How to organize a bridge tournament

A bridge tournament runs smoothly when the playing format, timetable, and scoring process are fixed before invitations go out. Start by deciding how many boards and rounds you can manage, then reserve a venue with enough tables, chairs, and space for movement. Registration, dietary requirements, table layouts, scorecards, and running sheets need to be coordinated before the day. Leave time for a full equipment check and set-up so the first deal does not become a test of your organisation.

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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
Set competition format
2
Reserve venue
3
Record officiating
4
Confirm date and times
5
Send invitations
2 people
6
Open registrations
7
Process registrations
8
Collect dietary requirements
9
Confirm participants
10
Order prizes
11
Order catering
12
Check competition materials
2 people
13
Prepare walk-through sheets
14
Prepare scorecards
2 people
15
Create the table layout
16
Make name badges
2 people
17
Print table numbers
18
Collect prizes
19
Do the shopping
2 people
20
Chill drinks
2 people
21
Set out soup and toppings
2 people
22
Open venue
2 people
23
Check the Venue
2 people
24
Set up tables
4 people
25
Set up chairs
3 people
26
Set up bridge tables
3 people
27
Prepare cards and boards
3 people
28
Set up the scoring table
2 people
29
Set up registration desk
2 people
30
Build the catering buffet
3 people
31
Prepare coffee and tea
2 people
32
Lay out name badges
33
Test the equipment
2 people

Event

34
Register participants
3 people
35
Serve welcome drinks
2 people
36
Explain the competition
37
Supervise the first round
2 people
38
Collect scorecards
2 people
39
Refill drinks
2 people
40
Supervise the second round
2 people
41
Open the lunch buffet
3 people
42
Restock the buffet
2 people
43
Support the third round
2 people
44
Check scorecards
2 people
45
Supervise fourth round
2 people
46
Calculate the final score
2 people
47
Set up the prize table
2 people
48
Handle prize ceremony
2 people
49
Serve the last drinks round
2 people
50
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

51
Gather competition materials
3 people
52
Wash dishes
3 people
53
Pack leftovers
2 people
54
Collect waste
2 people
55
Clean the room
4 people
56
Put furniture back
4 people
57
Pack equipment
2 people
58
Lock up the venue
2 people
59
Return borrowed items
2 people
60
Send out the results

What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 14
Chairsqty 56
Clothes racksqty 2

Sports equipment

Bridge cardsqty 24
Card traysqty 24
Bied boxesqty 48
Board setsqty 24
Scorecardsqty 600
Running sheetsqty 24
Pencilsqty 60
Erasersqty 24
Table clocksqty 12
Prizesqty 6

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Projector
Projection screen
Portable speaker
Extension cordsqty 4
Power stripsqty 4
Coolersqty 3

Tableware

Coffee cupsqty 60
Glassesqty 60
Platesqty 60
Cutlery setsqty 60
Water jugsqty 8
Serving traysqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee machinesqty 2
Kettlesqty 2
Soup warmersqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 3
Bread knivesqty 3
Small bowlsqty 12

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 14
Table numbersqty 12
Name badgesqty 60
Directional signsqty 8

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Paper binsqty 2

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the format before opening registration. Decide the number of tables, rounds, boards, and expected finish time first, because these choices determine the venue layout, running sheets, scorecards, and table clocks you need.
Close registrations early enough to build the movement and table plan. Confirm the final participant count at least 3 days before the tournament, then print name badges, table numbers, and scorecards for the actual attendance.
Check every playing set before guests arrive. Count the bridge cards, card trays, bid boxes, board sets, pencils, erasers, and table clocks, and keep spare writing materials at the scoring desk.
Plan the room from the players’ point of view. Set up tables and chairs with clear routes between them, place table numbers where they can be seen while seated, and test the laptop, printer, projector, speaker, extension cords, and power strips before opening the venue.
Time food and drinks around the rounds rather than serving everything at once. Chill drinks in advance, prepare coffee and hot water before play starts, and set out soup, toppings, plates, cups, glasses, cutlery, water jugs, and serving trays during a planned break.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I organize a bridge tournament?: Start planning at least 6 to 8 weeks ahead if you need a venue, catering, officiating, and prizes. Send invitations only after the format, date, times, and registration process are fixed.
How many tables do I need for a bridge tournament?: You need 1 table for every 4 players, plus any additional table required by your chosen movement. For example, 32 players require at least 8 playing tables, with enough chairs and clear space around each one.
When should I confirm bridge tournament participants?: Confirm the final participant list 3 to 7 days before the event. Use that number to complete the table layout, prepare name badges and scorecards, check dietary requirements, and adjust catering.
What should I check on the morning of a bridge tournament?: Allow at least 90 minutes before the first round to check the venue, arrange tables and chairs, place table numbers, test scoring equipment, and set out the playing materials. Keep the running sheets and spare pencils at the control table.

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.