FYI Game

The following game will be found in an updated version of The Database. Except for a few early game references, it is of no particular value to either the theory or practice of the Jerome Gambit (1.e4 e5 2.Nf3 Nc6 3.Bc4 Bc5 4.Bxf7+), and is presented here mostly as self-chastisement: if I am going to play such uninspired chess, one consequence will be public embarassment. (Tomorrow' post borders on public humiliation.)

perrypawnpusher - Kdrb
blitz, FICS, 2012

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

The Semi-Italian Game.

4.0-0

I wonder what happened to my plans to explore 4.Nc3...

4...Nf6 5.Nc3 Bc5

The Semi-Italian Four Knights Game.

6.Bxf7+

6...Kxf7 7.Nxe5+ Nxe5 8.d4 Nc6

Stronger for Black (although he retains an edge with the text) is 8...Bxd4 9.Qxd4 d6.

9.dxc5 Re8

Or 9...d6 10.cxd6 Qxd6 as in perrypawnpusher - Alquinte, blitz, FICS, 2010 (1-0, 22); or 9...Rf8 10.f4 Kg8 11.e5 Nh7 12.Be3 Qe7 as in perrypawnpusher - RonMeister, blitz, FICS, 2010 (1-0, 20)

10.Bf4 b6 11.e5

Not paying close attention, figuring that the game would play itself. Of course, 11.Re1 keeps Black's advantage from growing further. 

11...Nxe5 12.cxb6 axb6

White has only one pawn for his sacrificed piece, and is behind in development. In addition, Black's King is almost safe.

It was clearly time to try a "cheapo", and, having reviewed all those short games from the recent "Return of Jerome Gambit for Dummies" series of posts, I spied one  that shouldn't, but just might, work...

13.Bxe5 Rxe5 14.Qd4 Re8 15.Nd5 Nxd5

When ahead in material, exchange pieces; when behind in material, exchange pawns. 

16.Qxd5+ Kf8 17.Qxa8 d6 18.Qf3+ Kg8

Up an exchange and a pawn, I tried to stop shaking and concentrate. Still, I wasn't going to be able to look myself in the face for a while.

19.Rfe1 Rf8 20.Qd5+ Kh8 21.Re2 Ba6 22.c4 Qh4 23.b3 Rb8

Planning to put his Bishop on b7 and continue a Kingside attack, but fortune has abandoned him.

24.Rae1 Bb7 25.Re8+ Rxe8 26.Rxe8+ Kh7 27.Qf5+ Black resigned