What to buy for a bridge tournament

A bridge tournament needs more than cards and tables. Each playing table needs a complete set of boards, bidding boxes, card trays, pencils, scorecards and a visible table clock, while the organisers need running sheets and presentation equipment. Plan food and drinks around the number of players, then check power, serving equipment and prizes before shopping. This list covers the practical items that are easy to overlook when several tables are running at once.

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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
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 2 packs
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Spa Blauw - 6 crates
- Spa Rood - 2 crates
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Alcohol-free beer - 2 crates
- Beer - 2 crates
- White wine - 6 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Sparkling wine - 3 bottles
- Soup - 12 liters
- Soup sticks - 6 packs
- Bread rolls - 80 pieces
- Butter - 4 packs
- Mild matured cheese - 3 kilogram
- Cooked ham - 2 kilograms
- Chicken breast slices - 1,5 kilogram
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 8 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilograms
- Grapes - 3 kilograms
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Chocolate - 4 bars
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Paper napkins - 6 packs
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 3 packs
- Toilet paper - 2 packs

Tips

Count one complete bridge setup per table: bridge cards, card trays, bidding boxes, board sets, scorecards and pencils. Add spare pencils and erasers so one missing item does not stop a round.
Prepare at least one running sheet and enough scorecards for every pair or round, with extras for mistakes. Keep the printer and laptop available if results or walk-through sheets need updating on the day.
For drinks, plan two to three servings per person for the first hour, then adjust for the tournament length. Buy or borrow enough coffee cups, glasses, water jugs and coolers before the shopping trip.
Check serving capacity against the menu: soup warmers, kettles, coffee machines, plates, cutlery sets and serving trays must be ready before catering arrives. The toppings and drinks are often remembered later than the bowls and utensils.
Test the presentation setup at least one day before the tournament. Check the projector, projection screen, portable speaker, extension cords and power strips together, rather than discovering a missing connection when players are seated.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment does each bridge table need?: Allow one bridge card set, card trays, bidding boxes, board set, scorecards, pencils and a table clock per table. Buy or borrow at least one spare set of small items for every 4 to 6 tables.
How many scorecards and pencils do I need for a bridge tournament?: Prepare one scorecard for every planned scoring entry or round, plus 10% extra for errors. Provide at least two sharpened pencils per table and keep additional pencils and erasers at the organiser’s desk.
How much food and drink should I buy for bridge players?: For drinks, allow two to three servings per person during the first hour, then add more for the remaining duration. Match plates, cups, glasses and cutlery to the confirmed participant count, with roughly 10% extra for replacements.
When should I order prizes and catering for a bridge tournament?: Order prizes and catering as soon as registration numbers are reliable, ideally at least 7 days before the tournament. Confirm the final participant count and dietary requirements no later than 2 to 3 days before the event.

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