Jerome Gambit: Attack Goes Astray

The strategy of a game can be turned around a bit when the Jerome Gambiteer reverses roles and hunkers down, saying You have the extra material, you have the advantage, you go ahead and attack.

Wall, Bill - Benjamin

internet, 2023

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kxf7 5.O-O Kf8

White delays the customary 5.Nxe5+. In turn, Black retreats his King, although this might put him in the way of castling-by-hand.  

6.Nxe5 d6 7.Nxc6 bxc6 8.d4 Bb6 

Again, Black's Bishop retires to b6. With a piece for two pawns, and the two Bishops, Black has an edge.

9.Nc3 Nh6 10.Qd3 Qf6 11.Be3 Qg6 

Black plans to attack. 

12.f3 Bh3 13.Qd2 Nf7 

14.f4 Ba5 

Overlooking the threats of the "Jerome pawns" and their companions. 

15.f5 Qg4 16.Rf4 Qg5 17.Rf3 Qf6 18.Rxh3 

That was nice. White is now ahead in material, development and King safety.

18...h6 19.Rf1 Ke7 20.Rg3 g5 

Overlooking that White can capture in passing, but things are already dire.

21.fxg6 Black resigned