Sunday, June 23, 2013

Variation on A Theme


Some of White's play in Jerome Gambit-style positions comes from the exposed position of Black's King. Some of it comes from the useful advance of "Jerome pawns". In the following game, both of these themes play a part.

graniglia - jackb

standard, FICS, 2000

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nd4 



The Blackburne Shilling Gambit.


4.Bxf7+


The Blackburne Shilling Jerome Gambit.

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Ke7 


The unusual defense mentioned in "Bypassed in Time". This time White has a stronger response.


6.c3 d6 7.Nc4 Ne6 8.d4 Nf6



White has two pawns for his sacrificed piece, while Black's busy King looks to be in the way of his pieces.


9.O-O Qe8 10.e5 Nd7 


It's a simple thing, but by not interpolating 10...dxe5 11.dxe5 Black goes from an even game to a worse one. The open e-file with the royal couple on it spells disaster.


11.exd6+ cxd6 12.d5 


12...Qg6


Getting the Queen out of the line of fire. Best, calming down the position, seems to be 12...Nf6 13.dxe6 Bxe6 14.Re1 Kf7 15.Nxd6+ Bxd6 16.Qxd6 Rd8 when Black's King has found cover, leaving him two pawns down.


13.dxe6 Nc5 14.Nxd6 


14...Nd3 15.Nxc8+ Rxc8 16.Be3 Black resigned




Black will capture the pawn at e6 (with ...Rc6 and ...Rxe6) but will remain down material, with an uncomfortable King.


(FYI, this is blog post 1,700)

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