What you need for a bridge tournament

A bridge tournament needs more than cards and tables. You will need one complete deck and one set of bridge boards for each active table, plus bidding boxes, score materials and a clear way to record results. Plan refreshments around the length of the session, and check power, printing and registration equipment before participants arrive. This shopping list also covers the items people often remember too late, including table numbers, spare bulbs and extension cords.

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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
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Spa Rood - 24 small bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Orange juice - 4 cartons
- Beer - 24 bottles
- Alcohol-free wine - 4 bottles
- Salted peanuts - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Cheese biscuits - 4 packs
- Crackers - 6 packs
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Brie - 4 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Olives - 4 jars
- Nut-free crackers - 4 packs
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 2 packs
- Sponges - 1 pack
- Liquid hand soap - 3 bottles
- Paper towels - 3 packs
- Printing paper - 1 pack
- Ballpoint pens - 30 pieces
- Pencils - 20 pieces
- Name stickers - 60 pieces
- Tape - 3 rolls
- Markers - 2 sets

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

Count active tables before shopping: prepare at least one complete card deck, one set of bridge boards and one bidding box set per table, plus one spare deck and spare boards if available.
Allow one scorecard per pair per session, then print at least 10% extra. Keep the printer, laptop, extension cords and power strips together so last-minute schedule or scoring changes are possible.
For a four-hour tournament, plan roughly two drinks per person for the first hour and one per person for each following hour. Chill drinks early and provide coolers, ice and enough glasses.
Set up coffee equipment with one cup per participant plus 10% spare. For 40 people, that means 44 cups, and you should have at least two thermos flasks if players will be served away from the coffee station.
Buy or prepare prizes before the prize table is set up, and bring table numbers, serving trays, tongs and corkscrews. These small items are easy to overlook and difficult to replace once play has started.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a bridge tournament?: For each active table, plan one complete card deck, one set of bridge boards and bidding boxes. Also prepare score materials, table numbers, a laptop or printer if results are recorded digitally, and at least one spare deck and spare scoring set.
How many bridge boards do I need per table?: Use one prepared set of bridge boards per active table for the scheduled session. Add at least one spare set for every 8 to 10 tables, especially if boards are being moved between rounds.
How much coffee and how many cups should I buy for a bridge tournament?: Provide one cup per participant plus 10% spare. For 40 players, prepare 44 cups and enough coffee for at least two servings per person over a four-hour tournament.
When should I buy prizes and refreshments for a bridge tournament?: Buy prizes at least 3 to 5 days before the tournament so the prize table can be checked in advance. Buy chilled drinks and fresh snacks 1 day before, then chill the drinks several hours before players arrive.

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