I find there are 2 ways to win an auction. The first is to try to be the first bidder. Bid first, make it a low number. Then watch your auction. At the very last possible second (heres where it pays to have a good internet connection and a fast pc) I snipe (even if I am the only bidder). I bid the maximum amount I want to pay, usually in the last 10 seconds. It doesn't always work, but it can work a lot of the time.