Friday, August 27, 2010

The Other KB2

The Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+) hits f7, the weakest one in Black's fortress as it is only protected by the King. White has a "King Bishop Two" square though, and my oppponent decided to give it attention.

perrypawnpusher - salla
blitz, FICS, 2010

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+


4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Kf8


A defense mentioned by Alonzo Wheeler Jerome in a three-part analysis of his gambit in 1874. Jerome later used the line successfully in two correspondence games against Jaeger (who played the Jerome Gambit).

7.Qxe5 d6 8.Qg3 Nf6


9.d3 Ng4


Attacking my King's Bishop Two square. Continuing to castle-by-hand with 9...Kf7 seems more prudent.

10.0-0 Ke8

As if to say This won't take long, no need to castle...

Also seen: 10...Qf6 11.Nc3 c6 12.Be3 Nxe3 13.fxe3 Bf5 14.Rxf5 Black resigned, perrypawnpusher - marianomocoroa, blitz, 2010

11.h3 Nf6 12.Bg5


Capturing a pawn with 12.Qxg7 didn't seem worth it after 12...Rg8. After the game Rybka suggested 12.Be3 Bxe3 13.fxe3 Qe7 which didn't appeal, either. 

12...h6 13.Bxf6 Qxf6 14.Nc3 Rf8


More pressure on f2. I admit that here I kind of wished that I had played 12.Be3. 

15.Nd5 Qd8

My opponent might have been having second thoughts about his strategy; otherwise he could have played 15...Qf7.

Now is the time to grab a pawn (and threaten another).

16.Qxg7 Be6


Planning on chasing away or exchanging off the annoying Knight, but overlooking something in the position. Essential was 16...Rf7.

17.Nxc7+ Qxc7 18.Qxc7 Black resigned

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