What to Buy for a Checkers Tournament

A checkers tournament needs more than boards and pieces. You also need clearly numbered tables, reliable timing equipment, registration supplies, printed materials and enough catering gear for breaks. Plan one complete checkers set and one game clock for every active match, then add spare pieces and boards before shopping. This checklist helps you cover the items people often remember only after the first round starts, including power, printing, drink service and result recording.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 50
Registration desk
Waste binsqty 4

Sports equipment

Checkers setsqty 24
Checkers boardsqty 24
Checkers piecesqty 24
Checkerboard bagsqty 24
Checkered board numbersqty 24
Game clocksqty 12
Spare checkers piecesqty 4
Spare checkers boardsqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Power banksqty 2
Table microphone

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Forksqty 60
Knivesqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving tongsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Welcome sign
Round table place cardsqty 24
Directional signsqty 6
Trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6
String lightsqty 4

Cleaning

Broomqty 2
Litter picker
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Cleaning glovesqty 4

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 bottles
- Orange juice - 3 bottles
- Apples - 4 kilos
- Bananas - 3 kilos
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Mandarins - 3 kilo
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Snack mix - 3 bags
- Mini raisin pastries - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Brownies - 4 boxes
- Mini currant buns - 50 pieces
- Mini rolls - 50 pieces
- Young cheese - 2 kilos
- Back ham - 1.5 kilos
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 2 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Ice cubes - 5 kilos
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Napkins - 150 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Hand soap - 3 bottles
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Food containers - 20 pieces

Tips

Count your playing stations before buying equipment: each active match needs one checkers board, a full set of pieces and one game clock. Add at least 10% spare pieces and keep one complete spare board available.
Number every checkers table before participants arrive. Prepare one visible board number per station and keep the participant list, match schedule and printed rules at the registration desk.
Allow one registration place with a desk, laptop and printer. Bring extension cords, power strips and at least two charged power banks so printing, registration and result recording do not depend on one wall socket.
For drinks, plan two to three servings per person for the first hour and one to two servings for each additional hour. Chill drinks in coolers, and prepare thermos flasks, coffee cups and kettles before the first break.
Match tableware to the food you are serving: provide one reusable cup, plate, fork and knife per guest, plus a 10% reserve. Serving platters, tongs, cutting boards and waste bins are easy to overlook when the shopping is split between several people.

Frequently asked questions

How many checkers sets do I need for a tournament?: Buy one complete checkers set for every match played at the same time. For example, 16 players in eight simultaneous matches require eight sets; add at least one spare board and extra pieces for damaged or missing components.
How many game clocks are needed for a checkers tournament?: You need one game clock per active match, so eight simultaneous matches require eight clocks. Test every clock before setup and bring at least one spare if the tournament uses timed rounds.
How much food and drink should I buy for a checkers tournament?: For drinks, allow two to three servings per person during the first hour and one to two per person for every additional hour. Buy or prepare food for the registered number of participants plus about 10% extra, while checking dietary requirements before placing the order.
When should I buy and check the tournament supplies?: Place orders for prizes, printed materials and any special equipment at least 7 days before the tournament. Check boards, pieces, clocks, printer supplies, cables and catering equipment 1 to 2 days beforehand, then pack the registration and backup materials separately.

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