It was a combination. Obviously luck was involved but plenty of mobsters are alive today due to luck.

I mean he sniffed out the Chin's plot to lure him to a sit down in NYC and have him killed.

People always discredit Merlino but I always thought he was a little sharper than everyone gave him credit for. Probably works in his advantage when everyone thinks he is an idiot

But Merlino overcame a lot to rise up in Philly at a young age..he was smart enough to build a loyal following