Ruy Lopez: exchange variation

does anybody know the best way to execute this opening?

Like most openings both colors have choices along the way.

Maybe the first choice is move 5. When I played it I did the now popular 5.0-0

5.Nc3, I think called the Keres variation(?) is supposedly solid, but one of those annoying equal positions where it's easier for white to play (so I've been told anyway).

Anyway, the first thing I like to to do with any new opening is play over some GM games to get an idea of some common ideas and maneuvers.

The most basic idea is white's kingside majority is healthy (can generate a passer in the endgame) while black's is not (the c pawns are doubled).

https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-openings/main-ideas-in-the-ruy-lopez

alright thanks a lot guys I'll take your recommendations and try adding some variations

The idea for White behind Ruy Lopez Exchange is simple. White will play 5. 0-0 and very often d4 (d and e-pawns will come off the board)--meaning that White will have a 4-3 advantage on the kingside and Black will have a 4-3 advantage on the queenside. The problem for Black is that his c-pawns will be doubled and, thus, he will not be able to easily take advantage of that pawn majority. White will want to exchange as many pieces as possible (naturally, Black will do the opposite) to take advantage of his pawn majority. Since beginners tend to trade a lot, this may be a good opening for beginners. Bobby Fischer was actually undefeated in this opening in the 12 games he played: http://gambitopenings.blogspot.com/2011/02/bobby-fischer-and-ruy-lopez-exchange.html Go over those games to get more ideas.