1Choose the pattern before the substitute
Make the normal single reel shift, then nominate the three-space pattern. Strike can change one of those spaces into a symbol that is already visible in one of the other two. It cannot reach beyond the selected route to borrow a more convenient emblem.
For a pair such as Bell, Coin, Bell, count the Coin as a Bell to form a triple. For three different symbols, copy one visible type to form a pair. A natural triple needs no substitution, so the practice tray keeps the card unavailable for that result.
2The change belongs to the count
Collect the improved award and turn your Strike card face down. The physical reel strip has not moved a second time. Remove any temporary marker before the next player acts, leaving the original symbols visible.
The digital practice tray highlights its suggested substitution in lavender and labels it Strike. This is a preview until Collect is pressed. The example chooses an immediate improvement; a real player may choose another permitted matching type when collection variety matters more.
3An unused card is still part of the finish
After all six turns, an unused card contributes one extra point. A spent card contributes no separate closing bonus because its improvement was included when that turn was collected. There is no way to buy back or recharge a card.
Keep the card's state easy to check throughout the game. Its face-up or face-down position should answer whether it remains available. If somebody is uncertain, settle the question before the next reel adjustment rather than reconstructing several results later.