Players take turns spinning the wheel and selecting letters for a hidden phrase. Correct consonants earn the value shown on the wheel, while vowels can be purchased with accumulated winnings. A player may attempt to solve the phrase after revealing enough letters.

Rounds progress through different puzzle categories, with bankrupt and other wheel results affecting a contestant's score. The primary objective is to solve more puzzles and finish with the highest total. The DOS edition focuses on the standard game-show format rather than exploration or a separate campaign.

Use common consonants first when the wheel value is high, but avoid spending too much on vowels before the phrase structure is clear.

Track repeated letter patterns and category clues. When a likely solution becomes apparent, solve promptly rather than risking a bankrupt result on another spin.