Jamie Brotheridge took on Rob Bailey at the public library earlier. A King’s Indian Defence, the game produced a dynamic, double-edged position in the middle game. Black steadily improved his position and had a win but failed to find the right path to victory. In time trouble his desperate exchange sacrifice failed and White scored the win.

Kevin Perrin met Swytzar Swytzer in a Giuco Piano. The game was even until the middle game when White built up a wicked attack against the Black King. White won the Black Queen and then mated without difficulty. An elegant win by White in just 19 moves.

Rob Loveband versus John Abson was a Nimzo-Indian Defence. White laboured hard but gained no advantage until by the late middle game he had a positional edge. Black then lashed out, sacrificing a Rook in a speculative attack that ultimately failed, handing White the full point.

Michael Schreenan faced John Frangakis and played his now usual Elephant attack (1.e4 e5 2.d4). The game quickly mutated into a Caro-Kann Defence. Black picked up a pawn in the opening, but had to return it in the middle game. White then whipped up a promising attack, but with both Queen’s still on the board neither player was able to gain a decisive edge and a draw was eventually agreed.

Patrick Cook faced Chris Segrave and played something resembling a Grunfeld. Quiet manoeuvring characterised the game until the game exploded into life and White brutally crushed  his opponent.

This was also the only round with no bye!