[DEEJAY]

For my 2¢ 11 is nut`s you have to draw the line somewhere,start 11 then 12 come on the game wasn`t meant to be played that way, everything learned or taught is based in some part, on a full table 9 or 10 max otherwise the odds go out the window. the right thing to do is start two tables and then break down when someone is eliminated. again just my 2¢ worth really can`t believe some people think it`s alright to play that way.

[DEEJAY]

tom your right on the money!

[smoore]

uh... huh?

Well then lets just make it 8 max, all the time. Hell, lets set up hold'em like stud and cap it at 7... after all, hold'em is just stud with community cards, right? That changes whatever it is you're complaining about with "too many" people. I've played in lots of B&M tournaments that start at 11 handed, it's fine.

Although I do prefer NL with 9 (blinds more valuble) and limit with 10 (better chance of a payoff when you hit your hand), what exactly is the problem with playing hold'em with 11 people?

[smoore]

... exactly. Run your tournament with 11 ppl at the table if you want, Spiff, and screw the complainers. If you do, you may want to up the time on the first couple levels of blinds though.

[Captn_All_In]

Well at my game when we get 11 or 12 we play two tables down to 6 guys then combine the games, and reseat everyone. That frees up the second table for a cash game.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally Posted by DEEJAY

For my 2¢ 11 is nut`s you have to draw the line somewhere,start 11 then 12 come on the game wasn`t meant to be played that way, everything learned or taught is based in some part, on a full table 9 or 10 max otherwise the odds go out the window. the right thing to do is start two tables and then break down when someone is eliminated. again just my 2¢ worth really can`t believe some people think it`s alright to play that way.

Well, 12 wouldn't work at least at my table due to space restrictions. Like I said it gets a little cozy with 11. At 12, I have no problem splitting into 6 & 6, both tables are equal, so there's nothing to complain about.
As for the odds, I would say there is a much more significant difference between a 5 handed and 10 handed table than a 10 handed and 11 handed table. 5 handed is a very different game than a full game, at least in my experience.

[Spaceman Spiff]

Originally Posted by smoore

No offense, OP, but your stance of "not fair" is baseless. Either way is completely and absolutely fair as long as seating is random. It's your tournemant, do what you want. I would just do one table of 11, but not out of fairness, just to keep my workload down as people get eliminated. I believe I would use the sentence, "We're doing 11 because otherwise it'll be a pain in MY ass."



The blinds coming around faster in the 5 handed game gets offset because the 5 handed game gets more hands per blind level.

No offense taken at all. If I didn't want the opposing viewpoints, I wouldn't have asked the question.
Your argument makes sense and probably really hits on why I haven't been able to completely convince myself 11 handed is the only way to go. Sure, the blinds go faster 5 handed, but you're also talking about the first 3 levels of blinds or so. Getting hit with an extra 20, 30, or 40 as opposed to another table isn't likely to make a huge difference in the end.

[rockwhack]

The pace of the blinds going around the table are not really relative since they are the same for everyone .The difference is which style of play suits you , 11 handed favors a more patient / trapping style whereas short handed rewards the looser more aggressive player. I myself prefer to start out short-handed , everyone gets to see more hands per hour and it forces the action. Start 6 & 5 if someone gets knocked out from the short table move a person and play down to 8 before combining .

[dad604]

I say 11 is fine. A few B&M poker room starts with 11 to a table.

[imthatguy]

Heck, here in Canada, 11 handed is perfectly legal in a casino. If we do it, it must be okay!