how do i update a column value depending on a condition...

[excession]

I want to update the value in a column only if it is less than a supplied value.

for example if I had a table called autionItems containing a column called offers, I have got a new offer and need to update the autionItems table only if the new offer is greater than the existing value.

Thanks in advance

 

[swampBoogie]

E.g.

update auctionItems 
  set offers = $newOffer
 where itemid = 4711
   and offers < $newOffer

where the variable $newOffer contains the new value.