My ritual is kinda like this:

Fill the bowl with prepared tobacco VERY LOOSELY, then gently press it down to about the half way point. Fill again and press a little harder until it's about 2/3 full, then top off and pack it down gently. You should have an easy draw.

I've used torch lighters, but they can easily scorch your pipe if you aren't very careful. I use a bic mostly. Light while taking small quick puffs until the entire top is glowing, take a few puffs, and let it go out.(called a false light, or charring light) Now use your tamper with just enough pressure to level the ashes in the bowl. The next light should keep it going with gentle regular puffs.

About half way through, tamp gently then dump the ashes out. don't tap them, just let them fall out. tamp again and relight if needed.

If at any time you start getting gurgling or excess resistance, run a pipe cleaner down the stem all the way to the bowl and soak up the goop.

I can usually get through a bowl with only two or three re-lights, but don't worry if you have to light more often.. You'll develop your own technique over time, this just works for me.