How to organise a bridge tournament from start to finish

Organising a bridge tournament works best when you settle the competition format before inviting anyone. Confirm the venue, schedule, table capacity and registration fee, then collect player details and dietary requirements. In the final week, prepare table numbers, score sheets, contest sheets and prizes while checking every item of equipment. On the day, leave enough time for registration, table setup, refreshments and a clear briefing before play begins.

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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

1
Define the competition format
2 people
2
Reserve play location
3
Check the competition schedule
4
Send invitations
2 people
5
Process registrations
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Check registration fee
8
Create table numbers
9
Print score sheets
10
Prepare contest sheets
2 people
11
Arrange prizes and certificates
12
Check the shopping list
13
Do the shopping
2 people
14
Prepare participant list
15
Chill drinks
2 people
16
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
17
Set up tables
3 people
18
Set up chairs
2 people
19
Set up bridge tables
2 people
20
Set out cards and bidding boxes
2 people
21
Set up registration desk
22
Prepare snacks
3 people
23
Prepare soup and sandwiches
3 people

Event

24
Receive participants
2 people
25
Handle registrations
2 people
26
Explain the competition
27
Supervise the first round
2 people
28
Refill drinks
2 people
29
Serve snacks
2 people
30
Supervise the second round
2 people
31
Serve the meal
3 people
32
Support the third round
2 people
33
Supervise fourth round
2 people
34
Check scores
2 people
35
Announce the winners
36
Present prizes
2 people

Aftercare

37
Collect cards and bidding boxes
2 people
38
Wash dishes
3 people
39
Collect waste
2 people
40
Clean the room
3 people
41
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
42
Switch off equipment
43
Store supplies securely
2 people
44
Return borrowed materials
2 people
45
Publish results

What to bring

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

Furniture

Bridge tablesqty 8
Tablesqty 3
Chairsqty 38
Tableclothsqty 8

Sports equipment

Playing cardsqty 32
Card dealingqty 32
Bied boxesqty 32
Bridge table coversqty 8
Scoreboardsqty 8
Stopwatchesqty 4
Calculatorsqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 40
Glassesqty 40
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 40
Soup bowlsqty 40

Equipment

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Food warmersqty 2
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving traysqty 6
Coolersqty 3

Decorations

Table numbersqty 8
Competition bannersqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2
Litter pickersqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format and schedule before sending invitations. Use the venue’s table capacity to determine how many pairs or players you can accept, and publish the registration deadline at the same time.
Prepare one complete playing station for every table. Check the bridge table, cards, bidding box, table number, scoreboards and any timing equipment before participants arrive, rather than discovering shortages during a round.
Finish registrations several days before the tournament. Use the final participant list to confirm numbers, handle dietary requirements and prepare table assignments, score sheets and contest sheets.
Plan the room in two stages: first place tables and chairs with enough space to move between them, then set out cards and bidding boxes. Keep the registration desk separate from the playing area so late arrivals do not interrupt play.
Schedule refreshments around the competition rather than improvising them. Chill drinks in advance, set up coffee and tea before opening, and prepare soup and sandwiches so serving does not delay a round or leave players waiting.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a bridge tournament?: Start planning at least 6 to 8 weeks before the event, especially if you need to reserve a venue and check the competition schedule. Set the registration deadline about 7 days before play so you have time to prepare tables, paperwork and catering.
How many bridge tables do I need for a tournament?: Plan one bridge table for each table in play, based on the number of registered pairs and the chosen format. Add at least 1 spare table if the room allows, so a damaged table or late change does not disrupt the tournament.
What should be ready before bridge players arrive?: Set up the tables, chairs, table numbers, cards, bidding boxes, scoreboards and registration desk before opening. Have the participant list, score sheets and contest sheets ready at least 30 minutes before the advertised arrival time.
How much food and drink should I prepare for a bridge tournament?: Allow roughly 2 to 3 drinks per person during the first hour, then adjust for the event length and weather. Prepare enough soup and sandwiches for every registered participant, plus a small margin for volunteers and late additions.

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