How to organise a farmers' bridge evening

Start by fixing the format, venue and number of tables before inviting anyone. A farmers' bridge evening needs more coordination than a regular card night: players change tables between rounds, scores must be recorded consistently, and the buffet and reception should not interrupt play. Allow time for registrations, dietary requirements and prize preparation. On the day, set up numbered tables, round cards, score sheets and refreshments in separate areas so participants can find everything without asking the organisers.

Organize this event for free with Lizzt

The plan, step by step

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

Preparations

1
Send invitations
2
Process registrations
3
Collect dietary requirements
4
Reserve venue
5
Develop the rules
2 people
6
Arrange the rounds and tables
2 people
7
Prepare score sheets
8
Determine prize categories
2 people
9
Buy prizes
10
Check the shopping list
2 people
11
Do the shopping
2 people
12
Chill drinks
13
Collect materials
2 people
14
Print participant list
15
Wrap the prizes

Event

16
Open venue
2 people
17
Set up tables
3 people
18
Set up chairs
2 people
19
Number game tables
20
Prepare game materials
2 people
21
Set up the buffet
2 people
22
Prepare coffee and tea
23
Set up the prize table
24
Set up the reception desk
25
Receive participants
2 people
26
Give game instructions
27
Supervise the first round
2 people
28
Collect scores
29
Refill drinks
30
Refill snacks
31
Lead follow-up rounds
2 people
32
Restock the buffet
2 people
33
Calculate final standings
2 people
34
Announce the winners
35
Present prizes
2 people
36
Say goodbye to participants
2 people

Aftercare

37
Collect waste
2 people
38
Wash dishes
2 people
39
Clear tables and chairs
3 people
40
Clean the venue
2 people
41
Check materials
42
Store leftover food
43
Return borrowed items
2 people

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Buffet tablesqty 2
Coat racksqty 2

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 36
Glassesqty 50
Platesqty 50
Knivesqty 40
Forksqty 40
Spoonsqty 40
Serving plattersqty 8
Serving utensilsqty 8

Game materials

Boerenbridge cardsqty 10
Spare card gamesqty 2
Score sheetsqty 120
Pensqty 40
Table number cardsqty 8
Round cardsqty 8
Scoreboard
Calculatorsqty 2

Equipment

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

Kitchen

Thermos flasksqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Kitchen towelsqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 10
Buntingqty 4
Balloonsqty 40
Prize displaysqty 3

Lighting

String lightsqty 4
Standing lampsqty 2

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Mop
Bucketqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set a registration deadline at least 7 days before the evening. Use the final participant list to plan table numbers, print labels and identify dietary requirements before shopping.
Work out the rounds and table movements before the venue opens. Prepare one score sheet and one round card for every table, plus spare copies and at least two working pens per table.
Set up the reception desk near the entrance, but keep coats, drinks and buffet traffic away from the game tables. Number every table clearly and place the game materials there before participants arrive.
Prepare the prize categories and wrap the prizes before the event day. A prize table with labelled categories prevents the closing presentation from turning into a search through shopping bags.
Allow at least 60 minutes for setup. Put coffee and tea on a separate serving point, chill drinks before doors open, and test coffee machines, kettles, extension cords and power strips before the first round.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I invite people to a farmers' bridge evening?: Send the invitations at least 3 weeks in advance and set the registration deadline 7 days before the event. This gives you time to process registrations, collect dietary requirements and confirm the table layout.
How many bridge tables do I need for a farmers' bridge evening?: Plan one game table for each active table in a round, with four chairs per table. Confirm the number after registrations close, then add one spare table if the venue and equipment allow it.
What should I prepare before guests arrive?: Have the tables and chairs arranged, tables numbered, score sheets and round cards placed, and the reception desk ready at least 30 minutes before arrival. Drinks should already be chilled and the buffet and coffee station set up before the first players sit down.
How much time should I allow for organising the event on the day?: Allow at least 60 minutes for room setup and another 15 minutes for receiving participants. Keep the final participant list, spare card games, pens and calculators at the reception desk so small problems can be solved without delaying a round.

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.