Go tournament checklist: from first entry to final result

A Go tournament runs smoothly when the playing schedule, equipment, and registration process are ready before the first player arrives. Set the date and venue first, then lock in the rules, round order, and participant list. In the final days, check every board, stone set, clock, laptop, charger, and power connection. On the day, keep registration separate from the playing area so attendance and results can be processed without interrupting matches.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Confirm date and location
Set tournament rules
2 people
Create the running order
2 people
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Finalize the participant list
Arrange prizes and certificates
Do the shopping
2 people
Check Go equipment
2 people
Prepare match forms
Prepare the prize table
Chill drinks
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Open venue
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set out Go boards
3 people
Set up registration desk
2 people
Hang decorations
2 people

Event

Receive participants
2 people
Register attendance
2 people
Explain the tournament rules
Supervise the first round
2 people
Process results
2 people
Refill drinks
Supervise the second round
2 people
Serve snack breaks
2 people
Support the third round
2 people
Serve dinner
3 people
Supervise fourth round
2 people
Check final standings
2 people
Present prizes
2 people
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

Collect Go equipment
3 people
Collect waste
2 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Put tables and chairs back
4 people
Store leftovers in the fridge
Return borrowed materials

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 32
Buffet tableqty 2
Registration desk

Sports equipment

Go boardsqty 16
Go stone setsqty 16
Go clocksqty 16
Spare Go stonesqty 2
Bib number cardsqty 16

Equipment

Laptopsqty 2
Chargersqty 2
Power stripsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3
Wi-Fi router

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 20
Serving plattersqty 6

Kitchen

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

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 6
Prize boxesqty 3
Name badgesqty 32
Pennant flagsqty 3

Lighting

LED lampsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the running order before sending the final invitations. Include the expected start time, number of rounds, registration deadline, and how late arrivals will be handled.
Check Go equipment at least 48 hours before the tournament. Count one board, one complete stone set, and one clock for every simultaneous match, then keep spare stones available.
Prepare the registration desk with the participant list, name badges, bib number cards, match forms, a laptop, chargers, and a reliable Wi-Fi connection. Test every power strip and extension cord before doors open.
Plan refreshments around the round schedule: chill drinks before opening, prepare snacks before participants arrive, and use separate serving platters, tongs, cups, and waste bins to keep the playing tables clear.
Open the venue early enough to set up tables, chairs, boards, clocks, the prize table, and the registration desk before registration starts. Leave a short buffer for missing players, unclear pairings, or a last-minute equipment swap.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I arrive for a Go tournament?: Arrive at least 90 minutes before participant registration. This gives you time to set up tables and chairs, place the boards and clocks, test laptops and Wi-Fi, and prepare the registration desk.
How many Go boards and clocks do I need?: You need one board, one complete stone set, and one clock for each match played at the same time. Add at least one spare set of stones and check all equipment 48 hours before the event.
When should I close Go tournament registration?: Close registration when you finalize the participant list, ideally 2 to 3 days before the tournament. Keep a printed copy for the desk and decide in advance how you will handle late entries or withdrawals.
How long before the first round should players arrive?: Ask players to arrive 30 minutes before the first round. Use that time to register attendance, issue name badges or bib numbers, explain the rules, and resolve missing details before the clocks start.

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.