An International Master Refutes the Jerome Gambit

International Master Gary Lane's latest book, The Greatest Ever Chess Tricks and Traps (Everyman Chess, 2008) is a very entertaining and educational collection addressing the notion that "There is no easier way to win a game of chess than by luring your opponent into a devious trap."

Lane covers the Jerome Gambit of course, and annotates the game Banks - Karmark, internet, 2007, (although he mistakenly labels it a blitz game).

His main analysis of the Jerome:

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Ke6 7.f4 d6!

I think this is the best way to defend: allowing one of the extra pieces to be taken, and in return obtaining a solid position with extra material.

8.fxe5 dxe5 9.Nc3
This is the right time for White to offer a draw, but if the offer is declined you should remember that it is frowned upon to cry at the board.

9...Nf6 10.Qh4 Rf8 11.d3 Kf7 12.Bg5 Kg8
Black has artificially castled and now has a big advantage, thanks to his extra piece for just one pawn.

I was pleased to see that 9.Nc3 was not in my Jerome Gambit database – but if that is the move IM Lane sees as best for White, I will add it to my repertoire!

graphic by Jeff Bucchino, the Wizard of Draws