In order to be an expert at something it means you must face the best competition everyday and be able to walk away a winner at least some of the time. That is one of the reasons I joined the the The only strategy talk I have for being an expert is that you have to be creative and smart. I am learning how to tool rush, scout boat rush, boat boom, peon boom, and especially how to survive when your opponents use these strategies. I will never give up the fight, I believe I or my teammates will find a way to overcome. Never let an opponent take you out of a game, adjust to what happens and strike back. I have found that the difference between experts and intermediates can be found in our ability to maintain an attack, or retake lost ground. I have had numerous games where I lost a base but moved into one of theirs in the process. I am entering this tournament in order to prove myself against stiff competition. The reason I chose decent teammates is that I want the chance to compete on at least somewhat level ground with the top teams. I am worn out from my teams relying on me to have good games when it counts. But that is the role that an expert has to take no matter how wearying it gets. That is one reason we smurf, to have no pressure games. Of course in smurfed games we always end up going hard anyway so I don't know what difference it makes after all. If experts have a bad game no one covers them. That is why a lot of experts will only play with other experts, so that won't happen. I am tempted by this proposition but I feel covering rookies helps my game as well. Now if you are rookie I play with, I do not intend any disrespect to you. I get in games with you guys in hopes of covering for you so that you can practice. I am an "average" 27 year old kid who never grew up and enjoys games. I have an above average ability but I don't think that makes me special. I respect all players of the APC and forum who play with and against experts and rookies not based on their ability but on their desire to have fun and improve. I respect how much you all know about the game, units, etc. and I try to learn from that. I hope that you in return you will respect me as a hard working player who just wants to play and not be disliked for being too good or too bad. I don't think I will come anywhere close to winning the tournament but maybe I will open your eyes to the fact that there are a lot of independents out there who can play the game. I am like Breydel. I too want to be apart of an exceptional clan so that I can continue to improve. If any would have me and the APC members won't hate me for it, please contact me if you have any membership openings. Here is what I am really trying to say, that is if anyone is reading these...I worked hard to get where I am today and will continue to work hard in order to stay among the top group of players. I edited this message and need to add a little more maybe but I keep running out of time