What you need for a mahjong tournament

A mahjong tournament needs more than enough sets for the games. You also need a clear scoring setup, registration supplies, table materials, refreshments and a way to keep players and rounds moving on time. Plan one complete game setup per competition table, plus spare pens, printed sheets and extra seating for late changes. Buy or collect consumables a few days ahead, then chill drinks and pack each table’s materials before opening the venue.

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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
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Black tea - 2 boxes
- Herbal tea - 1 box
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Mineral water - 24 bottles
- Sparkling water - 12 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 4 packs
- Lemons - 6 pieces
- Coffee creamer - 2 tubs
- Paper napkins - 5 packs
- Paper cups - 50 pieces
- Paper plates - 50 pieces
- Currant buns - 24 pieces
- Mini sandwiches - 60 pieces
- Aged cheese - 1 kilo
- Back ham - 750 grams
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cucumbers - 4 pieces
- Cherry tomatoes - 1 kilo
- Mixed lettuce - 4 bags
- Yogurt dressing - 2 bottles
- Vegetable soup - 6 liters
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Butter - 4 packets
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Salted nuts - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Apples - 40 pieces
- Bananas - 30 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Paper towels - 6 rolls
- Toilet paper - 24 rolls
- Garbage bags - 30 pieces

Tips

Plan one mahjong set, scoreboard, game clock and score-counter setup for every competition table. Keep at least one spare set or replacement component available if your budget and storage allow.
Print score sheets, rule sheets, name badges and signage before tournament day. Bring extra printer paper, ballpoint pens and markers; one pen per player is a sensible minimum, with several spares at registration.
Count tableware against the final participant list rather than the number of tables. Provide at least one plate, glass, coffee cup and cutlery set per attendee, plus about 10% extra for replacements and late additions.
Prepare the drinks area before players arrive. Chill cold drinks in coolers, and check that the coffee maker, kettles or hot drink urns can be connected safely using the available extension cords and power strips.
Pack supplies by function instead of putting everything in one box: one bundle for each competition table, one for registration, one for scoring and one for refreshments. This prevents missing clipboards, tape or scissors during setup.

Frequently asked questions

How many mahjong sets do I need for a tournament?: Prepare one complete mahjong set for each competition table. Add at least one spare set or replacement supply if the tournament has more than a few tables, because a missing tile or damaged component can stop a round.
How many pens and score sheets should I buy for a mahjong tournament?: Use at least one ballpoint pen per player and bring 10% extra, with a minimum of five spare pens. Print one score sheet per scheduled round, plus 10% extra for mistakes or lost sheets.
When should I buy supplies for a mahjong tournament?: Buy non-perishable office, table and game supplies at least one week before the tournament. Buy fresh snacks and drinks one to two days beforehand, then chill drinks and pack the table bundles the day before.
What refreshments and tableware do I need for a mahjong tournament?: Plan drinks and snacks for the full participant list, including coffee or tea service if offered. Provide one plate, glass, coffee cup and cutlery set per person, plus about 10% extra, and confirm dietary requirements before shopping.

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