I've figured how to play this quiz. The trick is not to be first. That way you can wait until the other suckers contestants have a go, and see if any of the leaders post an 8. If so, when you take your turn you can relax, cogitate, change your mind, etc. It might take 140 seconds for you to to get a 9, but that's still better than an 8 which only took 54 seconds.
I'm anticipating a different atmosphere this month, as contestants all wait until the last minute before taking part. It'll be like bloody eBay.