How to organise a bridge tournament

Start by fixing the date and venue, then decide how the tournament will run before opening registration. Your format determines the number of tables, match schedule, officials and scoring setup you need. Once entries are coming in, track dietary requirements, confirm players and keep reserve pairs informed. In the final week, prepare table numbers, score sheets, bridge sets and prizes. On the day, allow time to check the venue, connect the scoring equipment and set up the buffet before players arrive.

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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
Confirm date and location
2 people
2
Set the tournament format
2 people
3
Assign a match official
4
Prepare the budget
2 people
5
Send invitations
2 people
6
Open the registration form
7
Set prices and registration fee
2 people
8
Book catering
9
Process registrations
2 people
10
Collect dietary requirements
11
Confirm participants
2 people
12
Contact reserve pairs
13
Create the match schedule
2 people
14
Set up score processing
2 people
15
Order prizes
16
Check playing cards
2 people
17
Assemble bridge sets
2 people
18
Print table numbers
19
Print score sheets
20
Send directions
21
Check the shopping list
2 people
22
Do the shopping
2 people
23
Set out prizes and materials
2 people

Event

24
Open venue
2 people
25
Check the Venue
2 people
26
Set up tables
3 people
27
Set up chairs
3 people
28
Set up bridge tables
3 people
29
Set out competition equipment
2 people
30
Set up registration desk
2 people
31
Set out coffee and tea
2 people
32
Chill drinks
2 people
33
Prepare snacks
3 people
34
Receive participants
3 people
35
Collect registration fee
2 people
36
Give the introduction briefing
37
Guide tournament rounds
2 people
38
Check scores
2 people
39
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
40
Serve snacks
2 people
41
Refill drinks
2 people
42
Restock the buffet
2 people
43
Calculate the result
2 people
44
Present prizes
2 people
45
Say goodbye to participants
2 people

Aftercare

46
Store leftovers safely
2 people
47
Dismantle bridge tables
3 people
48
Clear away chairs and tables
3 people
49
Wash dishes
2 people
50
Collect waste
2 people
51
Clean the room
3 people
52
Check materials
2 people
53
Return borrowed materials
2 people
54
Publish the results
55
Thank participants
56
Keep invoices and receipts

What to bring

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

Furniture

Bridge tablesqty 6
Tables for the buffetqty 2
Chairsqty 52
Tableclothsqty 8

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 52
Glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Small bowlsqty 12
Tongs and serving spoonsqty 6

Equipment

Bridgematesqty 6
Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4

Sports equipment

Playing cardsqty 24
Sign boardsqty 24
Bid traysqty 24
Bridge matsqty 6
Card holdersqty 6

Paper goods

Score sheetsqty 150
Pensqty 60
Table numbersqty 6
Programsqty 60
Name badgesqty 60

Decorations

Prize trophiesqty 3
Prize certificatesqty 3
Table décorqty 6

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 2
Mopsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format before sending invitations. Confirm the number of rounds, boards or matches, movement and scoring method first; otherwise the schedule and registration information may need to be changed later.
Close or review registration early enough to build the schedule. Confirm every pair, contact reserve pairs about open places and record dietary requirements before booking the catering.
Test the scoring setup before tournament day. Check the Bridgemates, laptop, printer, power strips and extension cords together, and print a small batch of score sheets to verify the printer.
Prepare one complete playing position per table. Each bridge set should have playing cards, a bridge mat, bid trays, card holders, pens and the correct table number, so setup does not depend on last-minute sorting.
Open the venue with a setup checklist, not just a key. Check the bridge tables, chairs, lighting, power and buffet area, then place prizes and printed materials where the match official and players can find them quickly.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organise a bridge tournament?: Begin at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead if you need invitations, catering and prizes. Finalise the format and open registration first, then confirm participants and create the schedule during the final 1 to 2 weeks.
How many bridge tables do I need for a tournament?: Plan one bridge table for each playing table, based on the number of confirmed pairs and the chosen movement. Keep at least 1 spare table available if the venue allows, especially when reserve pairs may join.
What equipment is needed to run a bridge tournament?: For each table, prepare playing cards, a bridge mat, bid trays, card holders, score sheets, pens and a table number. For scoring and administration, allow at least 1 laptop, printer and compatible scoring device setup, plus spare power connections.
When should I make the bridge tournament schedule?: Create the schedule after registration closes and the participant list is confirmed, normally 7 to 14 days before the event. Recheck it after contacting reserve pairs so the table count and pairings match the final attendance.

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.