As for the game, it defies prediction.
Back in March, Hillary had allowed herself to ponder for a moment the ecstasy of reaching the Pole, but had drawn back, saying, "The thought is so awe-inspiring that, to me, it defies prediction".
Like so much of our American lives, it defies prediction and common sense, but we have been happier in that house than either of us could have imagined when we set out with our two suitcases more than 30 years ago, looking for a home we could never quite afford or imagine we would finally find.
For years it has defied predictions of its decline and will doubtless do so again in 2016.
It has defied predictions that lavish video game productions will soon be sidelined by a multitude of cheaper and more disposable smartphone apps.
In recent years it has defied predictions of a hard landing as a result of bad loans, investment-led overheating, food inflation that exceeded 20 percent in early 2008, the threat of protectionism and the global financial crisis.
Its resolution represents another variable in a nomination fight that has consistently defied prediction.
Whatever, the subsequent turn of events defied prediction.
Griff Witte, James McAuley and Isaac Stanley-Becker report: "The result brought to a close a tumultuous and polarized campaign that defied prediction at nearly every turn, although not at the end.
When schools are admitting five, six, seven, and 13percentt of the applicants -- fill in your own numbers here -- the competition is not only stiff but it often defies prediction or explanation.
Following Ukip's stunning performance in the Euro-elections in May and its first two parliamentary by-election triumphs, the party has consolidated its claim to be the third force in British politics and defied predictions it would fall back after its high in early summer.
