Getting Creative

The Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+) and its related openings present plenty of opportunities for both players to be creative in their interpretations of how the game should progress. Yet, one must always remember that "new" does not necessarily mean "improved", and that "different" does not necessarily mean "better".

sabreman - brhadaaraNyaka
blitz, FICS, 2011

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 h6 4.c3

This is a way of meeting the Semi-Italian Opening that I have not paid much attention to, focusing instead on 4.0-0 and 4.Nc3.

4...Na5

This move is dangerous for Black in the direct 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Na5?! and it is no safer played here. (I don't have any other examples in The Database.)

5.Bxf7+

Applying the "Jerome Treatment."

5...Kxf7 6.Nxe5+ Ke8

This leads to more trouble. As uncomfortable as it looks, Black's "best" choice was 6...Ke6, although he would still be worse.

7.Qh5+ Ke7

Opting for checkmate over the grim 7...g6 8.Qxg6+ Ke7 9.Qf7+ Kd6 10.Ng6

8.Ng6+ Black resigned