Checkmate Hot 1 Slot: Demo Play, Review, Casinos List

A Strategic Spin Experience

I find this Jewels and Gems themed slot has a very distinctive chess vibe, which you don’t come across too often. The grid feels compact with its 5 reels and three rows, and everything is framed in a polished board game style. The colors are strikingly bold: golden kings, glossy queens, and classic chess icons shimmering in bright hues. Released on July 19, 2022, by HotRise, it tries to merge the classic feel of a chess match with the sparkle of precious gemstones. I personally enjoy the calm soundtrack—it’s light enough to keep my attention on the reels, but it doesn’t fade into dullness either.

On a technical level, the game focuses on forming winning lines left to right across 30 paylines. It means you only have to see matching symbols aligned from the first reel onward, which is something many slot fans are already used to. The highest paying base symbols are the King and the Queen pieces, each one pretty ornate. If you manage to line up five kings, that can lead you closer to the x5,000 top prize. For me, that cap seems decent if you’re seeking a shot at a more serious payout while still trying out a visually appealing slot on both desktop and mobile.

Making A Bet That Suits You

I’d say the wager controls are straightforward, though there’s no massive range if you’re hunting for truly sky-high stakes. You can typically set your bet to match your comfort level—casual players can try smaller spins, while braver folks might push the limit (although I rarely do so myself). In my view, that is enough to keep it accessible for a broad audience. If you prefer moderate wagers, this slot definitely offers that as well.

The presence of a x5,000 maximum win doesn’t put it in the top echelon of monstrous jackpots, but it’s still a fairly nice potential. I think it may appeal to slot fans who enjoy tension-filled sessions that come with the hope of bagging a solid prize. On the visual front, the crisp layout suits smaller screens well, and I had no trouble launching it on my phone. The stage is set in a stylized chess hall, but with bright gem details that add a certain glow. It’s a neat setting if you like a bit of elegance on your reels without an overly fancy interface.

RTP And Volatility

The RTP stands at 96.14%, which I find pretty respectable for a modern release, as it doesn’t sink too low for comfort. In the long term, that helps you preserve your bankroll better than if you played a slot with a significantly lesser rate. Still, you should always remember that RTP is theoretical and not a guarantee of personal results per session. If you’re planning longer stretches, that fraction of a percent difference can matter a lot.

As for the volatility, HotRise has made it a high volatility game. That means you can go through streaks of no wins, then suddenly land a rewarding hit. I typically reccomend at least 500 bets in your budget if you want to ride out the swings. In my experience, that helps you avoid quick bust-outs and makes it easier to see the game’s real potential. If you thrive on adrenaline and bigger but rarer wins, this level of risk should fit you nicely.

Buy Bonus Game Feature

I know some folks are impatient waiting for Free Spins to drop, and this slot caters to that crowd by offering a Buy Bonus game option. The cost tends to be around 60x to 80x your base stake, so it’s not exactly cheap, but it might feel worth it if you just want to skip the base game’s chase.

When you purchase this feature, you jump straight into the free spins round, bypassing the normal scatter requirement. Personally, I think it can be exciting if you’re short on time or if you prefer to test the game’s higher-paying segments. However, I’d also caution readers who might be new to this approach: paying for a bonus round can drain your balance faster, especially if your luck doesn’t pan out. It’s a double-edged sword—convenient, but not a surefire path to success.

Seven Spins And The Hot 1 Twist

Standard gameplay awards Free Spins whenever three Scatter pieces—golden chess tokens in this case—land on the reels. You get 7 spins as soon as you see them appear in any position. If you’re able to land 2 scatters in addition to that, you’ll trigger a special respin feature first (I’ll detail that below). Once the free games begin, you’ll see certain symbols can become sticky if you unlock the Wild Gambit side effect. In my experience, it’s a nice little twist that ups the suspense every time the reels stop.

But the real highlight might be the final spin, known as “Hot 1.” During that spin, all sticky symbols upgrade to become more valuable or even switch into wild positions. In some of my sessions, that last spin made all the difference—I’d line up a few top symbols for a satisfying finish. Of course, it doesn’t always guarantee a huge payout, but I love the sense of buildup leading to that conclusive reel stop.

Respin Feature For Second Chances

There’s another nifty treat triggered by landing two gold bonus symbols. I see it as a “second chance” kind of mechanic. Basically, those two reels that hold the triggers will stick in place, and you’ll get a respin on all other reels.

If a third scatter shows up, you’ll be pushed into the free spins feature. If it doesn’t, you at least got a shot at converting a near miss into something bigger. I would not say it pays consistently, but sometimes you only need that single symbol to turn a quiet round into a lively one. It’s an element that adds unpredictability to the base game, which I find quite thrilling.

Other Features

• Scatter Symbol: The golden chess piece triggers free spins when three land, and it also can bring the Mystery Respin if only two appear. You don’t need any payline alignment for the scatters to do their magic.

• Wild Symbol: The wild chess player has the power to replace basic symbols. In my opinion, it shows up fairly often, which can transform a so-so spin into a winning line.

• Multiplier Wild: Whenever the wild is part of a winning combo, it doubles the payout. This might sound small, but a 2x boost can really give your balance a lift when you least expect it.

Benefits And Drawbacks

Pros:

• Theme is quite fresh and appealing if you like gem-styled chess
• x5,000 maximum possible win is enough for moderate thrill
• Second-chance respin can sometimes turn near misses into hits
• I like how the final “Hot 1” spin upgrades sticky positions
• The Buy feature is ideal for those craving immediate bonus action

Cons:

• No separate bonus game besides free spins
• Might be too volatile for short bankrolls
• The buy-in cost for the bonus can be too steep for some players

Checkmate Hot 1 FAQ

Can I Play Checkmate Hot 1 For Real Money? Absolutely. Feel free to pick a trusted casino from this page and bet real cash if that’s what you prefer.

What Is The Biggest Win Possible On Checkmate Hot 1? The top payout can reach x5,000 your stake, which I find respectable for many players looking for medium-range jackpots.

Does Checkmate Hot 1 Have A Mobile Version? Yes. It performs fluidly on phones or tablets, and I didn’t see any graphic downgrades during my test sessions.