Mahjong Tournament Checklist

A mahjong tournament runs smoothly when the playing format, scoring rules and table plan are fixed before invitations go out. This checklist takes you from venue booking and registration to prepared game materials, refreshments and final setup. Plan the schedule around your number of players and tables, then give each table its own complete bundle of sets, score sheets, pens and counters. The details people most often leave late are dietary requirements, printed rules, working clocks and enough time to set up the registration desk.

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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

Set the tournament format
2 people
Set the rules and scoring
2 people
Reserve venue
Send invitations
Process registrations
Collect dietary requirements
Finalize participant list
Order prizes
Create the tournament schedule
2 people
Create the table layout
Prepare score sheets
Print rule sheets
Prepare name badges
Check mahjong sets
2 people
Bundle game materials per table
2 people
Do the shopping
2 people
Pack prizes and materials
2 people
Prepare snacks
3 people
Chill drinks
Open venue
2 people
Set up tables and chairs
4 people
Set up competition tables
3 people
Set up the registration table
2 people
Set up the buffet and drinks area
3 people
Hang up signage
2 people

Event

Handle registration and reception
3 people
Explain the tournament
2 people
Supervise the first round
2 people
Check and enter scores
2 people
Supervise the second round
2 people
Serve coffee and tea
2 people
Refill drinks
Support the third round
2 people
Set up the buffet
3 people
Serve the buffet
3 people
Supervise fourth round
2 people
Guide the final round
2 people
Check final standings
2 people
Present prizes
2 people
See participants off
2 people

Aftercare

Clear tables and chairs
4 people
Pack up Mahjong sets and materials
3 people
Wash dishes
2 people
Collect waste
2 people
Clean the venue
3 people
Return borrowed materials
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

Game materials

Mahjong setsqty 6
Scoreboardsqty 6
Game clocksqty 6
Score countersqty 24

Office

Score sheetsqty 100
Ballpoint pensqty 30
Name badgesqty 40
Clipboardsqty 6
Printer
Printer paper
Tapeqty 2
Scissorsqty 2
Markersqty 2

Equipment

Laptop
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 3
Coolersqty 2

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Hot drink urnsqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Serving spoonsqty 4

Tableware

Platesqty 45
Coffee cupsqty 45
Glassesqty 45
Cutlery setsqty 45
Serving traysqty 6

Decorations

Tableclothsqty 8
Prize trophiesqty 3
Direction signsqty 6

Lighting

LED lampsqty 4

Cleaning

Waste binsqty 4
Trash bag holdersqty 4

Catering

Groceries

Tips

Set the tournament format and scoring rules before sending invitations. Tell players how many rounds, games or time-limited sessions to expect, and state how scores will be recorded.
Close registration before creating the schedule and table layout. Allow time to check dietary requirements, prepare name badges and assign confirmed players rather than relying on last-minute arrivals.
Bundle one complete set of materials per competition table. Include a mahjong set, score sheets, pens, score counters and any table-specific clock or scoreboard so setup does not depend on a central supply pile.
Print the rules, schedule and signage before the event day. Keep spare copies at registration and bring a laptop, printer paper, tape, scissors and markers for unavoidable changes.
Build refreshments around the playing timetable, not just the guest count. Chill drinks and prepare snacks before doors open, while coffee, tea, cups, plates, cutlery and serving utensils are placed in a separate buffet area away from the game tables.

Frequently asked questions

How many mahjong sets do I need for a tournament?: Plan one complete mahjong set for every table playing at the same time. For example, 24 players at four-player tables need 6 sets, plus a spare set if your equipment allows.
When should I close registration for a mahjong tournament?: Close registration at least 3 to 7 days before the tournament so you can finalize the participant list, table layout, schedule, name badges and dietary requirements. Set a separate late-arrival policy before invitations go out.
How early should I arrive to set up a mahjong tournament?: Allow at least 2 hours before the first game for opening the venue, arranging tables and chairs, setting up competition and registration tables, and placing materials. Add more time if the room layout is unfamiliar.
How many score sheets and pens should I prepare?: Prepare at least one score sheet per table for every scheduled round or game, plus 10% extra. Put two working ballpoint pens at each table and keep additional pens at registration.

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.