How to organise a bridge tournament

Start by fixing the competition format, then book a venue that fits the number of tables and assign a match official. Once invitations and registrations are underway, keep one participant list with dietary requirements and confirmed entries. The practical work comes next: create the schedule, prepare bridge boards and scorecards, and print the table plan and rules. On the day, allow time for registration, table setup, coffee and snacks before the first round—not just for dealing cards.

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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 venue
3
Assign a match official
4
Send invitations
2 people
5
Process registrations
6
Collect dietary requirements
7
Update participant list
8
Set up the prize table
2 people
9
Create the game schedule
2 people
10
Prepare bridge boards
2 people
11
Print scorecards
12
Print table plan
13
Print game rules
14
Buy prizes
2 people
15
Do the shopping
2 people
16
Confirm participants
17
Check competition materials
2 people
18
Chill drinks
2 people
19
Prepare snacks
3 people
20
Set up coffee station
2 people
21
Set up tables
4 people
22
Set up chairs
3 people
23
Place table numbers
24
Prepare bridge boards
2 people
25
Prepare score materials
2 people
26
Display prizes
27
Test sound equipment
28
Set up the registration table
2 people

Event

29
Welcome the players
3 people
30
Register attendance
2 people
31
Explain the competition
32
Give the signal
33
Collect the scores
2 people
34
Supervise gameplay
2 people
35
Refill drinks
2 people
36
Serve snacks
2 people
37
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
38
Check playing cards
39
Process interim results
2 people
40
Calculate final scores
2 people
41
Announce the winners
42
Present prizes
2 people
43
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

44
Collect bridge boards
2 people
45
Sort playing cards
2 people
46
Clear tables and chairs
4 people
47
Wash dishes
2 people
48
Collect waste
2 people
49
Clean the room
3 people
50
Store leftover catering
2 people
51
Count materials
2 people
52
Return borrowed materials
2 people
53
Publish results

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 12
Chairsqty 52
Registration desk
Prize table

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Serving traysqty 8

Equipment

Bridge boardsqty 20
Complete card decksqty 24
Bied boxesqty 13
Bridgematesqty 13
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Mobile phoneqty 2
Sound system
Microphone

Lighting

Table lampsqty 12
Spare bulbsqty 4

Catering

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Ice cube traysqty 2
Serving tongsqty 4
Corkscrewsqty 2
Groceries

Decorations

Table numbersqty 13
Trophiesqty 3
Prize ribbonsqty 3
Tableclothsqty 12

Kitchen

Cutting boardsqty 2
Chef's knifeqty 2
Small bowlsqty 12
Storage binsqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Broom
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Mopqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Dish brushesqty 2

Tips

Set the format before inviting anyone. The number of pairs, rounds and boards determines how many tables, bridge boards, scorecards and table numbers you need.
Close registrations early enough to build the schedule and table plan. Reconfirm participants before the event so late changes do not leave an empty table or an incorrect scoring setup.
Prepare printed materials before setup day. Print the scorecards, table plan and game rules, and check the printer, laptop, Bridgemates and extension cords before participants arrive.
Set up the room in a clear sequence: tables and chairs first, then table numbers, bridge boards and scoring materials. Keep a registration desk separate from the playing tables so arrivals do not interrupt a round.
Start refreshments before the opening briefing. Chill drinks, fill thermos flasks, and set up the coffee station and snacks early; coffee machines, kettles and serving items are easy to overlook when the focus is on the competition.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a bridge tournament?: Start planning at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead, especially if you need to reserve a venue and invite enough players. Finalise the participant list and schedule during the last week.
How many bridge boards do I need for a tournament?: Base the number on your format, number of tables and rounds, rather than buying a fixed amount for every event. Prepare the boards before the day and check that each table has the boards required for its first round.
When should I send bridge tournament invitations?: Send invitations once the format, venue and provisional schedule are clear, ideally 4 to 6 weeks before the event. Set a registration deadline that leaves at least several days to create the table plan and print materials.
What should I prepare the day before a bridge tournament?: The day before, confirm participants, check competition materials, print the schedule, table plan, scorecards and rules, and prepare prizes. Also check the laptop, printer, Bridgemates, power strips and extension cords so technical problems do not delay registration.

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