4th Fränkisches Seniorenderby Bischofsgrün & 2nd Ochsenkopf Open 2026 runs from August 29 to September 6, 2026 in Bischofsgrün, Germany. This is a chess tournament in Bischofsgrün, Germany, in 2026. The event combines two parallel competitions in the same venue: the 4th Fränkisches Seniorenderby Bischofsgrün 2026 and the 2nd Ochsenkopf Open 2026.

The tournament takes place in the Großer Saal im Kurhaus in the climatic spa resort of Bischofsgrün. Moreover, both events use a 9-round Swiss format and follow the same daily round schedule across nine days. The Seniorenderby is the senior event, while the Ochsenkopf Open welcomes players with a valid FIDE ID.

The combined format gives players two clear choices in one location. On one side, the Seniorenderby targets older players and also awards regional senior titles. On the other side, the Ochsenkopf Open offers a general open field with its own entry fee and prize pool. As a result, the event works well for both competitive senior players and other classical tournament players.

🏁 Event Details

⏱️ Time Control & Pairings

Both events use the same classical format. Therefore, every player gets 130 minutes for the game, and the clock adds 30 seconds per move from move one. That structure makes the tournament a true long-play event rather than a rapid or short congress.

The organizer also uses a 9-round Swiss system for the combined festival. Meanwhile, the grace period is 30 minutes, which follows the published FIDE-based tournament rule. Because the event runs for nine days, the format gives players one serious game per day instead of a compressed weekend schedule.

💰 Prize Fund

The published total cash prize fund reaches EUR 1,550. In addition, the event also offers regional non-cash prizes, and every participant receives a Franconian gift.

♟️ Sections / Groups

The two-event structure gives the festival a broader profile. In addition, the Seniorenderby also awards titles such as Franconian Senior Champion, Franconian Senior Women’s Champion, Middle Franconian Senior Champion, and the district senior title for the Hof–Bayreuth–Kulmbach area. If the Ochsenkopf Open attracts too few players, the organizer may integrate those players into the Derby. However, the published note sets a minimum of five players for the Open.

📅 Schedule

📝 Registration

Players who need a FIDE identification number for rating purposes should arrange it before the tournament starts. Moreover, the organizer records the games and publishes them through the senior chess support network.

👤 Organizer

Tourist Information Bischofsgrün organizes the combined event in cooperation with tournament director Wolfgang Fiedler. The local tourist office also supports accommodation planning, which fits the longer nine-day format of the festival.

Phone: +49 9276 1292
Email: fiedlerw@t-online.de

📍 Venue

Großer Saal im Kurhaus, Jägerstraße 9, 95493 Bischofsgrün, Germany

The games take place in the air-conditioned large hall of the Kurhaus in Bischofsgrün. Moreover, the setting suits a long classical event well, because the tournament stays in one fixed venue throughout the full schedule.

🚗 How to Get There

Bischofsgrün is a spa town in Franconia, and the Kurhaus address is easy to use for navigation. In addition, players who plan a full stay should arrange accommodation early through the local tourist office, since the event runs for nine days.

It is a strong choice for players who want a calm classical event in Franconia with both a senior championship and an open tournament in one venue.