ways pays question

Been trying some new slots that use this “ways pays” thing instead of regular paylines. I get the basics, like matching symbols on any reel from left to right, but it still trips me up. Sometimes I get three matching symbols all the way across and the win feels tiny, then other times two or three symbols pop and the payout's weirdly bigger. Not sure if it's just the symbol values or if there's something else in the background math I'm missing.

I’ve always preferred table games but I’m giving these a fair shot. Can someone explain what triggers the better hits on ways pays setups? Is there some strategy to chasing certain reels or stacks, or is it all just spin and pray? I look at the paytables but all those numbers and diagrams scramble my brain after a while. Want to get a handle on what I’m really risking before sinking in too much bankroll.