I have seen many players toss out threads for list advice and ask for tips on tournament play.
I have only been to 2 small store tournaments and will be attending Assault on Imdaar Alpha on Friday, so I'll pass on advice that I received from players, both on the forum here and at the table.
1) Fly what you know how to fly. The common mistake is to build up a list that you want to fly but don't have all the interactions or situational modifiers covered. Stick with ships and upgrades that you know how they work for you. You don't want to be testing out a list at a tournament, unless that is your goal. e.g I skip using Rebel Captive because I never play it and I always forget to assign the stress from it. It becomes 3 unused points at a tournament for me.
2) Only do maneuvers that you are sure will work; don't chance it! Many times players will think a maneuver will work and try it, only to land on a rock or not clear a ship. If you are not sure, make sure. A 2 turn looks good while a 3 turn will look great. A 3 straight might clear then a 4 straight certainly will.
3)
And don't forget to do up a bat rep letting us know how you did, even if you came in dead last.
http://community.fantasyflightgames.com/index.php?/topic/89995-gatineauottawa-tournament-report/