Jerome Gambit: Finding the Right Path

Sometimes against the Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ Kxf7 ) the defender can adopt a quiet plan and force the attacker to "find something".

Other times, like in the following game, the game evolves quickly into play for both sides that requires finding the right path through surrounding danger.

It is a fun game, but do not be surprised with notes recomending other move choices.

PedrosF1 - JustEatingPi

10 0 blitz, lichess.org, 2021

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ Kxf7 

5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Ke6 7.Qf5+ Kd6 8.f4 Nf3+ 

The Norton Defense, first seen in Jerome - Norton, D. P., correspondence, 1876 (0-1, 42). It leads to exciting play, but is not as dangerous as the Nibs Defense, 8....Qh4+ g3 9.Nf3+.

9.gxf3 Qh4+ 10.Kd1 

White needs to hide away his King, not play 10.Ke2. See ZahariSokolov - Quarte, standard, FICS, 2015 (0-1, 17).

10...Ne7 

Either this move or 10...Nf6 is the right idea.

For some history and analysis on this defense, review "Jerome Gambit: Updating An Old Line" and "Jerome Gambit: Updating the Norton Defense".

10...Qf2 did not turn out as predicted. See perrypawnpusher - Sir Osis of the Liver, Jerome Gambit thematic, ChessWorld.net, 2008 (1-0, 19) 

11.e5+ 

Tempting, but 11.Qe5+ Kc6 12.b4!?, as in Littleplayerparis - Bepis, blitz, lichess.org, 2021 (1-0, 26), is stronger and leads to an even game - although Black's King is more at risk.

11...Kc6 12.Qe4+ Kb6 

Seeking shelter for the King. Best, according to Stockfish 14.1, is the unplayed 12...d5 when Black would be better. 

13.b4 

Sharp, but 13.d4 is better as it cuts out the opportunity given in the note to the next move 

13...d5 

Losing the thread. The Bishop needed to temporarily run further into enemy territory with 13...Bf2.

14.bxc5+ Kxc5 15.Qe3+ Kc6 16.Ba3 Nf5 

17.Qc5+ Kd7 18.Qxd5+ Ke8 19.Nc3 Qxf4 20.Re1 Qxh2 21.e6 Qf4 22.e7 c6 23.Qd8+ Black resigned

Checkmate will come.