Jerome Gambit: Themes

The following game is chock full of Jerome Gambit moves and themes. It is an enjoyable argument for adding that "refuted" opening to your repertoire, if only for light entertainment.

Wall, Bill - Guest2047860
PlayChess.com, 2019

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.d4 

What to do about the pawn fork? The simplest idea is 6...Bxd4, giving back a piece for a pawn. Black opts for something a bit more complicated.

6...Bb4+ 7.c3

Now, what?

Well, The Database suggests 7...Qh4!?, which has 13 wins for Black, against 2 losses, although it is fair to point out that those 2 wins for White were by Bill Wall.

Or, the Knight can retreat with either 7...Nb6 or 7...Nc6, giving up the Bishop.

Or the Bishop can retreat with 7...Be7, giving up the Knight.

With an imaginary smile on its face, Stockfish 10 suggests that even 7...Bc5 leads to Black's advantage.

7...Bxc3+ 

Giving up the piece for a pawn, after all, leading to a position where he has an edge.

8.Nxc3 

8...Ng6 9.O-O c6 

Black senses that Winter is coming, and takes early steps to limit White's developing pawn center.

It is interesting to note that The Database has no examples of either 9...d5 or 9...h5, Stockfish 10's recommendations. Maybe, I should give the alternative title of "Jerome Gambit Secrets #11" to today's post?

Jerome Gambit theory continues to expand and evolve. You, too, can add to it. 

10.f4 d6 

White goes through his checklist: pawn center, Rook on f-file, enemy King on f-file, actual enemy piece to kick with a pawn, possible pawn break in the center... 

11.f5 N6e7 12.Bg5 

Another thematic Jerome Gambit move, although it is usually aimed at a Knight at f6, not e7. In fact, Komodo 10 now suggests that Black "remedy" this situation with 12...Nf6, with an even game.

12...h6

It is natural to challenge a pin immediately, but, in this case, this is a mistake - encouraging another thematic Jerome Gambit move.

13.Qh5+ Kf8 14.f6 

The hits just keep on coming.

14...g6 

Leading to a delightful ending, but the stronger defense, 14...Nxf6, falls to 15.Bxf6, and White's heavy pieces will win the day.

15.fxe7+ Ke8 16.exd8=Q checkmate