What you need for an anniversary chess tournament

An anniversary chess tournament needs more than boards and pieces. You will also need one working chess clock per playing table, printed score sheets, pens, table numbers, name badges and a clear registration point. Plan the prize table, presentation equipment and refreshments before shopping, especially if the venue has limited power or Wi-Fi. Use the complete checklist below to gather tournament equipment, furniture, prizes and practical supplies without last-minute gaps.

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What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Furniture

Tablesqty 14
Chairsqty 70
Registration desk
Buffet tableqty 3
Prize table
Coat racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Chess boardsqty 35
Chess piecesqty 35
Chess clocksqty 35
Spare chess piecesqty 5
Spare chess clocksqty 3
Presentation board
Demonstration pieces
Score sheetsqty 180
Writing pensqty 80
Clipboardsqty 10
Tournament folder
Name badgesqty 70
Table number cardsqty 35
Prizesqty 8
Cupsqty 3
Medalsqty 20

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 5
Wi-Fi router
Microphone
Speakersqty 2
Microphone stand
Chargersqty 4
Power banksqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 70
Glassesqty 70
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Serving plattersqty 10
Serving utensilsqty 8
Pitchersqty 6
Thermos flasksqty 4
traysqty 4

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Ice cube traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 6
Bottle openersqty 3
Waste binsqty 6

Decorations

Anniversary banner
Tableclothsqty 14
Chess decorationsqty 10
Balloonsqty 60
Balloon ribbonqty 2
Tapeqty 4
Ropeqty 2
Scissorsqty 4

Lighting

LED light stringsqty 4
Table lampsqty 6
Spare batteriesqty 24

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Broom setsqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 6
Trash bagsqty 50
Paper towelsqty 6
Toilet paperqty 24

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Teaspoons - 2 packs
- Still mineral water - 8 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 3 crates
- Alcohol-free beer - 1 crate
- Red wine - 6 bottles
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 4 bottles
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Sandwiches - 90 pieces
- Whole wheat bread - 5 loaves
- Kaiser rolls - 40 pieces
- Croissants - 30 pieces
- Butter - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Ham - 1,5 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Peanut butter - 2 jars
- Jam - 2 jars
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Mandarins - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Brownies - 50 pieces
- Birthday cake - 2 cakes
- Napkins - 250 pieces
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 8 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Toilet cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Freezer bags - 2 boxes

Tips

Count playing tables first, then match the number of chess boards, complete piece sets, clocks and score sheets to that number. Keep at least 1 spare set of pieces and 1 spare clock available for equipment failures.
Print one score sheet per player for every scheduled round, plus extra copies for replays or mistakes. Put pens and clipboards at each table instead of leaving all writing supplies at registration.
Prepare one name badge and one table number card for every participant or playing table. Print the participant list and tournament schedule before opening the venue so group assignments do not depend on Wi-Fi.
Keep prizes, cups and medals together on a separate prize table, with a tournament folder containing the rules and final results. Check deliveries several days before the event, not on the morning of the tournament.
Test the laptop, printer, microphone, speakers, extension cords and power strips at the venue at least 24 hours ahead. Bring spare chess pieces and clocks, and confirm that the Wi-Fi router works where registrations will be handled.

Frequently asked questions

How many chess boards and clocks do I need for a tournament?: Provide 1 chess board and 1 chess clock for every game played at the same time. Add at least 1 spare board set and 1 spare clock, even for a small anniversary tournament.
How many score sheets should I print for a chess tournament?: Print 1 score sheet per player per scheduled round, then add 10–15% extra. For 40 players playing 5 rounds, prepare at least 220 sheets.
What should I buy for chess tournament registration?: Prepare a registration desk, printed participant lists, name badges, pens, clipboards and the tournament folder. Have the desk ready at least 30 minutes before the stated arrival time.
When should I order chess tournament prizes and cups?: Order prizes, cups and medals at least 2–3 weeks before the tournament. Check the delivery and engravings several days before the event so replacements can still be arranged.

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