Table selection

At this point in my poker education, I understand the importance of table selection. What I have a hard time with is the process of working the cardroom to "find" the good tables. I realize that it is important to look for things like the aggressiveness of the table and the tightness, but I'm not sure how to go about actually accomplishing this in many cardrooms. When there is a rail, you can get a look at the table(s) near the rail, but those are not often the games I want to check out. When I go and stand near the table I'm interested in, I get looks and generally feel uncomfortable and out of place. So when there is a selection of tables at your limit, how do you actually go about scouting the tables out and how long does it take.


On a related point, how do table changes work? Can I request a table change to a specific table (or do you decide that any table is better than the one you're at)?

Most casinos let you ask for a specific table for a table change. They'll write down your name indicating the from-to table numbers. Others just have a list and you get bumped to the bottom if you don't want a particular change.


Scouting is tough. I'm pretty good at profiling the PLAYERS and predicting their play and so don't spend much time looking at the pots. But you can always take a slow tour of the section of interest to you letting you see one hand at each table. Repeat every couple minutes.


If you see 3 hands at one table and they all look good the chances that's a fluke are remote.


If you suspect a good table put yourself on the change list and continue to observe; you can always decline when the time comes.


- Louie