Openings: understand, don't memorize

Why plans beat move lists.

At the intermediate level, an opening is not a list of moves to recite — it's a way of reaching a middlegame you understand. The goal is to learn the typical pawn structures, where each piece belongs, and the plan you're steering toward.

The diagram is the main line of the Closed Ruy Lopez: both sides simply followed the principles — center, develop, castle — into a rich middlegame that revolves around White's coming d4 break. You don't memorize this; you understand the plan, so you'd find these moves on your own. A small, consistent repertoire works best: one main opening for White and reliable answers to 1.e4 and 1.d4 as Black.

Learn the plan and structure, not twenty memorized moves.
A compact repertoire you know well beats a thick one you don't.
Off-beat or out-of-order moves? Fall back on principles: develop, take the center, get the king safe.

The Closed Ruy Lopez: developed by principle, both kings castled, poised around White's d4 break. Understand it — don't memorize it.

What's the best thing to take away from studying a position like this?

Answer the question to keep going!