Thursday, November 25, 2021

Jerome Gambit: And Then There Were Four

 


Dan Middlemiss suggested that the Noa Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nxe4 5.Bxf7+be considered in the grouping of the Jerome Gambit, the Stafford Gambit and Chiodini's Gambit.

We have taken several looks at the Noa Gambit on this blog - the opening is also known as the Monck Gambit or the Open Italian Four Knights Jerome Gambit - you might want to start with "5% New (Part 1)" to get a sense of things.

I was surprised to find that over the last few years the Noa Gambit has appeared in a number of top level games - at fast time limits, mind you, and likely as a surprise. So, I have more investigation to do!

In the meantime, at the club level, the Noa Gambit - "objectively" assessed as losing for White - can cause difficulties for Black if he is not prepared. Consider the following game.


Birzer, Lothar - Riepe, Bernhard

DESC K0004 email, 1999


1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Nf6 4.Nc3 Nxe4 5.Bxf7+ 

5..Kxf7 6. Nxe4 d5 

The opening is dismissed as harmless because Black gains the two Bishops, and his King is not really at risk. However, it is important to play carefully, lest things change.

7.Nfg5+ Kg6


Black decides to trouble the two White Knights. It would be wiser to retreat the King to g8 or e8.

It does not appear that the defender is familiar with Pollock - Amateur, Dublin,date unknown, which ended badly for Black.

8.Qf3 dxe4 

Stockfish 14.1 prefers 8...Qe8 but that is not a move that comes easily to mind. The second player has winning on his mind. 

9.Qf7+ Kxg5 


The White Knights are no more!

Black, however, is now in a mating net.

10.d4+ Kh4 11.h3 g6 12.g3+ Kh5 13.g4+ Kh4 14.Qb3 Nxd4  15.Qg3 checkmate


Wow.



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