to ×10.

4. Multiplier Mechanism

5.  Free Spins Option

For players who want to jump straight to the action, the Buy Free Spins feature allows instant access to bonus mode by paying a fixed amount based on the current bet.

5.1 - Multiplier Option 

🔄 5.2 - Deep Dive: Pay 2 Ways Explained

Most slot games only pay left to right, but Checkmate gives players a strategic edge by offering 2000 ways to win in each direction—left to right AND right to left.

🧩 How It Works:

• A winning combination is formed when matching symbols land on consecutive reels, regardless of their position within the reel—as long as they’re adjacent.

• A symbol win from reel 1 to reel 5 and reel 5 to reel 1 will only be paid once, but it increases your chances of triggering at least one

•  payout.

📈 Example:

Let’s say you land this pattern:

• Reel 1: Dragon Symbol

• Reel 2: Dragon Symbol

• Reel 3: Dragon Symbol

That qualifies as a win from left to right, triggering a reward.

Now suppose:

• Reel 5: Dragon Symbol

• Reel 4: Dragon Symbol

• Reel 3: Dragon Symbol

That’s a valid right to left win.

🧮 Win Calculation:

The total number of winning ways is calculated by multiplying the number of adjacent winning symbols on each reel. For example:

• 1 Dragon on Reel 1

• 2 Dragons on Reel 2

• 2 Dragons on Reel 3

= 1 × 2 × 2 = 4 ways to win with that combination.

Rewards also depend on how many columns the symbol connects across:

• 3 columns = smaller payout coefficient

• 5 columns = highest payout coefficient (but still pays once, not twice for both directions)

This dual-way mechanic boosts win frequency and makes each spin more dynamic, especially when paired with the Fill In and Multiplier systems.

🎯 Game Summary: Strategy Meets Chance

Checkmate is more than just a slot—it's a homage to one of Vietnam’s most intellectual games. With its layered features like Hidden Wilds, Fill In chains, and Pay Both Ways mechanics, players can experience a calculated blend of strategy, suspense, and satisfaction.

Whether you're playing casually or aiming for a Free Spins chain reaction, the game offers both accessibility and depth.

✅ Tips for Playing Checkmate Safely & Smartly

Safe Play Tips:

• 💰 Set a Budget: Decide your spend limit before playing. Stick to it, especially with tempting features like Buy Free Spins.

• ⏳ Avoid Long Sessions: Take breaks. Continuous spins can dull your judgment.

• 🛡️ Use Reputable Platforms: Only play through verified and licensed operators.

Tricks & Strategy:

• 🎯 Look for Golden Borders: These often reveal Wilds, setting up powerful combos. Watch them closely.

• 🔄 Maximize Fill In Chains: Lower bets but longer play sessions can give you more chances to benefit from cascading wins and increasing multipliers.

• 🎰 Buy Free Spins Only When Ready: The bonus mode has high potential, but it’s best used when you’ve observed the symbol patterns and feel confident in the current spin behavior.

• 🚀 Watch Reel 3 During Free Spins: It's always golden—perfect for Wild setups and multiple payouts.

Please game responsibly and for more info please visit www.nautilusgames.co