Scotch game. No way really to hold on to the e-pawn so exchange it is.

Or Nxc6, making a double pawn, or Nb3, saving the knight with a tempo.

Otherwise good but the queen's knight is a bit blocked as a result.

Or Bxa3, shredding the white pawn formations on the queen side, but I wanted the rest of my officers in play. This threatens the center, blocks Nc4,and opens the diagonal c8-h3 for my bishop, even prepares a queen side castle.

Good move. I totally missed that.

? Good threats there, but it's not quick enough after the exchange, leading to the loss of a pawn and an isolated white d-pawn. exd5 would been better I think.

Qxd4 would've been better, but the e-pawn is still lost.

yes, yes. My queen is too exposed. You get to develop your pieces at will while I run for cover.

? how about g3, preparing Bf4 and then Bxc7 ? Or Qc2 with a double threat on c7 and e5?

Not a very strong place for the rook.. Rc1 could be at least as good.