I feel often the dynamic of a game changes a good amount throughout a session so I usually ride it out and don't ask for a table change. Also after playing for 4+ hours at a table, my reads on my opponents are developed so I wouldn't want to have to start tuning my radar all over again at a new table when I have just soaked in all of this information on these players.
When do you look to switch tables? and when would you decide to just stay even if game isn't that good? I feel like i could be missing value by never utilizing my option to switch tables but like i said once my reads are locked in im usually ready to tangle with these players so im much less prone to moving tables. I don't know if this is the most profitable strategy tho
changing tables is as much strategy as betting or raising is
I typically look for deep stacks -- at capped low stakes cash games, if a table has a lot of deep stacks it means there has been a lot of action, and that's most likely because players are loose.
I only change tables maybe once every 2-3 sessions. Only when my current table is dreadful and there is a clearly better option. Don't abuse table changes for the tiniest edge, it's long term -ev to have a reputation as the stickler who's just there to take people's money. Also conditions can change quickly. A mediocre table can become great after one cooler. A great table can become bone dry if one player busts. So it's not worth constantly table hopping.
It's a bit different in every room I guess. I play in a small room that usually only has 3 or 4 tables going, so I can quickly get an idea of what's going on in the room. I'm guilty of not table selecting as much as I should, a bit out of laziness, and a bit because sometimes I just like the dynamic of a tougher table. But when I am in a mood to maximize profit, here's what I do.
First off, there are two primary things to consider. Am I at a bad table, and/or does a good table exist.
Identifying a bad table is pretty easy.
-Are there a lot of shorter stacks?
-Are you not seeing any fish play?
-Does it look like people are settling in for a while?
Reads on the table be damned, if you're at a table like this, just look to move on. It can't get much worse.
When looking for a new table.
-Are there a lot of deep stacks?
-Do you recognize any known whales?
-Do you see a lot of alcohol around the table?
-Do they seem more interested in a game on TV than poker?
In both cases I sort of ranked the items in order of importance. Stack depth is usually the most important thing, followed by fishy players. After that, booze and overall table mood are just icing on the cake.
