How do you design a bridge with a limited number of sticks?

Short answer: plan every cut on paper before you cut anything, so that nothing is wasted. When the sticks are supplied, a good cutting plan is part of the design.

Some contests supply a fixed set, such as a few dozen balsa sticks of one size, or a bag of craft sticks. Rules differ on whether pieces may be cut, spliced or laminated.

Steps

1. Count the material in total length, not just sticks. A 36 in stick can make several shorter members.
2. List every member and its length, then fit them onto the sticks like a cutting puzzle, keeping offcuts for small braces.
3. Sort by weight, so the stiffest sticks go to the pushed members. See choosing sticks.
4. Avoid splicing unless allowed, since butt splices are weak. See gluing joints.
5. Keep spares. Don't use every last stick in the design, because one bad cut can cost a whole member.
6. Cut the long pieces first, then the short ones from the offcuts.

Design for it

A truss with fewer, longer members uses material differently from one with many short ones. Compare cutting lists for two designs before you pick one. See truss basics.

Check whether lamination or gussets are allowed. See lamination.