Jerome Gambit: Perplexity

I have a growing interest in learning about what is called "artificial intelligence" (AI), as presented by programs such as ChatGPT.

In fact, readers of this blog may recall that I have interacted with ChatGPT several times, on behalf of the Jerome Gambit, as chronicled in the post "SMH: ChatGPT Again".

Reportedly one of the knowledge area weaknesses that ChatGPT has is the topic of chess. Certainly my experience has supported that conclusion.

The other day I decided to visit some more AI, this time at the Perplexity.ai website ("Where Knowledge Begins"). After an initial stumble, Perplexity righted itself and provided some wisdom.

What is the Jerome Gambit? Is it any good?

The Jerome Gambit is a chess opening that begins with the moves:

1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. Bc4 Bc5
4. O-O Nf6
5. d4 exd4
6. c3

White sacrifices a pawn to open lines and gain initiative. Black accepts the pawn with 6...dxc3, allowing White to sacrifice the knight with 7. Nxc3. If Black accepts with 7...Nxe4, White can then sacrifice the bishop with 8. Bxf7+.

This is wrong, of course. The Jerome Gambit is 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ Kxf7 5.Nxe5+.

However, what follows is true about the Jerome.

 

Regarding its quality, opinions are divided:

The Jerome Gambit is considered an objectively dubious opening that relies heavily on the opponent making inaccurate moves. It gives White a very risky and unbalanced position in return for the sacrificed material. Strong players generally avoid it as Black has relatively straightforward ways to equalize or even gain an advantage with precise play.

However, the Jerome Gambit can be effective at lower levels where opponents may struggle to find the best defensive resources. It leads to very sharp and complicated positions that can punish inaccuracies. The gambit experienced a surge in popularity in 2020 after the chess streamer chessbrah featured it in a video, quintupling its usage on lichess.org from around 20 games per day to over 100 games per day at its peak.

So while not considered a reliable try for an advantage at higher levels, the Jerome Gambit remains a popular option for amateur players seeking complicated, unbalanced positions that can punish mistakes. Its objective quality is dubious, but it can lead to fascinating battles when played against imperfect opposition.

True that.