For ArcGIS 10.3.1 and SQL Server 2008 R2 environment, in the Definition Query of ArcMap:
When using two joining tables, the query can be simple:
table1.starting > '2016-02-29 00:00:00'
However, using three joining tables, the query has to be the following for ArcGIS 10.3.1, but it doesn't work for ArcGIS 10.1:
table2.id2 > 0 AND table3.id3 > 0 AND table1.starting > date'2016-02-29 00:00:00'
Why should they be different using date or not? Many simple queries by using Date work for two joining tables, but DO NOT WORK for three joining tables !!!
The above queries are for ArcSDE and SQL Server 2008 R2