The Field of Wonders

Format

Three players take turns spinning a cylinder that determines a point value or special event, then guessing letters in a hidden puzzle to accumulate points. Unlike the American version, every puzzle on a given show follows a single theme, and the puzzle itself is the answer to a question revealed beforehand as an extra hint. If a player correctly guesses three different letters in a row during one turn, they may choose one of two boxes for a permanent cash bonus.

Landing on zero or bankrupt does not interrupt this streak. Special wheel spaces include: Prize (П), where the player can take 1000 points, accept a secret prize from a black box (which could be a car, another prize, or a gag item like a vegetable), or take a cash buyout similar to Let's Make a Deal; Plus (+), which lets the player pick a letter position and reveal that letter and all its occurrences in the puzzle, without earning points; Chance (Ш), allowing the player to call a random viewer for help—if that viewer guesses the correct letter or word, they win a prize, while the player receives no points and may change their guess, or the player can skip this space and take 1500 points; Bankrupt (Б), which removes all points and ends the turn, but hitting Bankrupt twice in a row wins a prize; 0, which simply ends the turn; ×2, which doubles the player’s score for a correct letter—in earlier seasons, each instance of the chosen letter doubled the total, but more recently the player earns their current score again for each instance; and Million (М), which offers a chance at one million rubles by picking one of two bags (one holds the money, the other bagels), and the player may decline the attempt.

Russian cultural features

On the American show the wheel spins fast and letters are guessed rapidly, whereas on the Russian show the wheel is designed to spin very slowly so the host can have lengthy conversations with the contestant. The candidates and host gather around a well-laid table. An early tradition involves contestants bringing gifts for the host, such as a factory's famous product or a culturally significant item from their hometown. The production company established a museum near their studio where these gifts are displayed. Most candidates also bring homemade food, which the moderator often tastes and gives out to the public. Each guest brings a musical gift, performing themselves or having friends, relatives, or children sing and dance, often performing traditional songs.