What makes one group kick more monster ass than others? What helps our team ("Don't Make This Weird") consistently perform well in challenging adventures like the ultimate dungeon delve and the championship? (work in progress)

1. Teamwork. More than any other RPG I have played, 4e has been designed to reward teamwork and synergies between characters. If you want to step up your game, look for ways to help the other party members. Leader types have it easy, they get powers that help the other party members, but everyone should be working to help each other. Shift into a position to offer a flank, help move enemies into a tight group where they can be hit with area attacks. And make sure no one goes down. If an ally has been taken out by damage or a trap, make sure someone in the party is getting them back into the fight. Know how to use skills to help each other out, too -- a timely heal skill check can give an ally a save before their turn, or even let them take a second wind, which might be the difference between going down and staying in the fight.

2. Know the party. There is no substitute for experience playing together. Our team spent a couple of months playing extra sessions together with our characters. Pick-up-groups at the conventions will always have a big disadvantage over other groups because they have not played together.

3. Grok the economy of actions.

4. Have fun. This isn't just why you play, it's a tactic. The tournaments have points and tiebreakers for sportsmanship and things like that. Smile, joke around a little, and have fun with the DM.

5. Focus fire.

6. Know what you are going to do on your turn and don't waste time.

7. Manage initiative.

8. Even in the delve, don't make the mistake of thinking the DM isn't on your side.

Anything else?