Jerome Gambit Secrets #2

As mentioned in the first "Jerome Gambit Secrets"

If you play the Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+) you know that the best source of information on the opening is this blog. 

If you face the Jerome Gambit, however, the best source of information on defending against the opening is - this blog.
Across the 10 years that I have shared history, games and analysis, I have done my best to give the lines that give White the greatest opportunities to snatch victory from the jaws of this defeated - er, "refuted" - opening. 

I have also not shied away from presenting the various refutations, as well. 

Sometimes players have used my suggestions. Sometimes they have not. The "Jerome Gambit Secrets" posts will re-visit suggestions that appear to remain unplayed.

 Take for example, the following line of play. 

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 h6

The Semi-Italian opening. Black is being careful, but the possible waste of a move and the possible weakening of the Kingside can get White thinking Jerome Gambit thoughts.

4.0-0

This is different than the 4.Nc3 seen in MIG - jfer, 3 0 blitz, FICS, 2001 (1-0, 11), the subject of Jerome Gambit Secrets #1. But - is it a difference that makes a difference?

4...Bc5 5.Bxf7+

The Semi-Italian Jerome Gambit.

5...Kxf7 6.Nxe5+ Nxe5 7.Qh5+ g6 8.Qxe5 

Here we have a position from perrypawnpusher - islanderchess, 10 0 blitz, FICS, 2008 (1-0, 46). In fact, there are 10 games with this position in The Database - all played by me - and White has won every time.

However, if you play this line with White, it is important that you not become overconfident. As far back as December 2, 2008 on this blog, I recommended that Black play the retrograde 8...Bf8!?, as then the Rook in the corner is off limits: 9.Qxh8? Bg7 10.Qh7 Nf6 and the White Queen is lost.

If The Database is any indication, 8...Bf8 has not yet been tried in this position in any game.

For the record, Stockfish 9 recommends the line 8...Bf8 9.Nc3 d6 10.Qg3 Ne7 11.d4 Bg7 12.Ne2 (it also considers 12.d5, 12.Qd3 and 12.Be3) with Black having the traditional advantage of a piece for two pawns, and White having play with his central "Jerome pawns" against Black's somewhat exposed King.

Analysis diagram