What to Buy for a Chess Tournament

A chess tournament needs more than boards and pieces. Plan one complete playing setup for every active game, plus spare clocks, score sheets, pens and clear table signage. You will also need supplies for registration, prizes, catering and the equipment that keeps tournament software and printing running. Use the participant count and tournament format to set quantities, then shop early enough to test clocks, print paperwork and chill drinks before players arrive.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Game tablesqty 32
Chairsqty 70
Registration desk
Catering tablesqty 3
Prize table

Sports equipment

Chess boardsqty 32
Chess piecesqty 32
Chess clocksqty 32
Spare platesqty 2
Spare clocksqty 2

Office supplies

Score sheetsqty 250
Pensqty 80
Pencilsqty 40
Name stickersqty 80
Markersqty 12
Clipboardsqty 6
Notepadsqty 6
Printer paperqty 2
Tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 3

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
WiFi router

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 80
Platesqty 80
Cutlery setsqty 80
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving spoonsqty 6

Kitchen

Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Pliersqty 4
Measuring cupsqty 2

Decorations

Tournament banner
Tableclothsqty 6
Round signsqty 32

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broomqty 2
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 8 liters
- Oat milk - 4 liters
- Coffee creamer - 2 packs
- Spa Blauw - 6 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Cola - 4 bottles
- Cola Zero - 4 bottles
- Sinas - 3 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Sandwiches - 100 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 packs
- Young cheese - 3 kilos
- Back ham - 2 kilos
- Chicken breast slices - 2 kilos
- Hummus - 8 tubs
- Cucumber - 8 pieces
- Tomatoes - 3 kilos
- Lettuce - 6 heads
- Mayonnaise - 2 bottles
- Ketchup - 2 bottles
- Mustard - 2 jars
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Snacks - 4 bags
- Cookies - 8 packs
- Apples - 6 kilos
- Bananas - 5 kilo
- Grapes - 4 kilos
- Muesli bars - 80 pieces
- Frozen pizzas - 12 pieces
- Tomato soup - 8 liters
- Croutons - 4 bags
- Parmesan cheese - 500 grams
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Sponges - 6 pieces
- Microfiber cloths - 12 pieces
- Hand soap - 4 bottles

Tips

Count playing tables from the maximum number of simultaneous games, then add at least one spare chess set and two spare clocks for faults or missing pieces.
Prepare one score sheet and one pen or pencil per player for each round, with extra printer paper and at least 10% spare sheets for reprints and mistakes.
Set aside a registration desk with name stickers, markers, clipboards and the participant list. Pack these separately so check-in does not depend on the catering setup.
For drinks and snacks, calculate quantities from the confirmed participant list and dietary requirements. Buy reusable cups, plates, cutlery and serving platters before the final shopping trip.
Test the laptop, printer, WiFi router, extension cords and power strips together at least one day before the tournament. Bring tape and scissors to secure cables and label tables.‌

Frequently asked questions

How many chess boards and sets do I need for a tournament?: Buy one complete board and piece set for every game played at the same time. Add at least one spare set, and check every set for a complete number of pieces before the venue opens.
How many chess clocks should I buy?: You need one chess clock per active game, plus at least two spare clocks. Test all clocks before the tournament and replace batteries if their condition is uncertain.
How many score sheets and pens are needed per player?: Prepare at least one score sheet per player for every round, then add 10% extra for errors and reprints. Provide one pen or pencil per player at the tables, with additional writing supplies at the registration desk.
What catering supplies do I need for a chess tournament?: Use the confirmed participant count and collected dietary requirements to plan snacks and drinks. Buy reusable cups, plates, cutlery sets and serving platters, with roughly 10% extra tableware for replacements and late arrivals.

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