RULE CLARIFICATIONS ON ENTERING A TOURNAMENT!!
- Lance Palmer
- Oct 11
- 2 min read
I've had a couple of questions regarding entering a tournament in the Small Blind/Big Blind position and what the starting stack is for players who register late and/or are alternates for a tournament. Hopefully this clears up any confusion. If you have any questions please feel free to ask any of the dealers or tournament hosts at any of our venues. You can also reach out directly to me at lance@misfitspoker.com. Thanks
Scenario 1: Player A busts out and Player B, an alternate is seated into what would be the small blind.
Question #1: Does Player B become Small Blind or is it one Big Blind and Player B sits out a hand?
Answer to #1: Rule 3)d)ii)(3)(i): Alternates may enter the tournament in any position except the Small Blind or the Button. So Player B would technically sit out 2 hands before being dealt in, in the Cut-Off position.
Additionally RTI Rule 4)b)xi)(6) states that when a new player enters the game for the first time, they may not do so in the Small Blind or the Big Blind.
RTI Rule 4)b)xi)(7) further clarifies that if an active player is being moved to another table, they are permitted to enter the new table and play in any position, as assigned. This includes the Small or Big Blind.
Scenario 2: Player A shows up after start of the tournament but BEFORE the first break and becomes Alternate #1. The player doesn't get seated until AFTER the first break.
Question #2: What is Player A's starting stack? 2k or 3k?
Answer to #2: If a player shows up BEFORE the first break, they get the standard starting stack of 3k, even if they are designated an alternate, no matter when they actually get seated.
If a player shows up AFTER the first break, in accordance with RTI Rule 3)d)ii)(2)(c), they receive 2k, regardless of when they get seated (they could be an alternate)
In summary...The starting stack is determined based on WHEN the player checked into the tournament, NOT when they were seated to begin play for the tournament.
Please feel free to review all of the League Rules, Structure, and Code of Conduct. You can do so right here:
