The fruit must form a qualifying cluster
The eight-by-eight game evaluates connected groups of at least five matching symbols. MrQ describes horizontal or vertical connections. A diagonal-only line of matching fruit should not be counted as the same qualifying group.
Imagine five fruit joined edge-to-edge and five identical fruit occupying alternating corners. Both arrangements contain five matching symbols, but only the first illustrates the connected shape being discussed. The paytable then determines what that particular symbol and cluster size pay.
A contributing jar stays involved
MrQ explains that a jar contributing to a cluster moves to an empty position before the collapse. Its multiplier starts at 1× and increases by one for each cluster win it contributes to. The jar also acts as a scatter, with three or more opening free games.
Track the jar rather than assuming that every cleared fruit raises every multiplier. A contribution condition is important: a win elsewhere on the grid is not automatically the same event as a win using that jar.
Worked example: distinguish stake, award and multiplier
Worked mechanics example
Assume one qualifying cluster has a £0.50 award before a single contributing 4× jar. The multiplied amount is £2. If the initial round stake was 40p and no other awards occurred, the net change would be +£1.60.
These invented values isolate the arithmetic. They do not state the actual payout for a fruit or a rule for several participating jars. For those cases use the exact paytable and multi-jar explanation in the game, rather than extending a one-jar example.
The version matters more than the family name
MrQ’s original-game page lists 96.83% RTP. Push Gaming separately lists 94.25% as another configuration. Jammin’ Jars 2 and Giga Jar have their own mechanics and return fields; neither is a substitute for this original.
RTP is a theoretical ratio over aggregate stakes. The difference between a 96.83% setting and a 94.25% setting says nothing certain about which version would return more during one short session. It is still a useful like-for-like configuration comparison.
A British catalogue example with a mechanical contrast
The exact MrQ page provides local catalogue evidence for the original. Check current account availability and the information panel; a public listing is not a completed access check.
Reactoonz also uses clusters but develops a different energy-and-feature sequence. Razor Shark uses lines and mystery stacks instead. Read bonus terms before assuming any casino offer covers these games or counts their stakes equally.
Questions, answered
Do diagonal-only matches qualify?
The checked operator description requires horizontal or vertical cluster connections.
Can I move a jar myself?
No. Its movement follows the game’s feature rules.
Does Jammin’ Jars 2 use this same guide?
No. The sequel and Giga Jar are separate editions.
