A gaming unit may comprise a gaming display being operable to generate images and a controller operatively coupled to the gaming display. The controller may be programmed to select and display a number of player symbols and to generate an outcome of a plurality reels. The controller also may be programmed to display on the gaming display an outcome of the reels, to determine the initial award amount of the outcome of the reels and to determine whether one of the displayed player symbols has a predetermined relationship and can be played on the displayed reel symbols. If the player can play a displayed player symbol, the controller may be programmed to allow the player to play one of the displayed player symbols on the displayed reel symbols and credit an additional award amount.