"Jerome pawns" on Parade

The two pawns that White gets in returned for his sacrificed piece in some variations of the Jerome Gambit get nicknamed the "Jerome pawns". They can often be helpful, in their own way, in both attack and defense.

The following game is a good example.

Wall, Bill - Suku

internet, 2023

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Ng6 

7.Qxc5 N8e7 

I was surprised to see, at least according to The Database, that this was the first time Bill had arrived at this position.

8.Qh5 

With all sorts of mischief planned for the Kingside.

8...Re8 9.f4 

How should Black respond to the threat to his Knight?

He can try 9...Kg8, unpinning it and protecting his pawn on h7 in the process.

He can hit back in the center with 9...d5, which is probably best, as the move works against the f-pawn's advance as well, i.e. 10.f5 Nxf5 taking advantage of the pin on White's e-pawn.

9...h6

Apparently worried about the h-pawn, but this loss of time will hurt him.

10.f5 Nc6 

Uncovering the threat of his Rook along the e-file, but White has time to react - after grabbing a piece.

11.Qxg6+ Kg8 12.d3 

"Jerome pawns"on parade.

12...d5 

This is still a good idea, although the sad retreat, 12...Ne7 (to harass the Queen) is also useful.

13.Bxh6 

The position calls out for this.

13...Qh4+ 

Black sees that he can capture the annoying Bishop, but he fails to see one move further.

14.g3 Qxh6 

But, but, but...

15.Qxe8+ Kh7 16.Nd2 Qe3+ 

This check will not change things.

17.Kd1 dxe4 18.Qg6+ Kh8 19.Rf1 exd3 20.f6 

Showing who is in charge: White's defense holds even as his offense pushes through.

20...Qe2+ 21.Kc1 Qg4 22.fxg7+ Kg8 23.Rf8 checkmate