Jerome Gambit Declined: Stay Aware

The Jerome Gambit declined can become extra quiet, especially compared to the accepted lines, but it is still necessary for both sides to be aware of opportunities and dangers as they arise.

The following blitz game is a good example.

Oufc1893 - RMahesh94

5 0 blitz, lichess.org, 2022

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kf8 

The Jerome Gambit declined. Black says No, thank you, I don't want to play your wild game.

5.Bd5

I don't see this very often, as White usually retreats his Bishop to either c4 or b3, or plays something wild like 5.Ne5. In this game, however, White will exchange his Bishop for the Knight that protects Black's e-pawn.

5...Nf6

Also possible is 5...d6, protecting the e-pawn. 5...Qf6 is equally as good.

6.Bxc6 

The Database has only 5 previous games with this move, but they are all wins for White. 

6...dxc6 

7.Nxe5

 According to plan, and observing the suggestion in blitz games that if there is material available to grab, without any immediate apparent danger, one should grab it.

My preference is 7.d3 to solidify White's position. I admit that some of this choice is psychological, as facing the Jerome Gambit declined gives me a sense of relief (some days I wonder why I play the Jerome) and I want to cling to the extra pawn and seek safety.

After 7.d3, White would have that extra pawn, plus 1 pawn island to Black's 3 (one, an isolated pawn). It is amusing to look at Stockfish 14.1 also strive to keep White's pawn structure intact: 7...Bg4 8.Qe2 Ke8 9.Be3 Bxe3 10.Qxe3 Bxf3 11.Qxf3 Qd4 12.Nc3 Rf8. 

7...Qd4

Showing that there was at least a little danger in the pawn grab.

8.Nd3 Qxe4+ 9.Kf1 Bb6 

Things have gotten messy.

White still has his extra pawn, but he is behind in development and is facing the two Bishops.

10.Nc3 Qg6 11.Nf4

Trying to untangle his pieces. I do not suspect that many humans would take the computer's advice and play 11.h3, instead.

11...Qf5 12.d3 g5

Trying to prove that his opponent's King is the one that needs to worry.

13.Nfe2

A blitz slip.

He needed to play 13.Nh3.

The funny thing is that White can then answer ...g4 with Nf4, blocking the enemy Queen's attack on f2. If Black plays the quiet 13...Rg8, White can play 14.Ne2 with the plan of bringing the Knight to g3, if needed, again holding out against the attack. 

The game would stay in balance.  

13...Qxf2 checkmate

Ouch.