What you need for a backgammon tournament

A backgammon tournament needs more than one board per match. You also need spare equipment, clear match paperwork, a registration point, prizes and refreshments that can be served without interrupting play. Use the participant limit and tournament format to calculate quantities: provide one complete backgammon set for every active game, plus at least one spare set. The checklist below covers the practical supplies for tables, scoring, registration, catering and power.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 40
Registration desk
Buffet tableqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Game materials

Backgammon setsqty 20
Dice cupsqty 40
Diceqty 80
Doubling diceqty 20
Spare conesqty 40
Game clocksqty 10
Prizesqty 3

Administration

Match cardsqty 40
Score sheetsqty 100
Clipboardsqty 10
Ballpoint pensqty 50
Name badgesqty 40
Notepadsqty 6
Printer paper
Tapeqty 2
Scissorsqty 2
Markersqty 6
Table numbersqty 20

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Charging cablesqty 3

Tableware

Reusable glassesqty 50
Reusable coffee cupsqty 40
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving utensilsqty 8

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Water jugsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Welcome sign
Round board

Lighting

Table lampsqty 8

Cleaning

Cleaning bucketqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 2
Mopqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Sparkling water - 6 bottles
- Still water - 8 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Mini sandwiches - 80 pieces
- White sandwich bread - 4 loaves
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Smoked chicken breast - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Cleaning spray - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 10 pieces

Tips

Count one backgammon set, dice cup and doubling die for every game running at the same time. Add at least one spare set and spare cones so a missing or damaged piece does not stop a match.
Print one match card and one score sheet per scheduled match, then add 10% extra copies. Bring clipboards and pens to make scoring possible at crowded game tables.
Prepare name badges for every confirmed participant and print the participant list before doors open. Keep registration supplies at a separate desk so late arrivals do not disrupt matches.
Plan one table for registration, one buffet table and enough game tables for the active matches. Number the game tables before players arrive and keep tape, scissors and markers nearby.
Chill drinks and set out reusable glasses and coffee cups before registration starts. Provide waste bins beside the buffet and at the playing area, rather than waiting until the first break.

Frequently asked questions

How many backgammon sets do I need for a tournament?: Buy or bring one complete set for each match that runs at the same time. Add at least one spare set, including dice, a dice cup, doubling die and cones, for equipment failures or extra games.
How many score sheets and match cards should I print?: Print one score sheet and one match card for every scheduled match, plus 10% extra. For 40 matches, prepare 44 of each so replacements are available.
What do I need at the registration desk?: Set up a desk with the printed participant list, name badges, pens, clipboards, notepads and a laptop or printer if you expect last-minute changes. Have it ready at least 30 minutes before registration opens.
How much time before the tournament should I buy and prepare the supplies?: Order prizes and check all game materials at least 7 days before the event. Print cards, lists and badges 1–2 days beforehand, then chill drinks and set up the buffet on the event day.

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