Bridge Tournament Checklist

A bridge tournament runs smoothly when the format, timing, and table rotation are settled before invitations go out. This checklist takes you from reserving the venue and processing registrations to preparing boards, scorecards, table numbers, and walk-through sheets. It also covers the details that are easy to overlook, such as dietary requirements, name badges, officiating, chilled drinks, and enough power for the printer and presentation equipment. Use it to work backwards from the start time and assign setup tasks clearly.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Set competition format
Reserve venue
Record officiating
Confirm date and times
Send invitations
2 people
Open registrations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Confirm participants
Order prizes
Order catering
Check competition materials
2 people
Prepare walk-through sheets
Prepare scorecards
2 people
Create the table layout
Make name badges
2 people
Print table numbers
Collect prizes
Do the shopping
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Set out soup and toppings
2 people
Open venue
2 people
Check the Venue
2 people
Set up tables
4 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Set up bridge tables
3 people
Prepare cards and boards
3 people
Set up the scoring table
2 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Build the catering buffet
3 people
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
Lay out name badges
Test the equipment
2 people

Event

Register participants
3 people
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
Explain the competition
Supervise the first round
2 people
Collect scorecards
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Supervise the second round
2 people
Open the lunch buffet
3 people
Restock the buffet
2 people
Support the third round
2 people
Check scorecards
2 people
Supervise fourth round
2 people
Calculate the final score
2 people
Set up the prize table
2 people
Handle prize ceremony
2 people
Serve the last drinks round
2 people
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

Gather competition materials
3 people
Wash dishes
3 people
Pack leftovers
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Clean the room
4 people
Put furniture back
4 people
Pack equipment
2 people
Lock up the venue
2 people
Return borrowed items
2 people
Send out the results

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 14
Chairsqty 56
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Bridge cardsqty 24
Card traysqty 24
Bied boxesqty 48
Board setsqty 24
Scorecardsqty 600
Running sheetsqty 24
Pencilsqty 60
Erasersqty 24
Table clocksqty 12
Prizesqty 6

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Projector
Projection screen
Portable speaker
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Water jugsqty 8
Serving traysqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Soup warmersqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Small bowlsqty 12

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 14
Table numbersqty 12
Name badgesqty 60
Directional signsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Paper binsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the competition format before opening registration, including the number of tables, rounds, and expected finish time. This gives players accurate information and lets you prepare the right number of boards, card trays, bidding boxes, and running sheets.
Close or review registrations early enough to confirm the final table count. Prepare name badges, table numbers, scorecards, and the table layout only after you know how many pairs are attending.
Check every bridge set at least one day before the tournament. Count the boards, cards, card trays, bidding boxes, pencils, erasers, table clocks, and scorecards, and keep spare writing materials at the scoring desk.
Plan food and drinks around the playing schedule rather than leaving service to chance. Put soup, toppings, coffee, water, and chilled drinks where players can reach them without blocking table movement, and confirm dietary requirements before ordering catering.
Allow a dedicated setup period before doors open. Tables, chairs, clothes racks, projection equipment, speaker, printer, extension cords, and power strips should be tested before the first players arrive, not during registration.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a bridge tournament?: Start planning at least 6 to 8 weeks before the tournament. Reserve the venue and confirm the date first, then allow time for invitations, registrations, catering, prizes, and competition materials.
When should bridge tournament registration close?: Close registration 7 to 10 days before the event whenever possible. That gives you time to confirm participants, finalise the table layout, order catering, prepare badges, and print scorecards and running sheets.
How many bridge tables do I need?: Plan one table for every four players, then check the format and movement before confirming the final number. Add space around each table for chairs, walking routes, table clocks, and serving access rather than filling the room edge to edge.
What should I check on the day of a bridge tournament?: Arrive at least 2 hours before the advertised start time for a full setup check. Test the layout, lighting, printer, projector, speaker, power connections, scoring materials, registration area, refreshments, and all boards before welcoming players.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.