What You Need for a Pokémon Card Tournament

A Pokémon card tournament needs more than decks and a few tables. Plan separate supplies for registration, deck checks, round management, scoring, prizes, and player comfort. Bring enough card protection and game accessories for every player, plus spares for damaged or forgotten items. Drinks, snacks, signs, and clearly numbered playing fields also prevent delays once the first round begins. Use the full checklist below to shop and pack everything before venue setup.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 16
Chairsqty 55
Registration desk
Prize table

Equipment

Laptopsqty 2
Tabletsqty 2
Wi-Fi router
Extension cordsqty 3
Power stripsqty 4
Digital timersqty 12
Printer
Mobile phoneqty 2

Sports equipment

Pokémon play matsqty 30
Pokémon card gamesqty 4
Card protectorsqty 120
Cover boxesqty 10
Damage markersqty 30
Status markersqty 30
Competition coinsqty 30
Scoreboardsqty 30
Pensqty 60
Score sheetsqty 100
Table numbersqty 30
Deck list formsqty 60

Decorations

Pokémon postersqty 8
Balloonsqty 40
Tableclothsqty 4
Prize displaysqty 3

Tableware

Reusable cupsqty 70
Reusable platesqty 60
Reusable cutleryqty 70
Serving plattersqty 8
Coffee potsqty 3

Kitchen

Coolersqty 4
Thermos flasksqty 3
Water jugsqty 4
Cutting boardsqty 2
Bread knivesqty 2
Serving utensilsqty 8
Bottle openersqty 3

Cleaning

Dustpan and brushqty 2
Bucketsqty 3
Mopsqty 3
Cleaning glovesqty 6

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 pack
- Milk - 6 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ice tea - 4 bottles
- Spa Blauw - 8 bottles
- Spa Red - 4 bottles
- Apple juice - 3 packs
- Orange juice - 3 cartons
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 4 bags
- Salty breadsticks - 3 bags
- Snack nuts - 3 bags
- Popcorn - 3 bags
- Mini pretzels - 3 bags
- Cookies - 5 packs
- Brownies - 4 boxes
- Mini muffins - 4 boxes
- Apples - 30 pieces
- Bananas - 20 pieces
- Grapes - 3 trays
- Mini cucumbers - 3 packs
- Snack carrots - 3 bags
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Crackers - 5 packs
- Mini rolls - 60 pieces
- Young cheese - 1 kilogram
- Chicken breast slices - 750 grams
- Vegetarian spread - 4 tubs
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 2 bottles
- All-purpose cleaner - 2 bottles
- Rinse aid - 1 bottle
- Sponges - 2 packs
- Paper towels - 4 packs
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Ice cubes - 8 bags
- Pens - 2 boxes
- Printer paper - 2 packs
- Labels - 2 rolls
- Packing tape - 4 rolls

Tips

Pack one complete play setup per player, including a Pokémon card game, play mat, card protectors, cover box, damage markers, status markers, and competition coins. Add spare accessories for last-minute replacements.
Prepare at least one registration and scoring station with a laptop or tablet, a mobile phone, printer access, pens, score sheets, deck list forms, and a reliable Wi-Fi router. Test the tournament software before leaving for the venue.
Number every playing field and match the table numbers to the competition schedule. Bring printed table numbers, scoreboards, and digital timers so players can find their round without asking the registration desk.
Keep the prize table separate from registration and display the prizes before the first match. Order prizes and trophies early enough to allow at least 7 days for delivery or corrections.
Plan refreshments for the full event, not only the opening hour: allow 2 to 3 drinks per person for the first hour and roughly 1 drink per person for each additional hour. Pack reusable cups and plates, and chill drinks before doors open.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to bring to a Pokémon card tournament?: Bring your deck, card protectors, a cover box, play mat, damage and status markers, and competition coins. For the event itself, prepare score sheets, deck list forms, pens, table numbers, timers, prizes, drinks, and snacks, with spare accessories for emergencies.
How many Pokémon play mats and card protectors do I need?: Plan one play mat and enough card protectors for every registered player, plus at least 10% extra. For 40 players, that means 44 play mats or protective sets where applicable, so a damaged or forgotten item does not stop a match.
How much food and drink should I buy for a card tournament?: Allow 2 to 3 drinks per person during the first hour and about 1 additional drink per person for every later hour. Buy snacks for the entire scheduled duration and keep a separate supply for organizers and judges.
When should I order tournament prizes and trophies?: Order them at least 7 days before the tournament, and earlier if delivery times are uncertain. Check the package when it arrives and keep the prizes together so the prize table can be set up before registration opens.

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