Tell Me About Lockpicking

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I purchased a set of lockpicking tools recently and have made attempts on the door across the way. I live in an outdoor apartment complex with what I would assume to be pin and tumbler locks. Don't worry, my neighbors aren't actually neighbors. I live next to the model apartment. There are a few things specifically I'd like to have answered. (1) How do I determine which direction to torque the lock in? Should I assume that turning away from the frame of the door would unlock it, being that the door knob is on the right side of the door? Such as... ________ |..............| |..............| |..............| |...........o.| |..............| |..............| |..............| Are there any techniques besides "practice, practice, practice" and "trial and error" that are used with consistent results? Should I start with the back pin and work my way forward? Is it different with every lock? General lockpicking discussion, tips, tricks, etc.