About 40 games in I noticed an improvement. And at 80+ games am seeing further improvement.

Started last September and won my first tournament after playing only two weeks. But it was only 4 people and I got extremely lucky, rolling 4 natural hits 2 turns in a row with an interceptor at range 1. And had forgotten that interceptors' pilot ability to spend an evade to add a hit, didn't work at range 1.

Next 3 tournaments I only averaged 1 win each. Last few tournaments, I consistently make the cut or come very close (including coming 11th at the Florida regionals and 2nd at a 40+ store championship). Don't get discouraged.

advice, for what it's worth.

Play builds you are familiar with, but don't be afraid to mix it up.

Plan how you'll fly against common meta lists.

As I became more familiar with what my opponents lists could do, I started doing 'safer' moves. As a result became less aggressive and more predictable. Don't be afraid to be aggressive and keep your teeth sunk in.

Try to be unpredictable when the opportunity arises.

Force bumps

Be flexible and capitolize on opponent's mistakes.

Learn to distinquish between a trap/lure and a mistake.

As long as you are trying to learn, you should be fine.