a gaming machine for conducting a wagering game includes a value input device for receiving a wager , an array of positions for displaying respective randomly selected symbols , and a controller . the displayed symbols include a special symbol and a chain of adjacent symbols at least partially encompassing the special symbol . the controller is operative to progressively move and stop the chain of adjacent symbols at each of a plurality of locations and evaluate the array for any winning combinations of the displayed symbols when the chain of adjacent symbols is stopped at each location .