You can get a general idea about the opening that way, but you really need a bit more guidance. There are approximately 40 videos on the Ruy Lopez on chess.com. Here's a good way to start...
https://www.chess.com/video/player/openings-for-beginners-the-ruy-lopez
When you have watched it a few times, then you can make use of the Explorer and it will make a lot more sense to you. Sam Shankland has a 4 video course on starting the Ruy Lopez that might be the next step. Good luck!
Thanks so much for all the help!
Should I keep clicking on the most used lines and follow that as the best lines to take?
Yes and no. The "most used lines" are popular for a reason, and moves with triple-digit use numbers or more are almost always trustworthy. However, from time to time what appeals to GMs are not suitable for us mere mortals, as illustrated in the following example:
Starting from move 6, all the moves are the most popular according to Chessbase's live book. An early draw by perpetual check, though, is obviously not enjoyable for a blitz game at chess.com.
So, how do we know when to follow the most popular line and when not to? You may dive into different lines (the most popular, 2nd, 3rd and so on), develop your own understanding on each and choose the line you're most comfortable with. This, however, is a time-consuming process. Repertoire books, videos and online courses will (hopefully) help you understand these lines faster.
Thank you for in the input. I will follow along as you suggested.
Please bear in mind also that your likely opponents at your level probably won't stay with "book" moves for too long. You may be tempted to memorize long sequences of moves, but that's not the best use of your time. Try to learn the typical plans of the opening instead. The Ruy Lopez often involves very subtle repositioning of your forces in order to eke out a slight advantage. Luckily your opponents probably won't have either the patience or knowledge to do so. Good luck!
Baddogno: Thank you for the input. Do you feel that there is a better opening to follow as a low level player? I only picked the Ruy Lopez because a friend plays that, and I like that I can castle fast. Any suggestions are always welcome.
Thank Anat, I will go take a look at that. Much appreciated!
I've been doing A LOT of the tactics trainer. Thought I might change it up and look at some openings.
which opening should one master by heart
Chess Openings Resources for Beginners and Beyond...
https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/openings-resources-for-beginners-and-beyond
https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell
@cooksrule: Lots of good advice and resources here. I'll second Anat's suggestion that perhaps the Giuoco Piano is a better place to start. What's good about it is that it's a slightly easier opening to understand and more folks know it so you can get a little deeper into "book". You will perhaps run into players though, even at your level, who are booked up on it, but that can also be inspirational and a good learning experience. And of course you really should slog your way through the Lessons. They're really well done and condense what might take you years to learn into one series of lessons. It's all good though; learn whatever appeals to you. Good luck!
Most folks probably expect 3.. a6 when playing/studying the Lopez, but there is 3... f5 the Schliemann which leads to very sharp play. Its a fascinating line that leads to many interesting positions.
e4 e5 Nf3 Nc6 Bb5 f5! Nc3?! Nd4! (rather than fxe). This leads to some wild chess play. Its seems even strong GM's dont want to deal with the complications and avoid 4) Nc3 and play 4) d3 instead.
So I'm trying to learn how to use the Roy Lopez opening. I've gone to the opening software here and found that opening. I play through the first three moves or so that seem to be book opening, but then it gives a list of possible moves with the most favorite at the top.
Should I keep clicking on the most used lines and follow that as the best lines to take? Is there something that I'm missing about using this opening software?
Any help would be appreciated.
You need to gain an understanding of "why" the pieces, and pawn go where they go.
I agree about the Italian Game - Giuoco Piano. Apparently it is being played by more GM's in recent times. Like the Ruy Lopez, you could play the Italian Game for the rest of your chess career. It is that good.
In the following list search for 'Italian' and 'Piano' for several good books treating this opening. In particular noting the following three books (which I suggest to acquire/study in this order)...
My First Chess Opening Repertoire for White: A Turn-key Package for Ambitious Beginners by Vincent Moret
Understanding before Moving 1: Ruy Lopez - Italian Structures by Herman Grooten
Winning with the Slow (but Venomous!) Italian by Carsten Muller & Georgios Souleidis
Good Chess Openings Books For Beginners and Beyond...
https://www.chess.com/blog/RussBell/good-chess-openings-books-for-beginners-and-beyond
Chessable has courses on the Italian Opening featuring the first two books...
https://www.chessable.com/chess-openings/s/italian
https://www.chessable.com/chess-openings/s/moret
https://www.chessable.com/my-first-chess-opening-repertoire-for-white/course/7543/
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=my+first+chess+opening+repertoire
Check out my book review here (as 'RLBell') of Vincent Moret's White Opening Repertoire book...
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=my+first+chess+opening+repertoire+for+white&i=stripbooks&crid=3R9A0QW7H1DF2&sprefix=my+first+chess+opening+repertoire+for%2Cstripbooks%2C219&ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_37
John Bartholomew is one of the founders of Chessable.....here he reviews Vincent Moret's book & course...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f41ZbPq9OpE
So I'm trying to learn how to use the Roy Lopez opening. I've gone to the opening software here and found that opening. I play through the first three moves or so that seem to be book opening, but then it gives a list of possible moves with the most favorite at the top.
Should I keep clicking on the most used lines and follow that as the best lines to take? Is there something that I'm missing about using this opening software?
Any help would be appreciated.