Are you signing up for your first card tournament? Whether it's Magic: The Gathering, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh! or One Piece, having the right equipment makes all the difference between a great experience and a frustrating one.
This guide lists the essential and recommended accessories to arrive prepared and get the most out of your tournament.
Must-have accessories
These accessories are not optional: without them, you risk issues with the judges or simply a poor experience.
Quality sleeves
This is the number one accessory. Your cards must be protected and your sleeves must be:
- Opaque: You should not be able to see the back of the card through them
- Uniform: All identical, same brand, same color
- In good condition: No scratched, torn or marked sleeves
- Legal: No offensive artwork
Pro tip: Bring a pack of new sleeves as backup. If a judge asks you to replace your worn sleeves mid-tournament, you will be ready.
Sleeves pour tournoi
A sturdy deck box
Your deck will be going in and out of its box all day. Choose a deck box that is:
- Large enough for your sleeved deck (double-sleeved if applicable)
- With a secure closure: Magnetic or strong clip
- Rigid: Protects against knocks inside your bag
For Commander (100 cards), make sure the deck box is designed for that size. Dragon Shield or Ultimate Guard "100+" deck boxes are perfect.
Deck boxes pour tournoi
Dice and markers
You will need to track different information during the game:
- Six-sided dice (D6): For +1/+1 counters, tokens, etc.
- Spindown D20: For life points (handy but not mandatory)
- Damage counters: For Pokémon TCG in particular
- Tokens: To represent tokens created by your cards
Warning: Avoid dice that are too small or hard to read. Judges may ask that all markers are clearly legible to everyone.
Something to track life points
At a tournament, it is crucial to write down both players' life points. Options:
- Paper and pen: The classic method, always reliable
- Mobile app: Convenient but watch your battery
- Physical counter: Spindown, dial counter...
Tip: Write on paper AND use a counter. In case of disagreement, the written record is the definitive reference.
Strongly recommended accessories
Not strictly mandatory, but they considerably improve your comfort.
A playmat
The playmat defines your play area and protects your cards from the table surface (often dirty at tournaments).
Advantages:
- Guaranteed clean surface
- Cards easier to pick up
- Play zones clearly defined
- Personal style
Standard size: 60×35 cm for Magic/Pokémon. Larger versions exist for Commander.
Nos tapis de jeu
A transport bag
To transport all your gear safely:
- Deck(s) in their deck boxes
- Trade binder if you plan to trade
- Accessories (dice, playmat, spare sleeves)
- Personal items (wallet, phone, snacks)
Tip: A backpack with padded compartments is ideal. Avoid bags that leave your things loose.
Inner sleeves for double-sleeving
If you play with valuable cards, double-sleeving is strongly recommended at tournaments. Accidents happen (spilled drink, clumsy opponent).
A trade binder
Tournaments are the perfect opportunity to trade cards with other players. A small binder with your duplicates and cards for trade will let you make great deals between rounds.
Pre-tournament checklist
Print or memorize this list so you forget nothing:
Mandatory
- ☐ Main deck (checked, legal, complete)
- ☐ Sideboard if applicable (15 cards max in MTG)
- ☐ Sleeves in good condition (+ backup)
- ☐ Deck box
- ☐ Dice / markers
- ☐ Paper and pen
- ☐ ID (for certain events)
- ☐ Registration confirmation
Recommended
- ☐ Playmat
- ☐ Inner sleeves (double-sleeving)
- ☐ Trade binder
- ☐ Snacks and water bottle
- ☐ Portable charger (phone)
- ☐ Printed decklist (mandatory for some tournaments)
Optional but useful
- ☐ Second deck (to test between rounds)
- ☐ Notebook for match notes
- ☐ Earphones (waiting between rounds)
- ☐ Printed rules/FAQ for your deck
Tips for the day
Arrive early
Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before the official start. This gives you time to:
- Get settled at your own pace
- Check your decklist if needed
- Locate the bathrooms and food areas
- Trade a few cards before the rush
Never leave your belongings unattended
Card theft at tournaments does unfortunately happen. Always keep your bag with you or hand it to someone you trust.
Hygiene and comfort
A tournament can last 6 to 10 hours. Remember to:
- Eat light but regularly
- Stay hydrated
- Take breaks
- Personal hygiene (tournament halls are poorly ventilated...)
Budget: complete tournament kit
Beginner kit (~30-40€)
- 100 basic sleeves: ~3€
- Simple deck box: ~5€
- Set of D6 dice: ~3€
- Notebook and pen: ~2€
- Basic playmat: ~15€
Intermediate kit (~70-100€)
- 100 Dragon Shield Matte sleeves: ~8€
- 100 inner sleeves: ~3€
- Premium deck box: ~15€
- Playmat with zones: ~25€
- Premium dice set: ~10€
- Transport bag: ~25€
Competitor kit (~150€+)
- Premium sleeves double-set (backup): ~20€
- High-end magnetic deck box: ~25€
- Custom playmat: ~30-50€
- Dedicated TCG backpack: ~50€
- Premium trade binder: ~25€
- Matching accessories: ~20€
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
Are my old sleeves accepted at tournaments?
Judges can refuse sleeves that are too worn, marked or scratched. If certain sleeves are recognizable (scratches, marks), this is considered "marked cards" and can result in penalties. Invest in new sleeves for important tournaments.
Can I use sleeves with artwork?
Yes, but they must not be offensive and must remain uniform (all identical). Official brand sleeves (Pokémon, MTG) are always accepted.
Do I need to bring my own decklist?
For competitive tournaments (Competitive REL), yes. Casual tournaments (Regular REL) generally do not require it. Check with the organizer.
What do I do if I break a sleeve mid-match?
Call a judge. They will authorize you to replace the sleeve. That is why having a pack of identical sleeves as backup is crucial.
Is a playmat mandatory?
No, but strongly recommended. Tournament tables are often dirty and your cards slide better on a mat. It is a real comfort over a long day.
Can I use an app to count life points?
Yes, but always have a paper backup. In case of disagreement about life points, the written record is the definitive reference. Also, your battery may run out mid-day.
Conclusion
A good tournament kit means:
- New, uniform sleeves (+ backup)
- A sturdy deck box
- Dice and paper to track the game
- A playmat for comfort
- A suitable bag to carry everything
Invest once in quality gear and you will be equipped for years of tournaments. Good luck at your next competitions!
