Just one comment... As for the first game, the whole idea of the Ponziani Opening (1. e4 e5 2. Nf3 Nc6 3. c3) is to get a pawn duo in the center:
3...d6?! 4. d4 exd4 5. cxd4, or
3...d6?! 4. d4 exd4 5. Nxd4 Nxd4 6. cxd4 (not 6. Qxd4).
If you put your queen in the center instead, it is likely to get chased off, which will cost you moves in retreating the queen.
Three back-to-back games. Looking for tips on improving my game. I'm a pretty casual player, and a low-ranked one at that. Openings, counter attacks, any and all advice is appreciated. First game, I'm white. Second, I'm black. Third, I'm white.
Second game.