Doubts about Ruy Lopez

Hello there, I am a 600 rated rapid player, and i like to play Ruy Lopez (Spanish Game) as white. I wanted to ask a few questions about this opening as on what to do at certain stages.

In this particular position, which i achieve almost every game in Ruy Lopez, should I retreat my light squared bishop (Which may or may not get chased by the a and b pawn) or capture the knight on c6 (Which would remove a key defender of the e5 pawn and doubles pawn on c-file). I usually opt for the capture of the knight, and i have noticed the evaluation bar go down when i do that. I know it is said bishops are more important than knights, but i feel at this level (since my opponents do frequently trade of their bishops for knights and achieve good positions) it is acceptable.

Should i take the undefended pawn in these positions (Which i also commonly achieve upon trading the bishop and knight), or should castle and develop as normal. I once took this pawn and my opponent used the open e-file with his rooks to attack and later checkmate me. All help will be appreciated. :-)

It's not exactly black and white (pun not intended). Both options have ups and downs.

1. Taking the knight takes out a potentially dangerous early-game piece, but also allows your opponent some breathing room for one of their rooks rather early in the game, potentially causing problems. Your opponent also gains the bishop pair. Retreating can mess up their pawn structure...or do the opposite, making it very hard to break through, and it can also trap your bishop. On the other hand, it can prevent your opponent from castling if you do it right.

2. In this situation, it's probably best to take the hanging pawn; if the capturing knight is attacked by the light-squared bishop, play c4 to open space for your bishop and queen (and do a trade, removing one of Black's very strong bishops, though a strong player likely wouldn't take it), then castle. (You may also play f4 if you don't want to trade queens.) You can now push your now unblocked pawn, forcing your opponent to deal with it. Another interesting idea is a3, stopping your opponent from playing Bb4, though this isn't considered very good by the engine (it's too passive).

I'm definitely not someone who should be giving tips on how to play the game, but I hope this helps lol

In the first case, capturing the pawn is considered not very good move, because black can regain a pawn.

In second example, when Nc3 Nf6 included, taking the pawn is better. Black still can regain a pawn but white is able to castle ang generate play on e file.

But i tell you. By renowned coaches, Ruy Lopez is considered too complex for beginners and intermediate players (many strategical ideas, many subvariations). Openings easier to learn are Italian, Four knights Scotch, Vienna.

I wholly agree with your first point, and this is exactly what i think when playing in Ruy Lopez. Could you post a diagram to illustrate your ideas for the second point. Would be really grateful if you do. Thanks a lot :-)

I do play the London and And Italian regularly, i just wanted to play Ruy Lopez which helped me a lot in 400s and 500s. Thanks for all the help.