When you find a table where you want to play, it is customary to ask the table's server if you may play before taking a seat. Sometimes the players will have a set game or possibly a seated player might be temporarily missing. The server responds by sending you a message.
How you ask to play depends on how you have selected the table:
From the Lobby — Click the Ask to play button on the Lobby toolbar after highlighting the available table in the Lobby.
From a received Message — Click the Ask to play button in the Chat/Messages tool bar after highlighting the message for an available table or server.
From Observer status at table — Send a message directly to the table's server using the Chat/Message pane.
Clicking the Ask to Play button sends a message to the server of the table to ask if you can play — you will see the Ask to Play window:
Go to Table button — takes you to the game-watch view in the Main area.
Go to Lobby button — takes you back to the Lobby. The message has already been sent to the server of the table.