An Ultra Modern Jerome Gambit

I have referred to variations of the Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+) that don't include (after 4...Kxf7) the move 5.Nxe5+ as "modern" variations, as examples are recent, not from the time or play of Alonzo Wheeler Jerome.

The following game provides an example of what must be considered an ultra Modern variation.

metalwarrior1969 - DREWBEAR
JGTourney4 ChessWorld, 2009

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ Kxf7 5.a3

One basic tenet of the Modern Jerome Gambit lines is that White has sacrificed enough material with 5.Bxf7, and he shouldn't show any more generosity. He should non-committally construct a safe and solid position, and hope that his ability to out-play Black and take advantage of Black's displaced King will eventually be enough compensation.

5...Nf6 6.h3 TN

Don't smirk: psychology is as much a part of Jerome Gambit play as anything.

6...Nxe4 7.0-0 Nd4 8.Nxe5+ Kg8 9.c3 Nf5 10.d4 Bd6

Now White has the simple 11.Qb3+ Kf8 12.Qf7 checkmate.

Unfortunately, he overlooked this line and lost in 26 moves.

It has been said that an opening novelty will lose the first and last time it is played – but that in the interim it may well capture a whole lot of points. Will we see the Ultra Modern Jerome Gambit again? Only time will tell.