Distribution valves. What are they about and how to read symbols

I warmly welcome
I have a problem understanding how spool valves are shown in the diagrams. I've been thinking about it for a long time and I still don't understand it. I know that the number of positions is determined by the number of squares and that the number of connections shows how many flow paths there are, i.e. what is in the notebook. I also looked on the internet but I couldn't find the answer. I do not understand what indicates that the valve is open or closed and which means that the valve is e.g. 3-way.
I would ask you gentlemen to explain it to me because I cannot understand it myself ?
Thank you in advance, in the attachment I am sending photos from the notebook ?

For example, let's take the valve in your notebook

This valve has 3 positions and 3 ways. You can imagine this valve as on the models below
(cross-section of the valve is shown).
Location 1

Location 2

Location 3


The last figure shows the stubs which indicate the number of valve paths. As you can see, location no. 2 has all roads closed
that is, the valve is closed in this case. Of course not (such a valve does not look like this in reality, but the diagram shows just such a solution). These types of valves are used to control the flow of gases or liquids in pneumatic and hydraulic systems, but you probably know this by the name of the item.

As you look at the diagram, the valve has:
- as many positions as there are squares on its symbol
- as many roads as you can see external connections.

What is inside the square shows the flow between the valve ports.
As the valve position changes, the entire bar with squares moves. A square is inserted between the connections that remain permanently in the diagram, showing the flow in this position.