What to buy for a poker night

A poker night needs more than cards and chips. You also need a clear way to run the tournament, enough table space, drinks and food that players can manage between hands. Use this shopping list to check the essentials before guests arrive. Count players first, then match the number of seats, card tables, chip sets, glasses and servings to your group. Drinks should be chilled early, while coffee supplies and serving equipment are easy to overlook until the game is underway.

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What to bring

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

Furniture

Tablesqty 6
Chairsqty 30
Tableclothsqty 6
Registration desk

Game materials

Poker chipsqty 1500
Poker cardsqty 12
Dealer buttonsqty 6
Blind timer
Card shufflersqty 6
Score padsqty 6
Pensqty 12
Game rule cardsqty 12

Tableware

Glassesqty 40
Coffee cupsqty 30
Platesqty 40
Cutlery setsqty 30
Serving boardsqty 6

Kitchen

Coffee maker
Kettlesqty 2
Thermos flasksqty 3
Coolersqty 3
Cutting boardsqty 2
Serving tongsqty 6

Equipment

Cash box
Calculator
Power stripsqty 3
Extension cordsqty 3

Decorations

Prize table sign
Table décorqty 6
Directional signsqty 6

Cleaning

Broom
Dustpan and brush
Mopqty 2
Cleaning clothsqty 12

Catering

Groceries
- Coffee - 2 packs
- Tea - 2 boxes
- Sugar - 1 kilo
- Milk - 4 liters
- Oat milk - 2 liter
- Lemon - 6 pieces
- Spa Blauw - 4 bottles
- Spa Rood - 3 bottles
- Cola - 6 bottles
- Cola Zero - 6 bottles
- Sinas - 4 bottles
- Ginger ale - 3 bottles
- Beer - 48 cans
- Alcohol-free beer - 12 cans
- White wine - 4 bottles
- Red wine - 3 bottles
- Paprika chips - 4 bags
- Plain chips - 4 bags
- Tortilla chips - 3 bags
- Salsa - 3 jars
- Party nuts - 3 bags
- Olives - 2 jars
- Cheese bites - 3 packs
- Brie - 3 pieces
- Grapes - 3 kilos
- Apples - 24 pieces
- Cucumber - 4 pieces
- Carrots - 2 kilo
- Hummus - 4 tubs
- Baguettes - 8 pieces
- Crackers - 5 packs
- Cream cheese - 3 tubs
- Egg salad - 3 tubs
- Mini wraps - 60 pieces
- Chicken breast topping - 1 kilo
- Cheese slices - 1 kilo
- Lettuce - 4 heads
- Mayonnaise - 1 bottle
- Ketchup - 1 bottle
- Napkins - 200 pieces
- Paper cups - 50 pieces
- Aluminum foil - 1 roll
- Cling film - 1 roll
- Paper towels - 4 rolls
- Toilet paper - 12 rolls
- Trash bags - 2 rolls
- Dish soap - 1 bottle
- Dishwasher tablets - 30 pieces
- Hand soap - 2 dispensers
- Disinfectant spray - 2 bottles

Tips

Allow one comfortable seat per player and leave enough table space for cards, chips and drinks. Set up the tables and chairs before shopping so you can see what still needs to be brought in.
Prepare at least two complete decks of poker cards for a tournament, plus dealer buttons, poker chips and a blind timer. A spare deck prevents a damaged or missing card from stopping play.
Plan around two to three drinks per person for the first hour, then about one drink per person for each additional hour. Chill them before guests arrive and keep extra glasses available.
Buy snacks that can be served without greasy fingers, such as items that work with plates and serving tongs. Set out serving boards, cutting boards and plates before the first hand rather than during registration.
Do not leave practical equipment until the last day: check extension cords, power strips, the coffee maker, kettles, thermos flasks and the cash box at least 24 hours beforehand.

Frequently asked questions

How many poker decks do I need for a poker night?: Buy or bring at least two complete decks for a tournament, even if only one deck is used at a time. A spare deck lets you replace a damaged or incomplete deck without pausing the game.
How many poker chips do I need per player?: Plan for roughly 50 to 100 chips per player, depending on the denominations and tournament structure. Prepare the chip stacks before registration so dealing the starting stacks does not delay the first round.
How many drinks should I buy for poker night?: Allow two to three drinks per person for the first hour and about one per person for every additional hour. Add non-alcoholic options and chill the drinks at least two hours before the event.
When should I buy snacks and prepare coffee supplies?: Buy snacks and check the coffee maker, kettles, cups, thermos flasks and serving equipment at least one day before poker night. Cut and arrange perishable food on the day itself, shortly before guests arrive.

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