How should one act if they started prayer before the congregation?
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Question
Shalom Rabbi, a person arrived at the Maariv prayer, knowing it would be quick, and started reciting the Shema, including the blessings, 3 minutes before the congregation. The person reached the 'V'ahavta' section, and the chazzan recites Kaddish and then Barchu. How should the individual proceed?
Answer
Shalom Rabbi,
One should respond to Barchu, as well as 'Amen, Yehei Shmei Rabbah', and say 'Da'amiran Be'alma'. Do not respond to the other Amens in the Kaddish.
Intend to pause between verses or where the topic ends in the middle of a verse, but not in the middle of a topic.
Source
Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 66, Seif 3, and Mishnah Berurah there.