Jerome Gambit: Knight Errant

The Jerome Gambit is most known for the Bishop sacrificed at f7, and the active role the Queen plays. In the following game, however, a Knight stars. At first it seems to be making a transparent threat, but it quickly overwhelms the defender's game.

Wall, Bill - Anonymous
lichess.org, 2019

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.d4 Bxd4 7.Qxd4 d6 

8.O-O Nf6 9.Bf4 Qe7 10. f3 Rf8 11. Nc3 Kg8 

Black has castled-by-hand. He has the advantage in this middlegame, but he must make good use of his opportunities.

12.Rad1 Nc6 13.Qd2 a6 14.Rfe1 Qf7 15.b3 Ne7 16.Ne2 Ng6 17.Be3 Nd7 18.c4 Nde5 

White has developed quickly and has strong pressure on the pawn at d6. He will be able to take over the game, if his opponent slips. He starts with the "Jerome pawns".

19.f4 Nc6 20.f5 Nge5 21.Nf4 Ng4 22.Nd5 Nxe3 23.Rxe3 Ne5

24.Rg3 Kh8 25.c5 dxc5 26.Qc3 Nd7 27.Nxc7 

White's Knight threatens the Rook at a8 - and even more. Black should counter with 27...Nf6!?, with his own threat to win the exchange (after ...Nxe4), but he underestimates the danger and replies routinely.

27...Rb8 28.Ne6

The Knight threatens the Rook at f8, the pawn at g7 - and even more.

28...Rg8 29.Ng5 Qe7 30.Nxh7 Re8 

Of course, if 30...Kxh7, then 31.Rh3+ Qh4 32.Rxh4 checkmate

31.Ng5 Nf8 32.Qf3 Kg8 33.Qh5 Bxf5 34.exf5 Black resigned

White's pressure on the Kingside will win material, as Black defends, first, attacks on his King, and then, deals with the advancing "Jerome pawns".