Note that I didn't say, "Luck".

Tournaments are very much dependent on chance in my experience. Especially after the 1st half. I'm talking about MTT's specifically, not really having much experience of late with Sit n' Go's.

I get so pissed off after playing as an also-ran in yet another tournament (I just can't break into the top 10% in the last 6 I've played), then I go back to my ring games for solace, and usually win most, if not all of my buy-in back. Ring games are more dependent on skill. You have more control of your fate.

Not to say there's not an vestige of skill needed in tournaments, but if Karma is on your side, you'll do a lot better than if it's not.

Still, they're quite addictive, tournies. Kinda like the lottery.