Hi „select first(8) ID from TBL_TEST where ID not in (select first(2) ID from TBL_TEST order by ID desc) order by ID desc”
few things: Just hint but „first” is not function First(8) is same as First 8 😉 You should avoid NOT IN queries and use EXISTS/NOT EXISTS instead. But if you really need it then such subquery should be well indexed. >> „Is there a way to force limiting the result set before sorting it?” Create descending index on ID column, than this subquery will go throught index without sorting. It will be instant i suppose Regards, Karol Bieniaszewski