Jerome Gambit: Destroyed (Part 1)

When I started the following game, I was rated 500 points higher than my opponent. Clearly, it was time to give him "Jerome Gambit odds", balancing our difference in playing strength by playing a "refuted" opening.

Against expectation, however, I was destroyed - outplayed by my opponent, from beginning to end. Doing a post mortem with Stockfish 17.1, I learned that there was never a time after the 4th move that White was even equal: all moves, thereafter, one-by-one, showed Black as better.

Hats off to TwoCatsOnTheCouch!

perrypawnpusher - TwoCatsOnTheCouch

Chess.com, 2025

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Kf8 

The Database indicates that of the three main responses by Black - 6...g6, 6...Ke6 and 6...Kf8 - it is the last one that has given me the most trouble.

7.Qxe5 d6 8.Qg3 Nf6 

Or 8...Be6, as in perrypawnpusher - GuestGCSC, 5 5 blitz, FICS, 2023 (0-1, 49) 

9.d3 Be6 

Alternatives:

9...Nh5, as in perrypawnpusher - maxmi, blitz, FICS, 2010 (1-0, 42); 

9...h5, as in perrypawnpusher - ulisimbolon, Giuoco Piano Thematic Tournament, Chess.com, 2016 (0-1, 22); 

9...h6,  as in perrypawnpusher - caterwaul, blitz, blitz, FICS, 2010 (1-0, 39) 

9...Qd7, as in perrypawnpusher - aansmar, Italian Game tournament, Chess.com, 2024 (1/2 - 1/2, 22); and

9...Ng4, as in perrypawnpusher - salla, blitz, blitz, FICS, 2010 (1-0, 18) and perrypawnpusher - marianomocoroa, blitz, FICS, 2010 (1-0, 14). 

10.O-O Kg8

Or 10...Nh5, as in perrypawnpusher - Sarantes, Let's Play the Italian Game,  Chess.com 2018 (1-0, 37)

Or 10...Bg4, as in perrypawnpusher - GuestTYQD, 4 12 blitz, FICS, 2023 (1-0, 39). 

With the text move, Black gets his King off of the dangerous f-file. He hopes to castle-by-hand to h7, after a pawn move.

11.Bg5 h6 12.Bd2 Nh5 13.Qf3 Qh4 

Black's pieces are far more dangerous than White's.

14.g3 Qh3 15.c3 

Preparing d3-d4, but it was probably better to put either a Bishop or a Knight on this square.

15...Rf8 16.Qg2 Qxg2+ 17.Kxg2 Kh7 

Black has his usual piece for two pawns, and a lead in development. The exchange of Queens has helped him, defensively.

White will expand with his "Jerome pawns", but that, alone, will not be enough.

18.d4 Bb6 19.f4 

It was apparent to the computer, after the game, but not to me, during the game, that the pawn was better placed at f3.

19...Bc4 20.Re1 Re8 

Black's pieces (except for the Rook on h8) are working; half of White's pieces are still at home.

White needs to continue to build his position, and be open for tactical opportunities as they arise.

[to be continued]