The first two rounds have given notice that there are no easy games in this tournament and that trend continued. In the only decisive game of the round (so far), Gordon Lindberg overcame a discouraged Clint Stewart in a lively Dutch Defence, which looked to offer Clint some saving chances.

Second seed Patrick Cook played his usual Larsen's Opening against Judd Madden and gained a pawn from premature aggression by Judd. Patrick then efficiently traded down to a winning pawn ending, only to push the wrong pawn and the win slipped to a draw. Another good result for Judd.

Peter Lumsdon took on Robert Bailey's Petrov Defence and after a careful manoeuvring game was surprised and grateful when an over-respectful Rob offered him a draw when a pawn to the good in the end game. Top seed Jing Jia played veteran Kevin Perrin, competing in his 39th consecutive club championship! Kevin essayed the Modern Defence (1.e4 g6) and neither player was able to gain an advantage.

Scott Stewart versus the enigmatic Jamie Brotheridge was another Sicilian for Scott. The most interesting aspect of the game for spectators was that Jamie had written 'resigns' on his score sheet whilst waiting for a reply that he feared! Scott however, had calculated that the continuation was bad for him and played an alternative move, saving Jamie from embarrassment. The give was eventually drawn.

Charlie Andrews played the Barcza System against John Lavery and a long positional struggle, typical of the opening, ensued. The game was adjourned late in the night with John having a bishop for two pawns in a clogged up rooks and pawns ending.

John Frangakis versus Mitchel Bailey has been postponed to a later date.