Jerome Gambit: White Sees Further

In the following game, White sees further into the position than his opponent does, allowing him to take advantage of the tactical play that the Jerome Gambit affords. 

Wall, Bill - Guest3992982
PlayChess.com, 2015

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.d4 Qe7 

This is a very reasonable defense, and apparently a modern one, as the earliest example that I have in The Database comes from an internet game in 2002.

The move can be considered a "tool" from Black's toolbox: when two pieces are attacked, one will be lost, so do not waste time saving one, develop another piece instead.

7.dxc5 Qxc5

Black scores 50% in 25 games with this move in The Database. 

8.O-O Nf6 9.Be3 Qb5

Black perceives a possible weakness in White's position - a notion that White encourages, because he sees it as time-wasting pawn-grabbing.

10.Nc3 Qxb2

White gets decent play for this pawn and he recovers material quickly.

11.Bd4 d6 12.Nd5 Qa3 13.Nxc7 Rb8 14.Nb5 Qa6 15.Bxa7 

15...Bd7

Fascinating. Instead of giving up his Rook for the Knight with 15...Qxb5 (the correct move, with perhaps still an edge), Black prefers to gain the Bishop for the exchange. But there is more to the position than he realizes.

16.Nxd6+

White does not have to take the Rook right away. 

16...Ke6 17.Bxb8 Rxb8 

In this complicated position, Black has two pieces for a Rook and 3 pawns, but his insecure King is probably his main concern. White continues to add pressure.

18.Nf5 g6 19.Ne3 Bc6 20.Qd4

Another surprise: White does not have to defend the doubly attacked e-pawn with f2-f3. Why not? Let's see.

20...Bxe4 21.f3 Bc6 22.Rae1 

White's development continues to be aimed at the enemy King. 

22...Qa3 

Leaving His Majesty to take care of himself. Stockfish 7  can only suggest that the King flee, 22...Kf7 leaving to the surrender of another piece whith. 23.Qxe5.

23.Nc4 Black resigned

Black's position has become untenable. He will lose his Queen no matter how he defends.