This is the seventh in a series of quizzes to test the reader's understanding of the Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+) and related openings.The answer to each quiz can be found at the end of the following day's post.
White shows some impatience going after the semi-Italian opening, sacrificing his Bishop as soon as possible: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 h6 4.Bxf7+.
What do you think? What are some of the benefits of this line? What are some of the difficulties that it creates?
Answer to Quiz #6:
The main advantage of Black's idea (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Ke6) is that it might surprise White and produce a less-than-best response.
The only move that leads to White advantage is the sharp 6.Qg4+.
After 6...Kxe5 (practically forced) 7.d4+ Bxd4 8.Bf4+ Black will lose his Queen: 8...Kf6 9.Bg5+ Kf7 10.Bxd8 but he will have compensation after 10...Bxb2 11.Qf3+ Ke8 12.Nc3 Bxa1 13.Bxc7. Black has two pieces and a Rook for a Queen and a pawn, but his King's lack of safety means more, and White has the edge.
This new line will give the defender something tricky to use against the Jerome Gambit. White must be prepared.
3...h6 was not very useful for development and quite weakening of black's kingside position but I imagine 4. Bxf7 is still clearly winning for black and can't imagine what white does after 4...Kxf7 5. Nxe5 Nxe5 6. Qh5 Ng6
ReplyDelete