One (or both) of us needs help (Part I)

After my computer vs computer Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+) match debacle (see "I can't seem to get the hang of these things") I was sure that I had done something wrong.

Eventually I discovered that the skill setting for WeakDelfi was set at 1200 – could that have been responsible for the engine's odd play?

Having injured the honor of the electronic beast, I figured that it would only be fair for me to allow it some form of revenge – across-the-board.

So I set up a blitz game (2 12) to start after move 4 of the Jerome Gambit. I set my opponent's skill level at 1200.

Kennedy - WeakDelfi (1200)
blitz 2 12 (1), 2008

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Ke8

Just. Plain. Bad.

6.Qh5+

I knew that this was not the best move, but I wanted to see how my opponent would handle it.

White would have a tiny advantage after 6.Nxc6 Qh4 7.d4 Qxe4+ 8.Qe2 Qxe2 9.Kxe2 Bb6 10.Nb4 Bxd4.

6...Ke7 7.Nxc6+

Missing: 7.Qf7+ Kd6 8.Nc4 checkmate.

7...Ke6

Clueless.

8.Qf5+ Kd6 9.Qd5 checkmate



Ouch!

graphic by Jeff Bucchino, "The Wizard of Draws"