The documetns/articles on the web are pretty high level. anyone know of any documents that go into more detail. When I look at a tkprof output I see somewhat different dynamic sampling queries when the optimizer level is at 2 (this is 10.2). Case 1: Case statement in the query based off of a column in a join clause (between a GTT and a base table). The sample block clause is hard coded. Case 2: No case statement. This query is also joining from a GTT to a base table. The sample block clause is populated with a bind variable. I am hoping either oracle or someone has some more details of why dynamic sampling queries can be different?