What you need for a checkers tournament

A checkers tournament needs more than boards and playing pieces. You will also need a reliable registration setup, timed-game equipment, printed schedules, spare parts and a simple refreshment station. Plan one playing set and one clock for each active game, then add backups before shopping. This list also covers cups, serving equipment, signage and power supplies, so late arrivals, missing batteries or a crowded drinks table do not disrupt the rounds.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Foldable tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 70
Registration desk
Catering tableqty 2
Waste binsqty 4

Sports equipment

Draughts setsqty 30
Chess clocksqty 10
Spare checkers piecesqty 6
Spare checkers boardsqty 3
Chess clock batteriesqty 20

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Mobile phoneqty 2

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 100
Coffee cupsqty 50
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Serving plattersqty 8

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Knivesqty 4

Decorations

Buntingqty 4
Tableclothsqty 8
Wayfinding signsqty 6
Name stickersqty 80

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Tea - 4 boxes
- Sugar - 2 kilos
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Still mineral water - 10 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 6 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Coffee stirrers - 2 packs
- Paper napkins - 8 packs
- Mini rolls - 100 pieces
- Wholemeal bread - 6 loaves
- Cheese slices - 3 kilos
- Ham slices - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Butter - 2 packs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Bell peppers - 2 kilos
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Apples - 60 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Paprika chips - 8 bags
- Plain chips - 8 bags
- Snack mix - 6 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Baking paper - 2 rolls
- Disposable brushes - 2 packs
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant wipes - 4 packs
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Rubber gloves - 4 pairs
- Dishwasher tablets - 1 pack

Tips

Count active games before buying or packing equipment: one draughts set and one chess clock per table is the working baseline. Add at least one spare board, one spare set of pieces and fresh batteries for every 8–10 clocks.
Prepare the registration and printing supplies at least one day before the tournament. Print the schedule and participant lists, and test the laptop, printer, extension cords and power strips before the venue opens.
For refreshments, plan 2–3 drinks per person for the first hour, then about 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Chill drinks in coolers and use thermos flasks for coffee or hot water so service does not depend on one appliance.
Pack tableware by headcount plus 10%: cups, coffee cups, plates and cutlery are easy to underestimate when spectators or late registrations join. Bring serving platters and cutting boards with the food rather than leaving preparation until setup.
Put wayfinding signs and name stickers in the shopping box, not in a separate office pile. Place signs at the entrance, registration desk and playing area at least 30 minutes before the first round.

Frequently asked questions

How many checkers sets do I need for a tournament?: Plan one draughts set for every active game in a round. For example, 16 players playing eight games need eight sets; bring at least one spare board and one spare set of pieces for damaged or missing equipment.
How many chess clocks are needed for a checkers tournament?: You need one chess clock per timed game, so eight simultaneous games require eight clocks. Pack spare batteries and, if possible, one working backup clock for every 8–10 active clocks.
How much food and drink should I buy for a checkers tournament?: For drinks, allow 2–3 per person during the first hour and about 1 per person for every following hour. Buy or prepare food for the confirmed player count plus roughly 10% extra to cover volunteers and spectators.
When should I prepare the tournament shopping list?: Make the first list 7 days before the event, once registrations and dietary requirements are clear. Check equipment, buy refreshments 1–2 days beforehand, and chill drinks on the day of the tournament.

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