What to Buy for a Bridge Tournament

A bridge tournament needs more than cards and tables. You will need enough bridge boards, bidding boxes, score sheets and pens for every table, plus clear table numbers and running sheets for each round. Plan the registration desk, prize table and refreshments at the same time, including coffee cups, glasses, plates and serving utensils. This shopping list also covers practical items people often remember too late, such as extension cords, power strips, printer supplies and signs.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Bridge tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 48
Registration desk
Buffet tablesqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Teaspoonsqty 60
Serving spoonsqty 8

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Laptop
Printer

Bridge materials

Bridge boardsqty 48
Card gamesqty 12
Bied boxesqty 24
Bridge table numbersqty 12
Score Bowlsqty 12
Pensqty 60
Score sheetsqty 100
Running sheetsqty 60
Calculatorqty 2
Tableclothsqty 12

Decorations

Welcome sign
Round signsqty 12
Prize table sign

Catering

Coffee potsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Serving traysqty 6
Bread basketsqty 4
Waste binsqty 4
Water carafesqty 6
Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 1 box
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar sticks - 100 pieces
- Milk - 6 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 bottles
- Still mineral water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Grape juice - 2 packs
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Cheese biscuits - 4 packs
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Butter - 3 packs
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 6 tubs
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 48 pieces
- Bananas - 24 pieces
- Mini currant buns - 60 pieces
- Mini muffins - 60 pieces
- Gluten-free crackers - 2 packs
- Vegan spread - 2 tubs
- Paper napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 4 packs

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Tips

Count one complete set of bridge boards, bidding boxes, score sheets and pens for every playing table, then add at least 10% spare pens and several blank score sheets.
Prepare the registration desk with a laptop, printer, running sheets, pens and the final participant list at least one day before the tournament. A missing printer cable or power strip can delay the first round.
For refreshments, provide one coffee cup, glass and plate per participant, plus serving spoons and teaspoons. Put coffee machines, kettles and coffee pots near enough outlets for the cables to reach safely.
Label every playing table before doors open. Use one table number per table and prepare round signs and the running order in advance so players can find their seats without asking at registration.
Set aside the prizes, certificates and prize table sign before shopping is finished. Keep them together in one box, and check the quantities against the final participant list at least 24 hours before the event.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need for a bridge tournament?: For each playing table, plan bridge tables, chairs, bridge boards, card games, bidding boxes, table numbers, score bowls, score sheets and pens. You also need a registration desk, laptop, printer, running sheets, signs and refreshment supplies.
How many bridge boards do I need per table?: Prepare the bridge boards required by your running order for each table, with one complete board set available before the first round. Add spare boards if your format uses rotations or if boards may be misplaced during setup.
How many pens and score sheets should I buy?: Provide at least two working pens and a full set of score sheets at every table, then add 10% spare pens and sheets. For 10 tables, that means at least 20 pens at the tables plus 2 extra, before adding further office supplies.
When should I prepare the bridge tournament supplies?: Check the complete materials list at least 24 hours before the tournament. Set up tables, boards, score tables and the registration desk before doors open, and chill drinks and charge equipment on the day before or several hours beforehand.

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