Ruy Lopez, just need some pointers

Thank you very much. I eventually found c3, but it would have had more impact on the fifth move. I also didn't even see Qxd6 due to time trouble. Now the trick is to be able to figure out the best move with a 10 minute time limit.

The only reason I can see for Black's playing 25. ... Kh7 is so that after Ne3-d5, ... Qf6-g6 does not then lose the queen to Nd5-e7+. The mistake was taking the e-pawn on move 27, after which you played the excellent 28. Nf6+. As Black, I'd have tried 27. ... Ra8-a1. The queen on d4 still defends the important dark squares.

Another thought I have is to take a look at Nd1-e3-f5 instead of f2-f4. Just an alternative, piling on the pressure. Then if you later play f2-f4, d4 is defended by the N/f5. The idea is that Black cannot play g7-g6, and Rh3-g3 produces threats on g7.

Just something to consider - I believe it may even be more accurate than playing f2-f4.

Hard to add anything to what paulgottlieb said.

But if I were playing, I would also rather play 5. c3 over 5. Re1, which isn't a blunder, but 5. c3 gets to the point faster. However, it turned out okay. Other than this, the opening is all book as you said, and well played.

The second point where I would differ is playing something like 12. Nc3, which seems a little more active than 12. Nf3. 12. ... b5 can then be answered with 13. Qd1, which also makes your Queen retreat look less awkward, as you were concerned with.

You did a good job of simplifying, but as pointed out, you missed the tactical shot 18. Qxd6. Now that you are up a full piece, you won't have to resort to things like pushing the f-pawn, which compromises your Castled position, and hence your King's safety. The position is very solid, and you can proceed by bringing your other Rook to the center and preparing to attack by pushing the e-pawn and bringing your Knight to the Kingside, if necessary. I think this is the kind of middle game plan that will take your game to the next level.

Black's Rooks are undeveloped, and he will have to worry about protecting his Queenside pawns, so his position should crumble if you keep pressing it. I guess the only thing you might have to worry about is a reckless attack on the Kingside, but given how centralized and active your pieces are, I doubt it will amount to much.

Whenever I see the configuration after black's 3rd move , I immediately think "4. Nxe5 Nxe5 5. d4." Here, that's less of a "yay I equalized!" than it is whn Black gets to play it (in the Italian or elsewhere), so I think I'd prefer 4. c3, preparing d4 and putting the question to that cheeky bishop. If it's good on move 5 it must be even better on move 4, right? :P

I agree with the other points regarding 5. c3 as better - there's no pressure on your e4.

Regarding your comment on move 13, I think Qc2 might be a little better than a full retreat of the Queen, but I can't see much of a difference.