6 edits
We don't need to worry about that second variation anymore because it just transposed into this one:
Any suggestions as to changes is this variation so we can get a checkmate in 6 moves? Would 1. f4 or 1. Nc6 be worth trying? This Qg2+ line will work if black makes the most logical moves, however, this is a puzzle and logical moves are not always part of the solution. 1. Rxd2+ is another possibility.