Compare a given value with multiple values field

Using 'like' is your best bet. With multiple condition, you could restrict the return set further. Is there a way to restructure your table? I don't know what the data represents, but you could use a field per list item( you could then index it t get very fast results). You could also use 'like' to grab a larger then needed set, then use PHP to filter the data (also inefficient). -Mike