There is only one guaranteed way to win an auction:
Grossly overbid.
If in your mind winning is the only thing that defines a successful auction bid, then by all means, grossly overbid away (hit my auctions while you’re at it!). Chances are slim to none that you’ll lose any of the auctions you participate in… unless, of course, you go head-to-head against another grossly overbidding nutcase. 
Repeat after me: It’s not about winning… it’s about winning it at the price you want.
Before you bid, set a Drop Dead Price. That’s what I call it anyway, the highest price you’ll go to acquire the item. If bidding exceeds that limit, forget about it and move on.
Be strong. We’re not talking about something priceless here. How do we know that? You set a drop dead price! (If, for whatever reason, the item is indeed priceless and something you just gotta have, well, you’re on your own.)
Granted, being strong is tough when you’re monitoring and participating in an auction live. So don’t. Snipe instead.
