One step forward, one step back

Although some may consider the phrase "Jerome Gambit opening theory" to be somewhat of an oxymoron, as historical research continues to uncover games and analysis, and as new games starting 1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ continue to be played, an understanding of Alonzo Wheeler Jerome's creation will continue to advance, one step at a time. Defenses may also advance – or, as in the following game, take a step backward.

perrypawnpusher - nicolasalk
blitz 10 5, FICS, 2009

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Ke6
Black has a number of successful strategies at this point.
7.Qf5+ Kd6 8.f4 Ne7
Alas, this is not one of them.
9.Qxe5+ Kc6 10.Qc3 The recommended improvement upon 10.d4 Bb4+ ( 10...d6 11.d5+ Kb5 12.a4+ Kb6 13.a5+ Kb5 14.Qc3 Bb4 15.Na3+ Kxa5 16.Nc4+ Kb5 17.Ra5+ Bxa5 18.Qxa5+ Kxc4 19.b3+ Kd4 20.Qb4# 1-0 perrypawnpusher-vypux, blitz, FICS, 2009) 11.Nc3 b6 12.Qb5+ Kb7 13.Qxb4 Nc6 14.Qc4 Qh4+ 15.g3 Qh3 16.Qf1 d6 17.Qxh3 Bxh3 18.Be3 Nb4 19.0-0-0 Kc8 20.e5 Bg4 21.Rd2 Re8 22.h3 Bf3 23.Rf1 Bg2 24.Rxg2 a5 25.Re2 b5 26.Rfe1 a4 27.a3 Kd7 28.axb4 a3 29.bxa3 Rxa3 30.Kd2 Kc6 31.d5+ Kb7 32.e6 c6 33.dxc6+ Kxc6 34.f5 Ra4 35.Bf4 Rxb4 36.Re4 Kc5 37.Bxd6+ Kxd6 38.Rxb4 Rd8 39.Rd4+ Kc7 40.Rxd8 Kxd8 41.e7+ Ke8 42.Nxb5 h5 43.Nd6+ 1-0 perrypawnpusher - TheChessInnovator blitz, FICS, 2008)
10...Qf8

Black's defense requires 10...b6 and 11...d6, and his King will survive, albeit down two pawns.

11.d4 Qf6 12.Qxc5 checkmate