What you need for a checkers tournament

Use this shopping list to prepare a checkers tournament without running short on equipment or refreshments. Plan one complete board and set of pieces for every match running at the same time, then add spare equipment for damaged or missing pieces. Registration, scoring, timing, prizes, and catering each need separate supplies. Buy or borrow the items early enough to test the clocks, printer, sound equipment, and power connections before tournament day.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 14
Chairsqty 50
Registration desk

Sports equipment

Draughts setsqty 25
Checkers boardsqty 25
Checkers piecesqty 25
Checkerboard matsqty 25
Game clocksqty 25
Spare clocksqty 3
Scoreboardsqty 4
Pensqty 40
Score sheetsqty 150
Competition foldersqty 6
Prizesqty 6
Tournament rulesqty 30
Name badgesqty 40

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Speaker
Microphone

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee cupsqty 40

Kitchen

Coffee makerqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 14
Party flagsqty 4
Tapeqty 4
Directional signsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 6
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 10

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 3 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Coffee creamer - 2 bottles
- Still mineral water - 6 bottles
- Sparkling mineral water - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Lemon juice - 1 bottle
- Sandwich rolls - 60 pieces
- Whole grain bread - 4 loaves
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Butter - 500 grams
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Biscuits - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Salt - 1 pack
- Pepper - 1 jar
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Paper straws - 100 pieces
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Hand soap - 4 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces

Tips

Plan one draughts set, checkerboard, game clock, score sheet, and pen for every match played simultaneously. Keep at least 2 spare sets and 2 spare clocks available for faults or missing pieces.
Prepare 10–15% extra pens, score sheets, name badges, cups, plates, and cutlery beyond the expected attendance. These small items disappear quickly during registration and catering.
Buy or confirm prizes at least 7 days before the tournament, and prepare one clearly labelled prize for each award or placing in your format. Store them together so the presentation does not delay the closing ceremony.
For drinks, allow 2–3 servings per person for the first three hours, then add more for a longer event. Chill drinks the day before and use coolers or thermos flasks so supplies remain accessible during matches.
Check the laptop, printer, speaker, microphone, extension cords, and power strips at least 24 hours beforehand. Bring spare printer paper and keep power cables away from playing areas and walkways.

Frequently asked questions

How many checkers sets do I need for a tournament?: You need one complete set for every match played at the same time. For 32 players in 16 simultaneous matches, prepare 16 sets and bring at least 2 spare sets.
How many game clocks are needed for a checkers tournament?: Allow one game clock per active match, plus at least 2 spare clocks. If 12 matches run at once, bring 14 clocks so one failure does not stop the round.
How many score sheets and pens should I buy?: Prepare at least 2 score sheets per match, plus 10–15% extra for mistakes or lost sheets. Bring one pen per active match and another 10–15% as backup.
When should I buy supplies for a checkers tournament?: Confirm boards, clocks, prizes, and printed materials at least 7 days before the event. Buy perishable catering supplies 1–2 days beforehand, and chill drinks the day before.

Start this plan in Lizzt

Every task and item on this page, ready in your own event. Invite people, split the work, and see who has done what.