Bridge tournament checklist: from registrations to final scores

A bridge tournament runs smoothly when the competition details are fixed before you invite players. Choose the format, secure the venue, appoint a match official, and collect registrations early enough to build a workable schedule. In the final week, prepare boards, scorecards, table plans, rules, prizes, and participant details. On the day, allow time for registration, table setup, coffee, snacks, and a final equipment check before the first deal.

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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

Define the competition format
2 people
Reserve venue
Assign a match official
Send invitations
2 people
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Update participant list
Set up the prize table
2 people
Create the game schedule
2 people
Prepare bridge boards
2 people
Print scorecards
Print table plan
Print game rules
Buy prizes
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Confirm participants
Check competition materials
2 people
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Set up coffee station
2 people
Set up tables
4 people
Set up chairs
3 people
Place table numbers
Prepare bridge boards
2 people
Prepare score materials
2 people
Display prizes
Test sound equipment
Set up the registration table
2 people

Event

Welcome the players
3 people
Register attendance
2 people
Explain the competition
Give the signal
Collect the scores
2 people
Supervise gameplay
2 people
Refill drinks
2 people
Serve snacks
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Check playing cards
Process interim results
2 people
Calculate final scores
2 people
Announce the winners
Present prizes
2 people
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

Collect bridge boards
2 people
Sort playing cards
2 people
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Clean the room
3 people
Store leftover catering
2 people
Count materials
2 people
Return borrowed materials
2 people
Publish results

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 52
Registration desk
Prize table

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving traysqty 8

Equipment

Bridge boardsqty 20
Complete card decksqty 24
Bied boxesqty 13
Bridgematesqty 13
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Mobile phoneqty 2
Sound system
Microphone

Lighting

Table lampsqty 12
Spare bulbsqty 4

Catering

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4
Corkscrewsqty 2
Groceries

Decorations

Table numbersqty 13
Trophiesqty 3
Prize ribbonsqty 3
Tableclothsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Chef's knifeqty 2
Small bowlsqty 12
Storage binsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Dish brushesqty 2

Tips

Set the competition format before sending invitations. State the number of sessions, approximate start and finish times, and how many players or pairs you can accommodate.
Close registrations early enough to create the schedule and table plan. Confirm the final participant list at least 48 hours before the tournament so late changes do not disrupt the first round.
Prepare one complete set of bridge boards, cards, bidding boxes, and scoring equipment for every table, plus a small reserve. Test Bridgemates, the laptop, and the printer before players arrive.
Print the rules, table plan, table numbers, and scorecards before setup day. Keep spare copies at the registration desk rather than relying on a printer during the tournament.
Plan refreshments around the playing schedule. Chill drinks, prepare snacks, and set up the coffee station before registration; allow about 15 minutes before the first round for cups, plates, serving trays, and waste collection to be in place.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a bridge tournament?: Reserve the venue and define the format at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead. Send invitations once the date, capacity, and match official are confirmed, then close registrations early enough to prepare the schedule.
How many bridge boards do I need for a tournament?: Prepare one board set for each table in play, based on the final schedule, and keep at least 2 spare boards if space and equipment allow. Check every board and complete card deck before setup.
When should I confirm bridge tournament participants?: Confirm the participant list 48 hours before the event. Use that list to finalise the schedule, table plan, dietary requirements, refreshments, and any prize arrangements.
What should be ready before bridge tournament registration opens?: Set up the registration desk, table numbers, participant list, rules, scorecards, and table plan before guests arrive. Aim to finish the room and equipment check at least 30 minutes before registration starts.

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