What you need for a Connect Four tournament

A Connect Four tournament needs more than one game set and a table. You’ll need enough boards for simultaneous matches, spare pieces and backup boards, plus printed score sheets, match cards and writing supplies. Plan separate equipment for registration, scoring and refreshments so queues do not interrupt the games. The list below also covers serving supplies, hot drinks, cooling equipment and the small items organisers often remember only after setup has started.

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What to bring

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

Game materials

Connect Four Gamesqty 16
Backup game boardsqty 2
Spare game piecesqty 4
Score sheetsqty 100
Match cardsqty 40
Pensqty 40
Pencilsqty 20
Clipboardsqty 6

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 50
Buffet tablesqty 3
Registration desk

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Coffee cupsqty 40
Serving bowlsqty 10
Serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Kettlesqty 2
Coffee machinesqty 2
Coolersqty 3
Bluetooth speaker
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 2
Kitchen knivesqty 3
Serving tongsqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 4

Decorations

Balloonsqty 50
Buntingqty 6
Tableclothsqty 15
Name badgesqty 50
Prize trophiesqty 3

Cleaning

Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Broom and dustpanqty 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 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Ice cubes - 6 bags
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Multigrain breads - 4 loaves
- Mini pistolets - 60 pieces
- Butter - 500 grams
- Young cheese - 1,5 kilo
- Back ham - 1 kilo
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Hummus - 1 kilo
- Cream cheese - 750 grams
- Cucumbers - 6 pieces
- Tomatoes - 1.5 kilos
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Bell peppers - 8 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Paprika chips - 6 bags
- Plain chips - 6 bags
- Tortilla chips - 5 bags
- Snack mix - 4 bags
- Salty pretzels - 4 bags
- Cookies - 6 packs
- Muesli bars - 50 pieces
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Mustard - 1 jar
- Napkins - 300 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 2 rolls
- Cling film - 2 rolls
- Parchment paper - 1 roll
- Trash bags - 50 pieces
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles

Tips

Count the number of matches in each round before shopping for game boards. Have one Connect Four game per simultaneous match, plus at least one backup board and spare pieces for damaged or missing components.
Print score sheets and match cards before the event, then bring extra copies. A practical buffer is 10% more sheets and cards than the expected number of matches.
Set aside pens, pencils and clipboards for the scoring table rather than mixing them with registration supplies. Provide at least one writing tool per active match and two spare tools at the desk.
Buy or bring enough reusable cups, plates and cutlery for the largest serving wave, not just the final attendance figure. Add extra serving bowls, spoons and tongs so snacks can be replenished without sharing utensils.
Check electricity and cooling needs the day before. Test the coffee machines, kettles and Bluetooth speaker, and pack extension cords, power strips and coolers before the venue opens.

Frequently asked questions

How many Connect Four boards do I need for a tournament?: You need one board for every match played at the same time. Add at least one backup board, and bring spare game pieces in case a set is incomplete or damaged.
What should I buy for scoring a Connect Four tournament?: Prepare score sheets, match cards, pens, pencils and clipboards. Print at least 10% more score sheets and match cards than the number of scheduled matches.
How many cups and plates do I need for the tournament?: Plan one cup and one plate per guest, then add around 10% extra for replacements and second servings. Bring enough cutlery sets for the busiest serving period rather than only the final headcount.
When should I prepare the tournament shopping?: Finish the main shopping at least 1 day before the tournament. Chill drinks and check the game materials, coffee equipment, cables and serving supplies on the day before setup.

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