What you need for a bridge tournament

A bridge tournament needs more than cards and tables. You’ll need one complete playing setup for every table, plus registration materials, scorecards, scoring equipment, refreshments and prizes. Check the number of tables before shopping: each table needs its own bridge case, playing cards, bidding boxes and table number. This list also covers the items that are easy to overlook, such as extension cords, printer supplies, serving utensils and enough pens for scoring.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Bridge and buffet tablesqty 14
Chairsqty 60
Tableclothsqty 14
Registration desk

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 60
Dessert platesqty 60
Coffee spoonsqty 60
Serving utensilsqty 12

Equipment

Bridge casesqty 14
Playing cardsqty 28
Bied boxesqty 14
Bridgematesqty 14
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Office supplies

Scorecardsqty 150
Pen setsqty 20
Participant listsqty 10
Table numbersqty 14
Tapeqty 2
Scissorsqty 2

Decorations

Welcome sign
Round boardqty 4
Trophiesqty 3

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 6
Coolersqty 3

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Trash bag holdersqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Hand broomsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Decaf coffee - 1 pack
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Sweetener - 1 box
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Lemons - 8 pieces
- Ice cubes - 4 bags
- Cheese sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Ham sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 20 pieces
- Gluten-free sandwiches - 6 pieces
- Mini currant buns - 30 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 1 kilo
- Paprika chips - 3 bags
- Plain chips - 3 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Stroopwafels - 3 packs
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mandarins - 30 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 can
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 40 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Glass cleaner - 1 bottle
- Cleaning sponges - 6 pieces
- Hand soap - 3 bottles

Tips

Prepare one bridge case, one set of playing cards and one set of bidding boxes for every table, then add one spare card set if your budget and storage allow.
Plan at least two pens per table for scorecards, with extra pens at the registration desk. Pens are often the first small item to disappear during a tournament.
Bring extension cords and power strips for the laptop, printer and electronic scoring equipment. Test every Bridgemate and charge it before participants arrive.
For coffee service, count one coffee cup, glass, dessert plate and coffee spoon per expected participant, then add roughly 10% extra for breakage and second servings.
Keep prizes, trophies, printed participant lists, scorecards and table numbers together in a labelled box. Check the prizes before leaving for the venue, not during setup.

Frequently asked questions

What equipment do I need for a bridge tournament?: For each table, prepare a bridge case, playing cards, bidding boxes and a table number. You also need scorecards and pens, plus Bridgemates or other scoring equipment, a laptop, a printer and suitable power cables.
How many bridge boards do I need per table?: The number of boards depends on your match format and schedule, so confirm it before shopping. Prepare the required boards for every table and keep at least one spare set available for a damaged or missing board.
How much coffee and tableware should I buy for a bridge tournament?: Count one coffee cup, glass, dessert plate and coffee spoon per participant, then add about 10% extra. Also provide enough serving utensils, trays and thermos flasks for the planned breaks.
When should I print bridge tournament scorecards and participant lists?: Print them at least one day before the tournament, after registrations and dietary requirements have been checked. Bring a few spare copies and test the printer before leaving for the venue.

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