Jerome Gambit: Sympathy for the Defender

This being a Jerome Gambit (and related openings) blog, I have generally been sympathetic to those who venture with the White pieces - although I have also noted interesting reverse Jeromes where Black has made the interesting sacrifices.

That said, when I came across the following game, I felt bad (only a little bit) for the loser.

NN - schuylkillvalleychess

Ches.com, 2023

1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+ 

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.Qh5+ Ke6 

7.Qf5+ Kd6 8.c3 

White plans a Giuco Piano center, but Black has a proper counter.

Alonzo Wheeler Jerome preferred 8.f4 here.

8...Qf6 

9.d4 Qxf5 

The main idea in the defense: exchange White's aggressive Queen.

10.dxc5+ Kxc5 

Despite the placement of Black's King, Stockfish 16.1 rates the second player as being about 4 1/2 pawns better.

11.Be3+ 

The enemy Queen can be captured next move.

11...Kc4 

Advancing away from safety (c6) and into danger.

All of a sudden, this causes White to lose interest in capturing the Queen.

12.Na3+ Kd3 13.O-O-O+ Kxe4 14.Rd4 checkmate

What does it profit a player, if he gains an extra Queen and Knight, if he forfeits his King?