A Jerome Look At The Semi-Italian Opening (Part 2)

Here is a game that almost speaks for itself on the topic we are discussing.


LaughingHyena - eclipze
standard, FICS, 2007


1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 h6 

The Semi-Italian Opening.


4.d4 


Per Euwe and Meiden.


4...Nxd4 


Ill-advised, and punishable immediately. Even the conservative player should be thinking "Jerrrrrrroooooommmmmme!"


5.Bxf7+ 

This is so much fun, I hate to point out that 5.Nxe5  is probably even stronger, e.g. 5...d5 (5...Nc6 6.Bxf7+ Ke7 7.Ng6+ Kxf7 8.Nxh8+ Ke7 9.Qd5; 5...Ne6 6.Bxe6 dxe6 7.Qxd8+ Kxd8 8.Nxf7+) 6.Qxd4 and White's centralized lead in development is overwhelming.


5...Kxf7 6.Nxe5+ Ke8 


Ending things, but 6...Kf6 7.Qxd4 and 6...Ke6 7.Qxd4 are clearly better for White.


7.Qh5+ Black resigned

It is not hard to work out: 7...g6 (7...Ke7 8.Qf7+ Kd6 9.Nc4+ Kc5 10.Qd5+ Kb4 11.c3+ Ka4 12.Qa5#) 8.Qxg6+ Ke7 9.Qf7+ Kd6 10.Nc4+ Kc5 11.Qd5+ Kb4 12.Bd2+ Ka4 13.Qa5 checkmate