Friday, March 24, 2023

Jerome Gambit: Proper Attitude

 


I think the proper attitude to approach the Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7) is one of bemused optimism. 

(Optimism, mind you, based on experience: For example, I have scored 82% with the "refuted" opening; Bill Wall has scored 93%.)

Is this stuff playable? Of course not - according to Grandmasters, at least against each other in longer time controls. But it is a lot of fun, especially at the club level, so let's give it a go...

This thought process is clear in the enjoyable lichess.org study, somewhat rudely named "Idiotic Chess Openings - The Jerome Gambit". (I wonder what other openings fall into that class for the creator?)

The basics of the opening are systematically laid out in educational style.

The Summary is delightful.

Play this highly questionable opening and pray that your opponent counters it incorrectly. If they do, you are a tactical genius who makes Tal-style sacrifices to win the game. If they don't, well, I guess you should have played a different opening.

Highly recommended. 

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