Confundus!

My first Jerome Gambit with AirmanLeonidas (see "Stupefy!") was unusual enough that I thought another one was in order. When I had the chance, I challenged him.

perrypawnpusher - AirmanLeonidas
blitz, FICS, 2010

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 h6

The Semi-Italian Opening.

4.0-0 Nf6 5.Nc3 Bc5

The Semi-Italian Four Knights Game.

6.Bxf7+

The Semi-Italian Four Knights Jerome Gambit.

6...Kxf7 7.Nxe5+ Nxe5 8.d4

8...Nf3+

A very creative response, apart from the normal 8...Bxd4 9.Qxd4 d6, and one that I've not seen before. I felt as if I'd been hit by a Confundus spell...

9.gxf3

Going with the "Jerome pawns," but not the best. After the game Rybka suggested: 9.Qxf3, since if 9...Bxd4 White can regain the pawn with 10.Nb5 Be5 11.Qb3+ d5 12.f4 Bd6 13.Nxd6+ Qxd6 14.e5 Qb6+ 15.Qxb6 axb6 16.exf6 gxf6 when Black may have a small edge if he can use his open lines.

analysis diagram






9...Bb4 10.Qd3 Bxc3 11.bxc3

Now I had more centralized pawns to play with.

11...Rf8 12.e5 Nh7

Thoughtless (Confundus!?); better was 12...Ne8. Now Black's game spirals quickly downward.

13.Qxh7 d6

14.Bxh6 Ke8 15.Qxg7

Good enough. Very strong was 15.Rae1

15...Rf7 16.Qg6

Again, good enough. Stronger was 16.Qg8+.

16...Bf5 17.Qg8+ Ke7 18.Bg5+ Black resigned