Jerome Gambit: Tactical Trouble

The Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+) opening is known for its tactical nature. It inspires exciting play.

However, not every plan works out.

Here is another of my games from the "Jerome Gambit Classic #1" tournament at chess.com.

FurkanFexsv - perrypawnpusher

Jerome Gambit Classic #1, Chess.com, 2024

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kxf7 5.d4 

Opening other lines of attack, at the cost of a pawn.

4...Bxd4 

A bit stronger than 5...exd4 as seen in brain50 - perrypawnpusher, Jerome Gambit 3 thematic tournament, ChessWorld.net 2008 (0-1, 25) and Temmo - perrypawnpusher, Jerome Gambit 3 thematic tournament, ChessWorld.net, 2008 (0-1, 32). 

5...Nxd4 6.Nxe5+ Kf8 7. Nc3 d6 is good for Black, as well, as in brain50 - Kevin the fruitbat, "Jerome Gambit3 thematic tournament, ChessWorld.net  (0-1, 16).

6.Bg5 Nf6 

Black has an extra piece and is better.

White now has some tactical ideas that don't quite work.

7.Nxe5+ 

Stockfish 16 (32 ply) prefers 7.Nxd4.

Also 7.O-O  Bxb2 8.Bxf6 Qxf6 9.Qd5+ Ke7 10.Qc5+ d6 11.Qd5 Bxa1 12.c3 Bg4 13.h3 Bxf3 14.gxf3 Qxf3 15.Nd2 Qxh3 16.Rxa1 Rhf8 17.Rf1 Rf6 18.f3 Qg3+ White resigned, eliadr - perrypawnpusher, "Jerome Gambit Classic #1", Chess.com, 2024. 

7... Bxe5 8.f4 Bxb2 9.Qh5+ 

Depending upon a pin that is not an effective pin.

9...Nxh5 White resigns

White can capture Black's Queen, but it will cost him his Bishop, and his Rook is still en prise.