Jerome Gambit: Close to the Fire

Those who play the Jerome Gambit are taking a calculated risk: will the benefits (opponent does not know the opening, is distressed by it, is overwhelmed by it) of the opening outweigh its risks (it is a tactical, "refuted" opening) ?

Even so, there are lines in the Jerome that include even greater risk, yet, time after time, players go there - and come away successful.

seasidejerry - wolfwerner

Jerome Gambit Classic #1, Chess.com, 2024

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

4...Kxf7 5.Nxe5+ Nxe5 6.d4 Qh4 

The earliest game in The Database with this move is Sorensen - Anonymous, Denmark, 1888 (1-0, 27)

7.dxc5 

White prefers not to "castle into it" with 7.O-O Qxe4 8.dxc5 although that would be less bad, according to Stockfish 16.1.

How close can he come to the fire without being burned?

7...Qxe4+ 8.Kf1 Qc4+ 9.Kg1 Nf6 10.Nc3 Qxc5 

11.Be3 Qe7 12.h4 Re8 13.Bg5 h6 

14.Nd5 Qd6 15.Bxf6 gxf6 16.Qh5+ 

16...Ke6 

"Developing" his King, instead of "un-developing his Knight with 16...Ng6.

White is given his chance.

17.Qxe8+ Kxd5 18.Rd1+ Black resigned

Two pieces will not be enough compensation for a Queen, especially with a King at risk.