What you need for a checkers tournament

A checkers tournament needs more than boards and pieces. You’ll need one playing setup per active match, clear score sheets, a way to manage registrations, and enough tables and chairs for players and spectators. Drinks, coffee supplies, plates, and cups are easy to underestimate, especially when rounds run for several hours. This checklist also includes practical backups—spare pieces, reserve mats, pens, power supplies, and printed schedules—so one missing item does not delay the tournament.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 14
Chairsqty 56
Registration desk

Sports equipment

Checkered boardsqty 14
Black checkersqty 14
White checkers piecesqty 14
Chess clocksqty 14
Reserve matsqty 2
Spare checkers piecesqty 4

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Phone chargersqty 3

Paper goods

Score sheetsqty 100
Participant Listqty 4
Match schedulesqty 20
Name badgesqty 60
Pensqty 60
Pencilsqty 20
Clipboardsqty 20
Tapeqty 4
Markersqty 2

Catering

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Groceries
- Still Water - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 24 bottles
- Cola - 8 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Coffee - 4 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Semi-skimmed milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Mints - 1 box
- Stirrers - 100 pieces
- Sandwich rolls - 70 pieces
- Butter - 3 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 6 tubs
- Cream cheese - 4 tubs
- Iceberg lettuce - 4 heads
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Mustard - 2 bottles
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Butter cookies - 6 packs
- Apples - 50 pieces
- Bananas - 40 pieces
- Coffee milk - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 3 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 40 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tableware

Glassesqty 70
Coffee cupsqty 60
Platesqty 70
Cutlery setsqty 70
Mug spoonsqty 60
Small bowlsqty 12
Serving traysqty 6
Serving spoonsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 14
Paper garlandsqty 6
Trophiesqty 3
Medal ribbonsqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Spongesqty 6

Tips

Plan one complete checkers board, a full set of black and white pieces, and one score sheet per active match. Keep at least one spare set of pieces available for lost or damaged pieces.
Bring at least two writing options per table, such as pens and pencils, and keep extra score sheets on the registration desk. Players commonly need replacements after an incorrect result or a spilled drink.
Print the participant list, match schedules, name badges, and competition numbers before setup. Pack the printer, laptop, extension cords, power strips, and phone chargers if any documents may need updating on the day.
For a tournament lasting three hours or more, prepare coffee, tea, chilled drinks, glasses, coffee cups, and plates before the first round. Use coolers and thermos flasks so refreshments remain available without interrupting play.
Set aside tape, markers, clipboards, and reserve mats with the registration materials rather than leaving them in storage. These items are usually needed during setup, when finding them later can hold up the opening round.

Frequently asked questions

How many checkers boards do I need for a tournament?: Use one board for every match played at the same time. For example, 16 players require 8 boards in the first round, plus at least 1 spare board or reserve mat if space and equipment allow.
How many score sheets should I print for a checkers tournament?: Print at least 2 score sheets per match, one for each player, and add 10 to 20 percent extra. For 8 simultaneous matches, prepare at least 18 sheets for the first round and more if there are multiple rounds.
How much coffee and drinks should I buy for a checkers tournament?: For a three-hour tournament, plan roughly 2 drinks per person, including water and soft drinks, with extra coffee or tea for regular drinkers. Buy enough cups and glasses for one serving per person plus 20 percent spare.
What should I bring as backup equipment for a checkers tournament?: Bring at least 1 spare set of checkers pieces, 1 reserve mat, 10 to 20 percent extra score sheets, and several spare pens. Pack these before leaving, because replacing small items during registration can delay the first round.

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