Jerome Gambit: Drilling Down (28)

Shredder 8 comes up with a new move in the Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+) and while it doesn't lead to any kind of advantage, it helps complicate things – and in a computer vs human battle, that's often enough. In that regard, being able to spot every tactical opportunity in the Jerome is a great advantage.

Shredder 8 - RevvedUp
blitz 2 12, 2006
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Ke6

7.f4 d6 8.fxe5 dxe5 9.Qe2
A new move in this position, although it was seen a move later in Fritz 8 - RevvedUp and RevvedUp - Hiarcs 8.
9...Nf6 10.Qc4+ Kd6 11.b4

A major theme in the Jerome Gambit is for White to bring pressure – psychological, if not tactical – against the Black King. Although RevvedUp's monarch isn't any more insecure on the Queenside than on the Kingside (or in the center), Shredder 8 has to play it that way.

11...Bb6 12.Nc3 Be6 13.Qe2 c6

Nothing accomplished, yet.

14.Na4 Qe7 15.Nxb6 axb6 16.0-0 Rhf8 17.a3 Kc7


18.Bb2 Bg4 19.Qe3 h6 20.d4


Looking for some kind of play.

20...exd4

A slip: better to have reinforced the center with 20...Nd7.

21.Qg3+ Kd7 22.e5


Suddenly Shredder 8 has an active (if even) game, and all for the cost of a tiny pawn... All Jerome Gambiteers should have this good fortune.

22...Be2 23.exf6 Rxf6 24.Rfe1 Raf8

Keeping things in balance was 24...c5.

25.Bxd4 Black resigns