Jerome Gambit for Dummies 2.0 (Part 5)

                                                  

[continued from previous post]

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5

As previously noted

This is the fourth Critical Position.

White follows up with 6.Qh5+ (scoring 58%) about four times as often as he plays 6.d4 (scoring 56%).

Looking first at 6.Qh5+, there are four primary responses: 6...Ng6, 6...Ke6, 6...Kf8 and 6...g6.  

The odd alternative 6...Ke7 (less than 1% of the games with 6.Qh5+) can be dismissed with 7.Qxe5+ Kf7 8.Qxc5, when White has simply recovered both sacrificed pieces and is two pawns ahead. As soon as he castles, his King will be much safer than Black's. The same can be said for 6...Kf6 (about 2% of the games with 6.Qh5+) 7.Qf5+ Ke7 8.Qxe5+ Kf7 9.Qxc5.

after 6...Ng6

The reasonable 6...Ng6 - which makes up 45% of the replies - pulls back one of the threatened minor pieces and keeps Black's King on the 7th rank, in preparation for bringing his Rook to f8 or e8. White plays 7.Qd5+, taking the time to drive the enemy King back, and after 7...Ke8 8.Qxc5, he regains one of his two sacrificed pieces, at the same time making castling and f2-f4 possible. He will advance his "Jerome pawns" with an attack in the center or along the f-file. According to The Database, White scores 57% against 6...Ng6.

after 6...Ke6

The adventurous 6...Ke6 - making up 24% of the replies - allows Black's King to immediately take part in defense in an attempt to hold onto his two extra pieces. White challenges this idea with  7.Qf5+, 7.f4, or 7.Qh3+ and can usually regain a piece, leaving him with two pawns for a piece. According to The Database, White scores scores 55% against 6...Ke6.

after 6...Kf8

The solid 6...Kf8 - making up 16% of the replies - takes Black's King back to relative safety. Although the King then is blocking his Rook from coming to f8 or e8, and is resting on the sometimes dangerous f-file (if White castles Kingside), White has a more difficult time organizing his attack- again, two "Jerome pawns" vs the extra piece. After 7.Qxe5 d6 White must re-position his Queen and advance slowly. According to The Database, White scores 49% after 6...Kf8.

after 6...g6

The move 6...g6 - making up 13% of the replies - sharply deals with White's check, but frequently offers Black's Rook at h8. The play after 7.Qxe5 d6 or 7...Qe7 is complicated, with the better or more knowledgeable player succeeding. According to The Database, White scores 73% 

[to be continued]