No Jerome Gambit? All Is Not Lost

From a recent letter from chessfriend Roger

Our opponents won't always play the Giuoco Piano and very often play the Two Knights defense. I also find it difficult to steer the game to the good Jerome gambit lines from the Two Knights. However, there's a good way to load up on the f7 pawn using the Perreux variation (aka The Morphy Win'Mill). Here's a good example:

RK -KP
Internet, 2016

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 

4.d4 exd4 5.Ng5 Ne5 6.Bb3 Bb4+ 

7.c3 dxc3 8.bxc3 Bc5 9.f4 Neg4 10.Bxf7+ Kf8 11.Ne6+ Black resigned 

Neat finish! Black did not make it to a dozen moves.

Many thanks for sharing, Roger!

I have struggled with the Two Knights, as indicated in a number of blog posts, including"Jerome Gambit vs Two Knights Defense" Part 1, 2, 3 & 4.

Probably the best coverage of the Perreux Variation appears in Michael Goeller's analysis pages (with a measured further personal assessment) at his The Kenilworthian site. For fast and fun games, the Perreux can be the ticket.

It is also enjoyable to read Michel's essay on "Chess Amateurism".

There is a lot to be uncovered by searching the internet, but I wanted to mention a selection of relevant games at RedHotPawn.com.