Wednesday, December 1, 2021

JeromeGambit: It Is Supposed To Be Uncomplicated

 


Usually when Black declines the sacrifices in the Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+) he is is looking to avoid the complications that would otherwise occur. However, in the following game things become very complicated - until they aren't. 


politrashu - ZloiGruzin

10 0 blitz, lichess.org, 2021


1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kf8 

The Jerome Gambit declined. This is a practical or psychological choice, wishing to deny White his attack.

The Database has 438 games with this position, with White scoring 60%. (By comparison, The Database has 20,853 games where Black captures the Bishop, with White scoring 49%.)

White can now withdraw his Bishop to c4 or b3, or simply exchange it for the Knight on g8.

5.Nxe5 

White wants to complicate the game, and there is a pratical argument in this move's favor: The Database has 47 games with this move, and White still scores 60%.

"Objectively", Stockfish 14.1 does not like the move, and recommends instead that the Bishop pull back.

5...Nxe5 6.d4 


This move yells "blitz!". Open lines, attack pieces. The alternative 6.Bxg8 can be answered by the wild 6...Qh4!? when Black is also better. 

6...Qf6

This can not be considered simplifying.

After 6...Nxf7 7.dxc5 Black would have the typical Jerome Gambit advantage of a piece for two pawns. The computer would smile in his favor, although The Database would show the position as 4 - 4.

7.Bxg8 

Finally doing something about the hanging Bishop. Now there is only one response that is good for Black. 

7...Rxg8 

This move is routine, but it misses the enjoyable 7...Bxd4!? White cannot respond 8.Qxd4 because he would lose his Queen to 8...Nf3+ 9.gxf3 Qxd4. If, instead, 8.0-0, Black can simply play 8...Kxg8 and he would then have an extra piece for only one pawn.  

8.dxc5 d6 


White is ahead a couple of pawns. He has control from now on.

9.cxd6 cxd6 10.f4 Bg4 

Black takes his last shot.

11.fxe5 Qf4 

A slip.

12.Bxf4 Black resigned 



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