What to Bring to a Magic Tournament

A magic tournament needs more than cards and a place to play. You will need registration and pairing paperwork, reliable timing equipment, spare sleeves, prizes, and enough supplies for every table. Plan one clipboard and pen for each active registration or judge station, plus extra stationery for late changes. Catering also needs its own count: provide one reusable cup, plate, and cutlery set per guest, with at least 10% extra for replacements.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 8
Chairsqty 36
Tableclothsqty 8
Waste binsqty 4

Equipment

Laptop
Printer
Extension cordsqty 2
Power stripsqty 6
Digital timersqty 2
Calculatorsqty 2

Game materials

Play matsqty 8
Card boxesqty 12
Basic country setsqty 8
Spare card sleevesqty 10

Office

Score sheetsqty 100
Deck registration formsqty 40
Pairing formsqty 50
Clipboardsqty 6
Ballpoint pensqty 40
Pencilsqty 20
Markersqty 8
Name stickersqty 40
Rolls of tapeqty 4
Scissorsqty 2
Staplersqty 2
Whiteboard
Whiteboard markersqty 4

Catering

Reusable cupsqty 60
Platesqty 50
Cutlery setsqty 50
Coffee machinesqty 2
Water jugsqty 4
Serving traysqty 4
Coolersqty 3
Winner's cup
Finalist medalsqty 2
Gift vouchersqty 3
Groceries
- Filled sandwiches - 40 pieces
- Vegetarian sandwiches - 10 pieces
- Vegan sandwiches - 4 pieces
- Gluten-free rolls - 4 pieces
- Unsalted butter - 2 tubs
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilogram
- Apples - 36 pieces
- Bananas - 36 pieces
- Grapes - 2 kilogram
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salted peanuts - 3 bags
- Salted pretzels - 3 bags
- Muesli bars - 40 pieces
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blue - 48 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 3 liters
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Mints - 1 box
- Lemon tea - 1 box
- Coffee stirrers - 100 pieces
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles

Decorations

Tournament banner
Wayfinding signsqty 6
Table numbersqty 8

Cleaning

Washing-up tubsqty 2
Spongesqty 6
Microfiber clothsqty 8
Broom
Dustpan and brush
Mop

Tips

Bring at least 10% more card sleeves than the number of decks you expect. Sleeves split or get marked during a long tournament, and finding replacements after round one is inconvenient.
Prepare one score sheet and one deck registration form per participant, then add 10% extra. Keep the forms on clipboards with pencils and ballpoint pens so players can fill them in without queuing at the desk.
Pack one visible timer for each active match area, plus a laptop, extension cords, and power strips for the registration desk and pairing display. Charge every device before leaving for the venue.
Prepare prize packages at least 2 days before the event and label them by placing or category. Keep spare envelopes, tape, scissors, and a marker at the registration desk for last-minute changes.
Count catering for every confirmed participant and add 10% extra cups, plates, and cutlery. Put waste bins near the food area before doors open so used tableware does not collect around the play tables.

Frequently asked questions

What supplies do I need for a Magic tournament?: Bring play mats, card boxes, basic country sets, spare sleeves, timers, score sheets, deck registration forms, pairing forms, clipboards, pens, pencils, and name stickers. Also pack prizes, catering supplies, a laptop, printer, power strips, and extension cords.
How many score sheets and deck registration forms do I need?: Prepare one of each form per registered participant, plus 10% extra. For 40 players, pack at least 44 score sheets and 44 deck registration forms.
How much catering should I buy for a Magic tournament?: Plan one reusable cup, plate, and cutlery set per guest, then add 10% extra. For 40 participants, bring at least 44 of each item, before accounting for judges, staff, or spectators.
When should I prepare the tournament supplies?: Finish prize packages and printed documents at least 2 days before the tournament. Charge the laptop, printer, timers, and other equipment the evening before, then pack everything in labeled boxes.

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