One question at the foot of every issue. Answer it correctly, and early, and you climb. That is the entire game.
The board fills after the first issue.
Nothing is shown here until there is a real score to show.
The clock starts when the issue is sent, not when you open it. The maximum speed bonus is deliberately smaller than the base score — a blind guess at four options averages under four points, while knowing the answer twelve hours later earns twelve. Being right is worth more than being quick, and it is meant to stay that way.
Season one opens with the first issue. The question sits at the foot of the letter, so the only way to play is to be on the list.
Whether or not you asked for it.