Lockpicking in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion involves a mini-game where you manipulate tumblers inside a lock using lockpicks. Here's how it works and how to succeed:

• When you start lockpicking, you see several tumblers that you need to set at the top of their springs. The number of tumblers depends on the lock's difficulty.
• You move the lockpick horizontally to select a tumbler, then push it vertically to raise the tumbler.
• The key is timing: you must set the tumbler exactly when it moves up slowly and reaches the top of the lock. If you try to set it too early or when it moves quickly, your lockpick will break.
• Tumblers move up and down at varying speeds in a pattern. The best strategy is to wait patiently for the tumbler to rise slowly before pressing the button to set it.
• If a tumbler moves too fast, let it fall back down and try again to avoid breaking your lockpick.
• You can keep tapping the tumbler to keep it bouncing slowly near the top, giving you more time to set it.
• When you successfully set a tumbler, it changes color to indicate success.
• If you fail, the lockpick breaks and some or all tumblers may reset depending on your Security skill level.
• Higher Security skill makes lockpicking easier by increasing the margin of error and reducing tumbler resets.
• Sound cues can help: a higher-pitched "click-cleek" sound indicates the tumbler is moving slowly and ready to be set.
• Lockpicks are consumable and can break, so keep a good supply.

In summary, lockpicking in Oblivion is about patience and timing-waiting for each tumbler to rise slowly before setting it to avoid breaking your lockpicks and successfully opening the lock