So sample size might be a factor here, so my observation might be somewhat anecdotal, but my experience in auction drafts have been consistent. To land the studs, one must be willing to pay quite a bit more than the suggested maximum bid, whether it be according to PC Drafter or 4for4.com's numbers. Is this your experience as well? I have a feeling that if I never bid more than the suggested maximum, I wouldn't be very happy with my team, but I never really put that theory to the test. Have you tried it? I guess what I'm asking is how often and by how much are you willing to overspend for a specific player in an auction draft?
I think you're both right. I do a little planning before the draft, and I target 2-4 stud players I really want to "overspend" to get, and I also target guys that I consider starters who I can get for great value. Then, I grab the max amounts that 4for4 has listed for the guys that I think could be bargains, and I form a team with those players, along with some possible 1 dollar fillers. After I'm done there, I calculate how much money I have left and that helps me understand how much I can spend on my studs. Usually I can overpay for at least 2 guys, up to 25% and still get the team I'm really looking for.
sbeezleton, I agree in theory. But the way it plays out, at least in my experience is that the teams that land a couple studs, even if it meant overpaying, tend to do very well. Also, I convince myself that I can afford to overspend on studs by because I tell myself that I'm perhaps a bit more savvy than the average guy, and can land value later on when everyone is filling their roster with the $1 players.
I don't usually chime in, but that is my experience as well. In the heat of the moment, people tend to get emotional and/or panic which leads to higher bids. IMO if it is a guy you want, don't be afraid to do what it takes to win the bid. If you do decide to not chase bids, it will even out when your league mates have spent their money and you're able to get good value later on.
