Jerome Gambit: Different Line, Same Result

The latest internet game from Vlasta Fejfar shows that the Jerome Gambit is not just a one-time-surprise opening. Having fallen to the Jerome, his opponent reassesses his chances and his line of play, and tries something new. Alas, for the defender, White still triumphs.

vlastous - ADELAZIZ
internet, 2019

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Kf8 

The Jerome Defense, courtesy Alonzo Wheeler Jerome, who also brings you the Jerome Gambit.

7.Qxe5 d6 8.Qf4+ Nf6 

ADELAZIZ varies from the 8...Qf6 that he played when the two contested a game earlier. Then, vlastous was willing to exchange Queens and make his extra "Jerome pawns" count.

9.O-O Bd4 10.c3 Be5 

Reminding me of perrypawnpusher - warwar, "Italian Battleground", Chess.com, 2019 - but in current game, things turn out better for White.

11.Qh4 g5 

A smart move. Taking the pawn would expose White to dangers along the g-file.

12.Qh6+ Kf7 13.d4 Bf4 14.Bxf4 gxf4 15.e5 dxe5 16.dxe5 Nd5 17.Re1 Be6

Black still has a piece for two pawns, but the uneasy position of his King suggests that if anyone has an edge, it is White.

18.c4 Nb4 19.Nc3 Rg8 20.Ne4 Nd3

The Knight attacks White's Rook and pawns, while protecting his advanced pawn. However, a pin along the d-file will cause trouble. Better was 20...Qe7, Which could also be answered by 21.Rad1.

21.Rad1 b6 

Now the roof falls in.

22.Rxd3 Qxd3 23.Qf6+ Ke8 Black resigned

Black will lose his Queen (and more) or be checkmated.