Jerome Gambit: Training Game #3

 

Here is the third training game from Sacrifice Theory. The Bishop mentioned in "Jerome Gambit: Sacrifice Theory".

The "Steinitz King" ("The King is a strong piece") wanders onto the battlefield, and becomes a target.

 

Training Game #3

2024

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Ke6 

7.f4 Qf6 

Sacrifice Theory. The Bishop  gives this move a "?"

I think that might be a bit harsh. The Database has over 500 games with the move, with White scoring 53%.

It is clear, though, that Stockfish prefers 7...d6 - but also the interesting 7...Nd3+.

8.Nc3 g6 

This move encourages White to make an exchange that he was already likely to make. Instead, he might have cosidered 8...Qxf4 9. d4 Nf6. 

9.Qxe5+ Qxe5 10.fxe5 Kxe5

Black has his typical Jerome Gambit piece-for-a-pawn material advantage, but the precarious position of his King tilts the game toward even.

11.Rf1 

White also had the interesting 11.Nd5. 

11...d6

Sacrifice Theory. The Bishop  gives this move and his next move each "?" I suspect 11...Nf6 and 12...Bd7 would be better.

12.Nd5 c6 13.Nc7 Rb8 14.d3 

White's position would be suspect, because of his piece development (or lack of), if it were not for the unfortunate position of Black's King.

14...Nf6

This move is also given a "?", but even with alternatives, the defender is running out of time.

15.Bf4+ Kd4 16.Rf3 Nxe4

Desperation. Returning a piece - for some breathing room?

17.O-O-O

"with the threat of Be3#" 

17...Bg4

Given a "?", but after Black's 16th move he was facing a forced checkmate, anyhow.

18.Be3+ Ke5 19.d4+ Bxd4 20.Bxd4 checkmate