These days, its only the slam dunks that are getting through on the first try.

FORBES: FDA Responds To Outraged Arena Investors

Critics argue that the second chance will encourage banks to push the limit on the first try.

FORBES: New Stress Tests Are Less Stressful; Banks Given A Second Chance To Pass

He was able to figure it out on the first try and I thought I was quite creative in coming up with that passcode, too!

FORBES: Don't Get Hacked In 2011

How could you tell it perfectly on the first try?

FORBES: Don't Pitch Your Company, Share Your Story

Who gets it totally right on the first try anyway?

FORBES: How 600 Bucks Buys 20 Million Users

While she passed the extensive blind tastings and written exams on the first try, it took four attempts and a performance coach go get her through the final service exam.

FORBES: Dream Jobs: Laura Maniec, Master Sommelier

The Anthem's touch functionality didn't give a good first impression either, not responding on the first try for a handful of basic functions, and slowly dragging from pane to pane.

ENGADGET: ZTE Anthem 4G hands-on (video) Mobile

The easiest is to focus on the first, try to combine it with the second and most importantly, the last.

FORBES: Passion, Hobby, or Purpose?

As a bright young tort lawyer, he was elected to the Senate on his first try in 1998 and was picked to be John Kerry's running mate in 2004.

ECONOMIST: A disappointingly grubby coda to a political career

Because of the tumult around him, the first two go astray, but on the third try he hits the victim flush on the head.

NPR: 'The Swallows of Kabul' Book Excerpt

Plan ahead, be bold in your color choices, and try colors on the house first.

FORBES: Narrowing Down Exterior Paint Colors for Your Home