This incarnation was one of the shortest-lived elements in the show's history, being used for only eight episodes. It was not used during the weeks of November 3-17, 1997, due to the former week being a Celebrity Week and the latter two being road shows taped in Denver. Starting October 3, the text 'Prize Puzzle' began appearing in small-caps on the category strip. The actual first puzzle was EXPLORING MODERN CHINA (Event), for a trip to Shanghai. On its first episode, Pat explained the new element by noting that the puzzle described the prize, giving the example puzzle of EXCITING AFRICAN SAFARI. Despite this, all but one was Event the only exception was SUN-DRENCHED BEACHES OF MEXICO on September 26, in the category of Places. This version of the Prize Puzzle only used three categories (not counting plurals): Event, Place, and Thing. It was likely added as a 'bonus' for such players in turn, these episodes did not offer a second Wheel Prize in Round 3.
The Prize Puzzle was first used during Season 15 for Friday Finals, in Round 1. The first incarnation of the Prize Puzzle lasted from Septemto November 28, 1997. The Prize Puzzle awards a prize, usually a trip, to the contestant who solves the puzzle. The Prize Puzzle is one of the gameplay elements on Wheel of Fortune.