I might've been supposed to do 6...d5 to avoid this position, but I was worried about 7. Nxd5 Nxd5 8. Qxd5 Bc4 which would be worse (I think). Wish I could remember my lines...

I think f6 is my next move but not sure yet. Have to get my knight out somehow but it's a little awkward

had a couple options here. was really tempted by 12...Bxb2+ 13. Kxb2 Qb6+ followed by ...Nxf4, but i dont think it was quite sound enough. opened up the game too much with my king still being vulnerable in the center

then there was also 12...e6 or 12...Be6, which is more what I was originally planning when I did 10...d5 (although i really was not expecting him to do 11. Nxd5)

these moves seemed solid but super passive and made my light squared bishop terrible. also it could get ugly for example after 12...e6 13. Bxd5 exd5 14. Rhe1+ and my king has to move. of course I'd be up material in this position so it might be ok

ultimately went with Qb6 as kind of between the two options (Bxb2+ and e6/Be6). i wouldve liked to keep the piece but im fine with giving it back to expose his king. my king isnt gonna get safe anytime soon either way, so if its gonna be an open board i might as well get his king out as well. should be a fun game