Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Oh, Those "Jerome pawns"!



The Jerome Gambit frequently features play where Black has an extra piece, and White has a couple of extra pawns. 

Those "Jerome pawns" often help decide the game.


Tracy824 - Alex-r

5 0 blitz, lichess.org, 2024

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Ke6 

7.f4 Bd6 

It is often tempting in the Jerome Gambit for Black to attack White's Queen. Tempting, but not always leading to advantage.

In this case, it leads to White's advantage.

8.Qf5+ Ke7 9.fxe5 Bb4 10.c3 Bc5 

Either on this move or the next, Black should play ...d5, uncovering an attack on the enemy Queen. He would still be at a disadvantage (Oh, those "Jerome pawns"!) but less so than in the game.

11.d4 Bb6 12.Bg5+

Presenting Black with 2 unenviable choices. He can move his King and lose his Queen, or he can play as he does.

12...Nf6 13.exf6+ Ke8 14.f7+

Black resigned 

Black will lose his Queen, and then be checkmated a few moves afterward. 


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