Sql 2000 Query Optimizer?

I'm looking for an in depth book, article, faq, whatever, regarding the query optimizer...

I've read the books online pretty thoroughly and have been sql coding for a number of years. The system I work on relies heavily on real time access to data and the number crunching procedures we use are a critical part of the design. For the most part, sometimes through trial and error, I have been able to find ways to achieve the performance we need, but I'm often surprised by the methods that prove most effective.

For example, I have cases where I can only get the performance I'm looking for using table functions, and other cases where indexed temporary tables are the only way. I have statements that run fast as a select statement, but when converted to an update statement limp along, forcing me to resort to cursors, temp tables, or table hints with varying degrees of success.

I'm wondering if anyone has come across material that takes an in depth look at the various technologies available and how to tweek queries. I want to get away from hours of testing and hacking.

Thanks for reading. All replies are appreciated.