Jerome Gambit: Computers Can Be Both Helpful and Annoying

The following Jerome Gambit blitz game arrived with notes from the chess site's computer. Often, the computer analysis is helpful. Sometimes, however, it just highlights the differences between silicon and human play.

CasualGames4ever - lankesh1941
10 0 blitz, lichess.org, 2020

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

The lichess.org analysis engine labels this move a "Blunder". Well, yes, technically it is. However, in human vs human blitz play at the club level, it is more of an invitation to interesting play!

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Ng6 

The engine labels this an "Inaccuracy", which is a bit harsh. The move is played frequently and keeps Black's piece for two pawns advantage.

7.Qd5+ Ke7 8.Qxc5+ d6 9.Qe3

9...Be6 

The know-it-all chess engine calls this a "Blunder". It allows White to play 10.f4, with the threat of f5, forking Black's pieces.

10.d4 Kf8 11.Nc3 12.f4 Re8 13.O-O Bf7 

Black says: Come and get me!

Any Jerome Gambit player would oblige.

14.f5 Nh4 15.Qg3 h6

Planning something drastic.

16.Rf4 g5

This would work, if White couldn't capture en passant.

17.fxg6 Nxg6 18.Qxg6 Qe6 19.Qxe6

The cranky computer doesn't like this move, but it is perfectly reasonable: White is playing a blitz game, and he is happy to move on to a Queenless middlegame two pawns up.

19...Rxe6 20.d5 Rg6 21.Nb5 c5 22.Nxa7 Nf6 23.Nb5 Rhg8 24.Nxd6 

Cold-blooded. White's Knight has been collecting pawns, even though this means that his King will have to take a vacation on the Queenside. Perhaps the clock was beginning to influence play?

24...Rxg2+ 25.Kf1 Rg1+ 26.Ke2 Bh5+ 27.Kd3 Rd1+ 28.Kc4 Ke7

White is still winning, but he is no longer comfortable.

29.Kxc5 

A slip, as Black can now kick the enemy King away with 29...Nd7+, and then grab the Knight. Instead, 29.Nf5+ Kd8 30.Ne3 would have consolidated his position and won more material.

It definitely feels like the clock is affecting both players, now.

29...Rgg1 

To win the Bishop, of course.

30.Nc8+ Kd7 31.Rxf6 Kxc8 32.Be3 Rxa1 33.Bxg1 Rxg1 34.Rxh6 

Whew! White now has 5 pawns for Black's extra piece. Push those pawns!

34...Bd1 35.e5 Bxc2 36.e6 Rg6 37.Rxg6 Bxg6 38.d6  Bf5 39.Kd5 Bh3 40.a4 Bg2+ 41.Ke5 Kd8 42.b4 Bc6 43.b5 Bf3 44.a5 Be2 45.a6 bxa6 46.bxa6 Bxa6 

47.h4 Ke8 48.h5 Bd3 49.h6 Bc2 50.Kf6 Kf8 51.d7 Black resigned

Another victory for the "Jerome pawns"!