Determining when to switch from a tight to a loose strategy in poker involves paying attention to table dynamics and adjusting your approach based on the game's progression. As you gather more information about your opponents' playing styles and the table's overall aggression level, you can reassess your strategy and make adjustments accordingly. A key indicator for switching to a looser strategy is when you notice your tight image is being respected too much, and opponents are becoming too cautious around you. By mixing up your game and introducing more aggression, you can create opportunities to exploit your opponents' newfound caution and maximize your expected value.