"## 2. Core gameplay mechanism (detailed version)
### 2.1 Basic reel rules
- **Reel Configuration**: Usually **3 reels × 3 rows** (some versions are slightly different).
- **PAYLINES**: Mostly 25 (fixed), score points by matching the same symbols from left to right.
- **Betting method**: You can choose different face values (such as $0.01, $0.02, $0.05, $0.10, $0.25, $1), the total bet per spin = face value × number of paylines × bet amount per line.
---
### 2.2 Hold & Spin (locked spin) bonus gameplay
This is the most iconic core mechanic of Dragon Link.
#### Trigger conditions
- **6 or more Orb (Golden Ball) symbols** appear anywhere to enter the Hold & Spin bonus round.
#### Reward rules
1. **Initial number of spins**: 3.
2. **Lock and Reset**:
- When a new coin symbol appears, pin it to the reels.
- Every time a new gold coin appears, the number of remaining spins will be reset back to 3 times**.
3. **Gold Coin Value**:
- A fixed amount is displayed on each gold coin symbol (calculated based on the current bet amount).
- The words **Mini** or **Minor** will appear on some gold coins, which directly represents the fixed small prize or winning amount.
4. **Grand Prize Conditions**:
- If all 15 grids on the screen are filled with gold coins, you will directly receive the **Grand Jackpot** (cumulative jackpot pool).
5. **End of round**:
- Calculate the total value of all gold coins, plus the amount of Mini/Minor/Grand prizes that may be hit, and distribute them together.
---
### 2.3 Free Spins Mode
- **Trigger condition**: **3 Scatter (scatter symbols)** appear anywhere.
- **BONUS CONTENT**:
- Get a fixed number of free spins (usually 6~10 times).
- **Multiplier** or **Special Wild Expansion** are often added to free games.
- In some versions, Hold & Spin can be triggered again in the free game, forming a "dual-layer reward".
---
### 2.4 Progressive Jackpot
- **Mini**: Fixed small bonus (varies with bets).
- **Minor**: Fixed mid-level bonus (varies with bets).
- **Major**: Medium and high prize pool, some versions can be triggered **randomly**.
- **Grand**: The highest prize, usually you need to collect 15 gold coins to get it.
- **Prize Pool Growth**: Part of the bets from all online machines will go into the prize pool until hit by a player.
---
### 2.5 Special symbols description
- **Wild**: Substitutes for any symbol except Scatter and Coins.
- **Scatter**: Trigger free round.
- **Orb (Golden Orb)**: Triggers Hold & Spin.
## 2.6 Core gameplay flow chart
```mermaid
flowchart TD
A[Start spinning the reels] --> B{Are 6 or more gold coin symbols appearing?}
B -- No --> C [Reward settled on regular paylines]
B -- Yes --> D[Trigger Hold & Spin mode]
D --> E[Initial 3 locked spin opportunities]
E --> F{Are new coins appearing during the spin?}
F -- Yes --> G [Lock new gold coins and reset the chance to 3]
G --> F
F -- No --> H{Is there still a chance to spin?}
H -- Yes --> E
H -- No --> I [Calculate the sum of all gold coins]
I --> J{Do gold coins fill 15 grids?}
J -- Yes --> K[Extra Grand Jackpot]
J -- No --> L[Total gold coins issued + Mini/Minor award]
C & L & K --> M[end of round]"