What you need for a bridge tournament

A bridge tournament needs more than playing cards and tables. You will also need enough score sheets, pens, table numbers, refreshments and serving equipment for every round and break. Check the number of tables and pairs before shopping, then add a small reserve for damaged cards, missing pens or late registrations. This list covers the practical supplies that are easy to overlook when preparing the venue.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Bridge tablesqty 6
Tables for the buffetqty 2
Chairsqty 52
Tableclothsqty 8

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 52
Glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Small bowlsqty 12
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Bridgematesqty 6
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Sports equipment

Playing cardsqty 24
Sign boardsqty 24
Bid traysqty 24
Bridge matsqty 6
Card holdersqty 6

Paper goods

Score sheetsqty 150
Pensqty 60
Table numbersqty 6
Programsqty 60
Name badgesqty 60

Decorations

Prize trophiesqty 3
Prize certificatesqty 3
Table décorqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemon - 4 pieces
- Still mineral water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 bottles
- Beer - 24 bottles
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 2 bottles
- Toast rounds - 8 packs
- Brie - 1 kilo
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 500 grams
- Hummus - 500 grams
- Olives - 2 jars
- Grapes - 2 kilos
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Mixed nuts - 1 kilo
- Mini quiches - 60 pieces
- Bitterballen - 60 pieces
- Vegetarian snacks - 40 pieces
- Cookies - 4 packs
- Brownies - 40 pieces
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper cups - 100 pieces
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces

Tips

Count bridge tables, bridge mats, bid trays and card holders together: each table needs one complete set for every playing session. Keep at least one spare set available if space and budget allow.
Prepare one score sheet and one working pen per table for each session, then add 10–15% extra. Pens disappear quickly, and a few sheets are often spoiled during scoring.
Plan coffee cups, glasses, plates and cutlery for the full number of participants plus staff and catering helpers. For a tournament with several breaks, include enough cups and glasses for reuse or arrange washing between breaks.
Buy or bring refreshments in line with the timetable, not just the final headcount. Coffee machines, kettles, thermos flasks, serving trays, small bowls and serving utensils should be ready before the first pair arrives.
Test the Bridgemates, laptop, printer and power connections at least one day before the tournament. Bring extension cords and power strips, and print a paper backup of the schedule and score sheets in case the scoring setup fails.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a bridge tournament?: For each table, plan a complete bridge set with playing cards, a bridge mat, bid trays and card holders. Add score sheets, pens and table numbers, plus refreshments, serving equipment, prizes and backup power or paper supplies.
How many bridge tables do I need?: The number of tables depends on the number of pairs and the tournament format. As a starting point, one table accommodates four players, so divide the expected player count by four and confirm the final table count after registrations close.
How many score sheets and pens should I buy?: Prepare at least one score sheet and one pen per table for each playing session. Add 10–15% extra of both, so a tournament with 10 tables and 6 sessions needs at least 60 score sheets and 60 pens, plus a reserve.
When should I check the bridge tournament equipment?: Check cards, Bridgemates, the laptop, printer and power connections at least one day before the event. Set out table numbers, score sheets, pens and playing equipment before doors open, with printed backups ready before the first round.

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