International Master Gary Lane

International Master Gary Lane's "Opening Lanes" column at ChessCafe is a constant source of information and merriment for club players looking to add lines that are a bit unusual (or more than a bit) to their opening play.
In two recent columns, IM Lane took a look at the Jerome Gambit, with the encouragement of Jerome Gambit Gemeinde member Pete Banks, who provided an introduction via several games. In fact, he began coverage in the second column with the note

Finally, last month’s feature on the bizarre Jerome Gambit prompted a flood of e-mails; the majority of which were delighted to see this wacky opening.

Surprisingly, the Jerome Gambit can have that effect on people.
Go figure.

I was intrigued because this gambit was unknown to me, but after some research I think it is has an interesting history. The opening is named after the American player Alonzo Wheeler Jerome (1834-1902) of Paxton, Illinois, which was analysed in the American Chess Journal 1874.
It has to be remembered that over 100 years ago people liked to attack and never defend, but even so his gambit is extraordinary.

IM Lane then annotates a game (given in "My Jerome Gambit Database" as "blackburne - karmmark") and it's hard not to at least give his jumping-off points...

Let us first look at the perfect example: Pete Banks-Karmmark Internet 2007 1 e4 e5 2 Nf3 Nc6 3 Bc4 Bc5 4 Bxf7+? The starting point of the Jerome Gambit. The great benefit of playing this on the Internet is that it is the last move your opponent is expecting. 4…Kxf7 5 Nxe5+ Yes, this really is an established line. I think anyone with good manners playing Black would now kindly ask their opponent if they wanted to take their move back.

When White wraps the game up quickly and in good style, the annotator wryly comments

Yes, the Jerome Gambit does look like a forced win, but Black has one or two defences at his disposal. I think Mr. Banks benefits from being stronger than his opponent, but it is a fun way to test the opening.

That is some of what makes International Master Gary Lane such a hit with the average player: he's willing to consider ideas off of the beaten path, and he rarely overlooks the critical ingredient, "fun," which makes chess such a tasty dish!
graphic compliments Jeff Bucchino, "The Wizard of Draws"