mysql> show variables like 'SQL_BIG_SELECTS';
+-----------------+-------+
| Variable_name | Value |
+-----------------+-------+
| sql_big_selects | OFF |
+-----------------+-------+
mysql> show variables like 'SQL_MAX_JOIN_SIZE';
+-------------------+-----------+
| Variable_name | Value |
+-------------------+-----------+
| sql_max_join_size | 100000000 |
+-------------------+-----------+
If the join_size is not big enough, that means you are selecting a LOT of stuff, probably plenty of left joins. Please let us know how else we may assist you.