A gaming device wherein when a certain symbol is displayed on a certain reel in a certain combination of symbols, the symbol is adapted to be changed or modified to at least one other symbol. That is, when at least two flanking symbols are displayed on the reels but the two flanking symbols are separated by at least one convertible symbol, the convertible symbol is changed or modified to a flanking symbol. The player is provided an award, if any, based on the combination of the flanking symbols and the changed convertible symbol.