Bluff to Distract - Hide - Re-enter Combat

[Infiniti2000]

Re-enter combat is not a rules-based phrase, it's just an English language phrase. I was in combat, and now I want to re-enter combat.

Perhaps not strictly but I'm equating "re-enter combat" with "start a new encounter", which does have rules. Otherwise your question on initiative makes no sense.

What is the debate over it? What other alternative interpretation shave you seen?

It doesn't explicitly say "invisible" and thus some argue you get no (little?) benefit for hiding. Strange, yes.

But how does that work? Are you saying the opponent loses their dex bonus if you attack them from a place of hiding?

I treat it just like invisibility, i.e. visually undetectable.

 

[Dheran]

How does this tactic work for a rogue with sneak attack? Assume you bluff to distract successfully, you hide in concealment or behind cover thereafter and are not spotted, and then you want to re-enter combat again. Do you re-roll initiative?

No. Initiative is rolled at the start of an encounter.

Are your opponents flat-footed versus you?

No. Opponents who cannot see you are denied their DEX bonus to AC, and you gain a +2 bonus to attack them.

Do you strike as if invisible?

As long as you remain hidden, yes.

And how does the movement work with that hide check? It says you can thereafter hide within I think 1' per rank in hide, is that a move action itself? Is there a negative to the hide roll? Is it combined with the hide action?

You need to read the Move between Cover explanation in the Hide skill treatment in Complete Adventurer. Basically you can move up to your ranks in Hide away from cover, in feet, while still attempting to remain hidden. Your Hide check is penalized by -1 per foot you move. If you make your Hide check at the end of your movement you're still hidden; if not, you're visible.