Jerome Gambit: Challenge After Challenge

The following game is another example of how the Jerome Gambit piles up challenge after challenge for the defender, until he finally slips and loses the game.

angelcamina - jeancharleslenoir
1 0 bullet, lichess.org, 2019

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Bc5 5.Bxf7+

The Italian Four Knights Jerome Gambit. It can be reached via the Jerome Gambit proper: 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ Kxf7 5.Nc3 Nf6.

5...Kxf7 6.Nxe5+ Nxe5 7.d4 Bxd4 8.Qxd4 d6 9.f4 Nc6 

So far, Black is defending well. In fact, The Database shows that from this position White scores only 38%. But - remember, this is a 1-minute game, and, while Black had to figure out what he is going to do, White has the standard Jerome Gambit ideas, like castling and advancing his "Jerome pawns". Will Black be able to keep up?

10.Qc4+ Be6 11.Qe2 Re8 12.O-O Nd4 13.Qf2 c5

So far, so good. Black has developed his minor pieces, including cementing a Knight at d4.

However, the second player now seems to fall victim to the kind of thinking that produces the "halo effect" - Surely, he reasons, White has not thrown away a piece for nothing. His attack must be really real.

14.e5 dxe5

This capture was made automatically, but was neither necessary nor best. Given enough time, Black would figure this out - but there is not enough time.

15.fxe5 Rf8 

Rushing reinforcements to the f-file. Instead, he could have simply given back the sacrificed piece with 15...Kg8, or struck back with 15...Bc4.

16.exf6 Nf5 

Blocking the dangerous f-file, which the King will soon escape from.

17.fxg7 Kxg7 18.Qxc5

White is happily up 2 pawns, although, after 18...Qd4+ 19.Qxd4 Nxd4 20.Bf4 Nxc2 Black would regain 1, and the Bishops-of-opposite-colors could prove drawish.

18...Rc8 

This is active, but it is not enough to save the game.

19.Qe5+ Kf7

Back onto the danger file.

20.g4 Qd6 

A fatal slip.

21.Qxd6 Kg6 22.Qxe6+ Black resigned