Technically, 1.d4 is called. While this isn't called, it has another name, I'm not sure. However, as noted in one of your earlier annotation, it's not the best for white. Better are moves like 1.e4, 1.Nf3, or even 1.d4

This move is so flexible, it could lead to anything! King's Indian Attack, English Opening...

It's not, but had you played 1.e4, it would be.

This limits White's choices, some.

No need for that since black couldn't play 2...e4?, on grounds of 3.dxe4! winning a pawn.

Now we can call this a 'King's Pawn Opening' (The game could have gone 1.e4 e5 2.d3). This could very easily become a King's Indian Attack, with moves like Nf3 or Ne2; Be2 or g3 followed by Bg2; 0-0 and, at an appropriate time (judgement call) a pawn break f2-f4. You can almost play this sort of opening wothout regard to what Black does. Almost!

I know why he wanted to check, but it's a little premature since you will block it and attack with your next move.

Correct.

This is also what I would've played and for the same reason.

There was nio real occasion to play this follow-up move - unless it fitted in for whatever plan you had in mind for the opening. I think I might have played 4.Be3, here, or maybe 4.Nf3.

That's the whole idea, and now, you can worry about development.

Why wouldn't I have played 4.b4? Black would have wanted the bishop back on the b6-square soon anyhow. Then let him do that in his own time. Still, the pawn on b4 might yet come in handy.

Not effective, yet. Not only that, but had he played 5...f6?, you'd get the advantage for the same reason as the Domiano's Defense, as 6.Nxe5, and just like there if 6...fxe5??, 7.Qh5+ which is also winning. He didn't do that, but this is not ideal. 5...Nc6 was best. The reason being is that you can defend and get a small advantage by opening up the center, as I'm about to explain below.

I think this is a good strategic decision. Black has developed his dark-suare bishop on a good diagonal, now he frees the other bishop. The move could have waited upon the knights' development, but there is no real reason not to advance the d-pawn now.

I am familiar with your intentions, as I, at the time, used to think that way. Unfortunately, it won't work here because of his next move. Having said that, 6.d4! would've been your best move, as it's breaking through in the center. It occured later, but I want you to still think of it like the Philidors because that starts off with 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3, d6?!, with which, white's best move is 3.d4 and scores better for the same reason. Then comes 3...exd4 4.Nxd4 With a noticeable space advantage for white since the Knight is in the center.

No, this is actually quite good. If the knight interposes, then it is pinned. If the pawn interposes, Black has incurred a weakness on his K-side that could prove serious. In my opinion, this is a good move, here.

Not important here. Instead, the Bishop is attacked, which you spot.

This can not have been an easy decision. The light coloured squares near the Black King look very weak. Can White exploit those? Not sure. I think I would have played 6...Ne7, here, as being the least committal. The pin is less effective than with the knight on f6.

Stronger was 7.Bc1, but best, however, was 7.Bd2 which keeps the Bishop developed. The problem with this move is that he will exchange and not only double your pawns near the monarch. But, your weakest pawn, f2 will be moved to the e file which will leave your King vulnerable to exposure. What's important to remember is that the f2 and f7 squares are critical. And, that's a familiar pattern since it also relates to the Domaino's Defense and how TA defeats his opponents being an entire Queen for pawn down.

This retreat was quite reasonable, and Be3 is often played to face off the bishop at b6. It does call further into question the b2-b4 thrust, though.

Materialwise yes. But is it really even? At first, it was, but black now has a very small initiative since his King is a little better protected. It's important to note because castling is not going to quite as effective for white as it was before. It's still a good idea to do, but what I'm implying is that the monarch is less protected.

I think it is even, maybe even a whisker of an edge for White. White's centre has been reinforced, and the future d3-d4 move given extra impetus by the back e-pawn. After 9.Be2 and 10.0-0, White will at once have a rook operating on the half-open f-file.

I'm not sure why he keeps advancing his pawns, not to mentions that this really limits the mobility of his Nb8. In addition, he only developed one piece after 8 moves. With that being said, I now give the position as dead even since you have time and will develop.

Yes: time for Black to look to his pieces.

d4 is best.

I would've played 9.Nbd2 with the idea of moving it to c4 since the Knight is on the rim. But, this, however, is better. That's because it will be prone to attack on c4. But, it's safe where it is since even after developing, his Bc8 will stay limited for a while.

White had a wide variety of options here. I think I would have preferred to bring the knight nearer the centre, by 9.Nbd2, myself, but a case could be made for any of 9.d4, 9.c4 or 9.Be2.

I would've broken the pin with 10.Be2 to develop on top of Jack telling me that it's better to break it with the Bishop. But, I've come to learn that he's not always right. But, he would be correct here. As the problem is that he keeps the pin, and trying to break would leave your King more exposed.

Here I agree with Erika. Poke the bishop in the ribs and see where it goes. If ...Bh5, then play Be2.