Alternates

[Ironside]

This is where it gets confusing though ironside. Some people would prefer to come in if blinds were not taken, due to playing less players and not risking any chips. So these people will now be hanging on to get to the alternate list instead, causing mayhem.

there are good and bad sides to be an alternate
good

you play less players
you play less deep stack play (alot of newbies internet players are poor in deep stages)

bad

you start with less than average stack
its harder to build up a stack as blinds are normally about to go up or have just gone up



now the way you get round the GC is by saying the player does start with the full starting stack just that he is forced into making a compulsory bet first hand by his chips going into the pot

[dik9]

including his BB as well if he comes in on it? Is the inclusion of his chips live or does he have to post blind as well before he can raise..if he can raise?

[dik9]

Does everyone have to call the amount he puts in or does the BB get an advantage?

[Ironside]

i would say that he paid the bb the rest is dead money (just like in a cash game when you sit out in the blinds and come back before blinds hit you again you pay the bb/sb but sb is dead money)
remember it is likely only to be 1 or 2 rounds as alternates should only be able to get in for first 1 hour 2 at max

[dik9]

So if it is dead money then the BB has a definate advantage, doesn't he?

[Ironside]

nope as the alternate is also in the pot and UTG and every other player also knows the dead money is in there so there is more chance of a steal attepmt

[dik9]

UTG so he will be the first person to act?

[Ironside]

no the UTG player would know that the dead money is in the pot so no one gets unfair advantage

[dik9]

OK that sounds reasonable to me, Let me ponder on it for a while. TY