@Testrider said in #4:
> When looking at the position three rules of thumb comes to mind:
>
> 1. "Pieces that have more space or ways to engage are more valuable"
> 2. "the player with less space/flexiblity usually gets relief from trading"
> 3. "Pawns need to roll forward"
> 4. "It is easier to convert an attack/advantage without double rooks on the board
>
> If you look at 1: The black rooks are a bit stuck, it is not killing but you can imagine black would be happy to trade them off.
>
> If you look at 2: In general white has the space advantage and is pushing, so in general trades here could be favorable for white
>
> If you looka 3: If a trade allowed you a better pawn push, it could well be worth it. Now looking at the position with either all rooks at the board, or with one pair traded off I don't think there is much difference.
>
> 4. If you look at 4: This is a tricky one, on the one hand if you felt that you already had a winning position, then generally trading off a pair of rooks would help you convert that advantage more. However the rule works both ways so if you think about it that black is also attacking (e.g. wanting to eat your pawn), it is easier for them to approach this with less rooks on the board.
>
> In short: You asked 'what is the rule of thumb for the situation' but in these nuanced situations there may be a rule of thumb, but even if you cannot see a clear refusal of it it is still a matter of evaluating other rules of thumb that can also apply to the postion.
>
> ----
>
> Now, a real evaluation of the actual position and move:
> I did not calculate any lines, but it feels like there is no immediate threat. And I do feel that it may be easier for white to keep improving than for black. If so, then it would be good to do this instead of (or before) simplifying.
> Some possibilities that come to mind are pushing the a-b pawns to make your pawn advantage more relevant, or perhaps walking up the king and kingside pawns to capture some more space and let the king join in as soon as the simplification does happen.
Your detailed response is very helpful and much appreciated! Thanks!