Okay, I admit it, I was bored. I certainly was not up for a complex, multi-layered intellectual exercise. So, seeing a chessplaying program on my computer, I thought I would while away some time with it - and the Jerome Gambit.
It turns out that I did this once before, 7 years ago - see "Contempt?!" The game does not seem to be in The Database, however. Odd.
I think Microsoft created the Chess Titans program to introduce people to chess. In a world where the world champion would have little chance of defeating top silicon challengers, it turns out that my opponent the other day was not so strong.
perrypawnpusher - Chess Titans
casual game, 2018
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+
4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Ke6 7.Qf5+
Kd6 8.f4
I was pretty sure that my opponent was not seriously booked up on the Jerome Gambit, and that the killer move 8...Qh4+!? was not going to show up now.
For the record, 8.Nc3 was played by my son against the program years ago, in jon - Chess Titans, 2011 (1-0, 14). That game does not appear in The Database, either. (I will remedy.)
8...g6
I suppose that this was part of the computer's programming, to keep it "weak" - occasionally producing stunners like this.
9.Qxe5+ Kc6 10.Qxh8
Taking the Rook is best. I got a great game soon after 10.Qd5+, however, frittering it all away and barely surviving to draw in perrypawnpusher - spontex, 8 8 blitz, FICS, 2009 (1/2-1/2, 59).
10...Qf8
I also faced 10...d6, leading to an interesting battle, in perrypawnpusher - vermifugo, blitz, FICS, 2014 (1-0, 38)
11.d4 Bxd4 12.Qxd4 h6
Okay, if it can be said that there was any kind of thread running through this game, it is clear that by now, CT has lost it.
13.Qd5+ Kb6 14.Be3+ c5 15.b4 Qxf4
I suppose if Chess Titans were my client, I would diagnose clinical depression. Still, there was nothing for Black to be excited about in the computer-recommended 15...Kc7 16.Nc3 Qg7 17.Qxc5+ Kd8 18.Bd4 Qe7 19.Qa5+ Ke8 20.O-O-O.
16.Qxc5+ Ka6 17.Qa5 checkmate
The Wikipedia entry for the computer program Chess Titans (see "Artificial Ignorance Part 1"), which comes with the Windows 7 operating system, includes this dead-pan bit of information
Chess Titans has been criticized for being less sophisticated than other chess video games. However, while its algorithms may not be as sophisticated, it is still a good game for beginners or those wanting a refresher.
Chess Titans has also been criticized for having bugs that allow the computer to cheat. However, this criticism is generally unfounded and often comes from beginners who are unfamiliar with more artisan moves such as castling and en passant.
My son was pleased that the program was willing to answer his 1.e4 with 1..e5 (I haven't shown him the "Sicilian Jerome Gambit" yet), and he quickly went about offering the computer "Jerome Gambit odds".
Jon - Chess Titans
casual game, 2011
1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+
4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Ke6
Book or calculation? The computer chooses a fighting line.
7.Qf5+ Kd6 8.Nc3
Checking The Database I see that this line scored 23% in 45 games. This game gives it a nudge upward.
8...Bxf2+
This "theoretical novelty", however, restores White's chances to a-little-better-than-even. It is hard to see where the move came from, as the psychology of the "Anti-Bill Wall Gambit" and its relatives is largely a human phenomenon.
Certainly 8...Qf6, instead, was the way to go for Black.
9.Qxf2 g6
More strangeness, and now White is winning, as he quickly shows.
10.Qd4+ Ke6 11.0-0
Castling his King into safety, developing his King Rook and following the advice restrain the King, then checkmate him. It is a shame to have to point out that 11.Qd5+ first, and after 11...Kf6 then 12.0-0+ was stronger, e.g. 12...Kg7 13.Qxe5+ Nf6 and White's build-up of attack on the pinned Knight will be decisive.
11...d5
One step too far.
12.exd5+ Ke7
Opting for a quick end.
Instead, 12...Kd6 13.Nb5+ Ke7 14.Qxe5+ Kd7 15.Qe6 checkmate lasts a bit longer.
"Best" is defending with 12...Kd7 but after 13.Qxe5 White is threatening both material gain and checkmate, and Black's survival (however long he lasts) will be a tortured one.
13.Qxe5+ Be6 14.Qxe6 checkmate
(Hey, Boss, look out!)
I've mentioned that my son, "Kennedy Kid" Jon [left], is a teacher in Haiti. His exciting times – including when the earthquake struck in January – can be read about at his blog, jbkhaiti.blogspot.com. Today Jon's big brother (another "Kennedy Kid") Matt [below] starts a two week trip to Haiti, to put his physical therapy skills to work, assisting in a medical step-down facility and working with earthquake victims.
Matt will be accompanied by a colleague, an occuptational therapist [picture currently unavailable] who also plans on being very, very busy.
