Paint-by-Number Defense

While the Jerome Gambit has different refutations and strategies for Black to use in confronting it, it would be a mistake to consider such knowledge to be similar to a paint-by-number set. The defender needs to do more than just dab a bit of color here and dribble a bit of color there...

jfhumphrey - PlatinumSurfer
blitz, FICS, 2011

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.0-0 Nf6 5.Bxf7+

A delayed Jerome Gambit, or a transposition to a "modern" variation.

5...Kxf7 6.Nxe5+ Nxe5 7.d4 d6

Black understands that returning one of the two sacrificed pieces is a sound way to turn back the Jerome Gambit.

8.dxe5 dxe5 9.Qe2 Rf8

Wise, too, is finding shelter for Black's King, as in castling-by-hand.

10.Qc4+ Be6 11.Qxc5

Not quite as the second player planned it. But attacking White's wayward Queen is frequently a good idea for the defender, so...

11...Nxe4 12.Qxe5

White is not playing along.

12...Nf6 13.Bg5 Kg8

Safe at last!

14.Qxe6+

Not another one... Black resigned.

I wonder how that happened...