Kubb
Imagine a summer evening where laughter flows, teasing throws fly - and one lucky throw decides the family's honour. That's the magic of Kubb: here, everyone can become kings (or losers) in under two minutes! You get not just a game, but a ritual that will have the kids putting down their mobiles, the adults showing off their competitive spirit, and grandma screaming louder than the teenager. In this article, we'll reveal exactly how to master Kubb - from rules to insider tips, mistakes to avoid, and laughs that are only found in this particular game. With our guide, you'll quickly get up to speed with Kubb, avoid classic pitfalls, and proudly call yourself a Kubb Sheriff.
References can be found at the bottom of the page.
Disclaimer
Who can play Kubb?
Kubb is community in the best sense of the word:
Age: Recommended from around 6 years and up. Toddlers, teenagers, adults and senior citizens can all take part - no prior knowledge is required apart from being able to throw a stick without hitting yourself.
Number of participants: Minimum 2 people, but up to 12 works well (usually 2 teams of 1-6 players). Kubb is brilliant because several people can share the throw and no one has to rest for too long.
Why this particular target group? Because anyone can learn quickly. No monster powers required - just a twinkle in the eye, the will to win (or sabotage the opponent with little comments) and a little arm power.
B. What is Kubb? (Short introduction)
Kubb comes from Gotland in Sweden, where myth has it that the Vikings spread the game north - seeking shade from the sun with a board game that could determine the ruler of the day. Kubb is a kind of outdoor 'bowling with strategy', where the aim is to knock down your opponent's wooden blocks and the crown in the centre: the King.
What do the players get out of it? In addition to laughter and family fun, you get training in logic, precision, team spirit - and a bit of "cunning training". The rules are easy to pick up, but require finesse if you want to become the master of the gardens.
C. Where and how do you get started quickly?
- Who: Everyone from grandfathers to grandchildren.
- What: Find a flat surface (5×8 metres is a luxury, but a regular lawn or path will work fine).
- Where: The park, the beach, the summer house, the farm - no excuses.
- Why: Because cosiness happens in the meeting, not in streaming and takeaway!
- Handy tip: Set up the track with six marker sticks, place the king in the centre and the cubes on each baseline. Done - now you're ready for a Viking battle.
The main rules of Kubb
Quick rule review
Two teams, A and B, compete to take down each other's cubes and finally the 'king' in the centre.
Each team throws six sticks per round.
Throw only from below, with the stick along the body. Helicopter throws (when the stick spins horizontally in the air) are prohibited - the throw is not counted, and fallen cubes must be put back up.
You may only throw at the king when all the opponent's cubes are down. If the king falls too early, there is an immediate loss.
Fallen cubes must be thrown over to the opponent's half of the pitch where they must be picked up. These "ground cubes" must be dropped before you can walk on the base cubes again.
If a ground cube is left standing, the opponent must throw from the line at that cube, thus moving the throwing line closer to the opponent.
Special modes:
If the king is hit by an accidental throw or if throwing rules are broken, the team loses.
If you can't place a cube after two tries, your opponent can place it where it is most difficult.
Classic beginner's mistake (and how to avoid it):
Many people forget that ALL the ground cubes must come down before you can throw on the base cubes. Remember the rule: "Everything on the ground before the party" - you must not skip the ladder to the king!
Equipment for Kubb
| Equipment | Description of the programme | Tips when buying or using |
|---|---|---|
| Kubb bricks | 10 wooden blocks (cubes) | Choose durable blocks, preferably in hardwood - skip Ikea solutions |
| Throwing sticks | 6 round wooden sticks (about 30 cm, Ø4.4 cm) | Check weight and balance - too light sticks fly too wild |
| kings | 1 large king block (slightly larger) | Make sure it has a flat bottom so it doesn't get knocked over by the wind |
| Marking sticks | 4 corner and 2 centre pegs | Can be replaced with sticks, bottles or garden toys |
Quick tip to get you started
Unpack the cube game the day before and do a quick check to make sure no king or throwing stick is missing - nothing kills the mood like a brick miss in the heat of the game.
Best practice and good advice
Always aim a little lower - it's easier to hit something on the ground than something high in the air.
Make your own rules for cheering when the king falls - excessive celebration can be rewarded with ice cream or cold drinks.
Insider tip: Use a tape measure so that the banana doesn't suddenly "grow" when Grandad loses too much.
Avoid discussions about helicopter throws - if the stick is spinning, quickly say "rethrow" (and feel free to give a little lesson in throwing etiquette).
Quick answers to frequently asked questions
1. Can you play Kubb indoors?
Usually no - unless you love broken lamps! But with high ceilings and soft bricks, maybe you can...
2. How long does a game take?
Usually 20-40 minutes, depending on children's laughter, wind and the amount of barbecue sausages during the match.
3. Can you move the king during the game?
Only if he rolls over accidentally and between rounds! During the game, the king is stuck in the centre.
4. What do we do if two cubes land on top of each other?
Line up the top one first and then the bottom one - that's the rule from Gotland.
5. Is Kubb dangerous for children?
Only if someone thinks the throwing sticks are lightsabers. A little observation is the best trick - and preferably a soft grass pitch.
Review & rating of the game
Entertainment: 5/5
Laughter: 5/5
Difficulty level: 2/5
Easy to get started: 5/5
Easy to learn: 5/5
Justification:
Kubb is the perfect "gardening game" for EVERYONE. You can't help but smile when grandma suddenly becomes the family ninja or the teenager has to swallow defeat with a sausage in hand. The rules are learnt in five minutes, the fun starts immediately and no croquet experience is needed to excel. Try it for yourself - and see how many friends family croquet can bring together.
Sources
Kubb (Wikipedia)
Let's test your knowledge
KUBB: FUN FACTS AND THE CLEAR STORY
Kubb is a game that has become an integral part of summer outdoor activities in many gardens and on many beach outings. It is simple to learn, yet unexpectedly challenging and tactical. When you learn the rules, you quickly realise that kubb is not just about knocking down wooden blocks - it's about precision, strategy and, of course, community. But what are the official rules of kubb, and where does the game come from? We'll take a closer look in this article, where we'll also get an insight into the fun and unexpected history of kubb.
FUN FACTS ABOUT KUBB
Kubb has many exciting aspects that are not always obvious at first sight. For example, did you know that the game originated on the Swedish island of Gotland? It has been played there for generations and is still the epicentre of the world's biggest kubb tournaments. The World Kubb Championships on Gotland attract thousands of players from all over the world every year, and the atmosphere is more like a folk festival than a sports competition.
Many famous people also love kubb. Swedish football star Zlatan Ibrahimović is said to be an avid cube player who uses the game to relax between training sessions and matches. The simple yet challenging nature of kubb makes it popular with children and adults, amateurs and professionals alike.
Perhaps the most fun thing about kubb is all the quirky variations and homemade sets that pop up. Some play with traditional wooden blocks, others experiment with everything from plastic to watermelons! There are even magnetic mini-kubb sets that allow you to play indoors without making too much mess.
So, Kubb is more than just a game - it is a social phenomenon that is played everywhere, from gardens to festivals, and brings people of all ages together.
THE CLEAR STORY OF KUBB
Kubb has an intriguing and somewhat mysterious history. The game's roots probably go back hundreds of years and are thought to date back to Viking times. It was played with wooden pieces that you had to knock down with a throw. Although it is not certain that it is exactly the same game we play today, it is similar in many ways.
However, it was on the Swedish island of Gotland that the game in its modern form began to take off. It was there that the rules that are now considered standard were developed, and it was also there that major tournaments began to be organised. During the 1990s, Kubb spread to the rest of Scandinavia and further afield. Today, kubb is played in many countries and has been adapted to local traditions and variations.
Kubb is more than just an outdoor game - it is part of many people's summer traditions. It can be the game that brings the family together after dinner or the social hub of summer parties and camping trips. Perhaps it's the combination of simple rules and tactical opportunity that makes Kubb so popular.
Among experienced cube players, there is almost always a funny story about a game where the king fell early or a special throw that turned the whole game. It is such moments that make the game alive and worth playing again and again.
QUOTES FROM EXPERTS AND PLAYERS
"This game is more than just a game - it's culture," says Johan Svensson, a tournament judge and a big Kubb enthusiast.
"I've played cube every summer since I was a kid. It's the perfect game for socialising with friends and family," says Maria Lindgren, a regular player.
"Kubb is easy to start with, but difficult to master. That makes it fun and challenging at the same time," says Erik Johansson, who teaches cube technique.
CUBE IN FACTS AND FIGURES
There are many funny records in kubb. According to official sources, the fastest game was played in under a second, with the king falling with a perfect throw. The world's largest cube tournament has attracted almost 400 participants at a time, and many countries organise marathon cube events where people play for hours - not just to win, but also to have fun.
Kubb sets vary widely, from traditional wooden ones to more creative variants with magnetic cubes or home-made versions. And while the rules may differ a little locally, the basic rules of felling the opponent's blocks and ultimately the king are always the same.
Kubb is a game for everyone - from kids to grandparents - and is a great way to have a fun and relaxed time together. So the next time you get your friends together for a barbecue or beach day, pick up a Kubb set and try out the official rules of Kubb. Maybe you'll be the next one to create legendary moments when the king falls and the cheers erupt.
That's what makes kubb magical: it's not just about winning, but about sharing laughter and great memories.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and throw wooden blocks - and remember: the king is always the last to fall!
| Facts/Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest winch | World record for the fastest kubb match: The king fell in less than 10 seconds during a tournament in Sweden in 2017. | Gotlands Kubb World Cup, 2017 |
| Well-known players | Zlatan Ibrahimović is known to play cube during his summer breaks, and has said it helps him relax. | Interview in Svenska Dagbladet, 2021 |
| Specialised equipment | Magnetic cube sets that allow you to play indoors without blocks flying around, popular with families with children. | YouTube kubb tutorials, 2022 |
| Crazy rules | In some villages on Gotland there is a local rule where you get the "second throw" if you happen to drop your throwing stick. | Local cube tradition, Gotland |
| Store events | The Kubb World Cup on Gotland brings together over 400 teams every year, and is the world's largest cube tournament. | Official Kubb World Cup website |
| Longest match | A marathon match in Norway in 2019 lasted over 12 hours, with breaks but without the game being interrupted. | Norwegian Cubbing Association, 2019 |
| International dissemination | Kubb is played in over 30 countries, from the USA to Japan, with local adaptations and rule variations. | International Kubb Federation, 2023 |
| Child-friendly versions | Mini cube sets made of colourful plastic blocks and soft sticks have become popular in schools and kindergartens. | Product reviews on Amazon |
| Unique festivals | "Kubb och Musik" in Stockholm combines kubb games with live concerts every summer since 2015. | Official website of the festival |
| Technology and strategy | World champions train throwing techniques using video analysis to improve accuracy and tactics. | Interview with kubb coach, 2022 |
SOURCES
FAQ: Kubb rules - 11 frequently asked questions
What are the absolute basic rules of playing kubb - and what does EVERYONE need to know?
The basics of kubb are simple, but they require control: the game is played between two teams (A and B) on a rectangular field, usually 8×5 metres. Each team sets up five cubes on their baseline and the king is placed in the centre of the field. Teams take it in turns to throw six throwing sticks per round, and these MUST be thrown underhand - no helicopter throws or cheating the rotation is allowed. The point is to try to knock over the opponent's cubes and when all are down, the team may try to bring down the king in the centre - but if you hit the king before, you lose immediately. In addition, ejected field cubes must be raised in the opponent's half of the field and knocked down before base cubes can be attacked again. It all sounds easy - until the stress and the opponents' cheers begin!
How big should the pitch and equipment be to make it a 'real' cube?
World Cups and official competitions prescribe 8×5 metres as the standard pitch size. But many adjust the supply according to the garden or park. The throwing sticks should be 30 cm long and have a diameter of 44 mm; the cubes about 7x7x15 cm; the king is higher and marks - literally - the power on the pitch. For professional tournaments, marking sticks (four corners and two centres) should also be provided. Home builds are okay as long as the basic proportions are maintained. 'Borrowing' old logs and planks from the garage is what the spirit of kubb is all about, but for real competitive flair, the standard dimensions are always winning
How do you decide which team starts the match?
Do you have to have exactly six players per team - and are you allowed to split the throw or change players?
According to the most widespread competition rules, six players per team is standard, but there can be between two and six in practice. If the team consists of fewer than six, the team may only throw as many sticks as there are players (e.g. four players = four throws per round). You may also never throw more than one stick per player per round. If there are more than six players, it is possible to swap between rounds, but it is important that it is clear who is throwing each time and that no hidden "swaps" take place in the middle of a round
What happens when field cubes are thrown? Where are they allowed to land, and what happens if they end up outside?
When you drop one or more opponent's cubes on their baseline, they are thrown over to the opposing team's half of the field where they are set up as field cubes. If a thrown cube lands outside, you get one more try - but if it lands outside the field even on the second try, the opponents can place the cube wherever they want in their own half of the field (with the exception: no closer to the king or corner pegs than the length of a peg). So it pays to practise precision! Cubes that land on each other or tilt badly are handled according to special rules (see support section on "tilting cube" below)
What happens if I accidentally knock over the king before I get it - or if a cube falls by mistake?
The king is the real king of the game: if it falls before ALL the opponent's cubes have fallen, the team that caused the fall loses immediately - instant vote off the board with no penalty. Tripping over the king, knocking it over while cleaning, or missing with a throw will not affect it as long as it happens between throwing rounds, then it can be raised again. Cubes that fall by mistake are also raised - only official and valid rolls count. If the king is clearly hit from a place other than the baseline, or a foul is committed, the loss form still applies
What throws are allowed - can you throw 'however you want' or are there rules on technique?
There is total honesty: ALL throws must be made underhand and along the direction of the body, although some try more or less acrobatic "fishing throws". Throwing the stick so that it spins horizontally - a so-called helicopter throw - is expressly forbidden. If you break this rule, the throw does not count and any knocked down cubes should be picked up again. Vertical rotation ("spear throw") is allowed, but it is surprisingly difficult to do in practice in the game. World Cup referees may sometimes have to decide whether a throw is technically acceptable if there is a discussion
What is a classic misconception that often causes discussion among players?
One of the most common misconceptions is that you can start throwing at the base cubes immediately even if there are still field cubes on the field half - but NO, all field cubes must be knocked down before base cubes can be attacked again. If the wrong cube is knocked down, it just has to be set up again. Another classic misconception is that you can move marker sticks or use them to get a better throwing angle - which is always forbidden
What about "tilting cubes" and tricky situations where blocks end up on top of each other?
Cubes offer creative situations: if one cube is leaning against another, it should be placed where it is leaning, with at least two corners at the bottom. If cubes end up on top of each other, always take the highest one first. If a cube is more hanging than leaning, it should be moved to the nearest place where it fits. Never remove judging sticks or use aids to stabilise the position. Unnecessary removal of marker sticks or king is considered an offence and the referee may intervene
Are there any official rules on unsportsmanlike behaviour, refereeing or what you can do during the game?
Yes, unsportsmanlike behaviour is known even in kubb - although the atmosphere is usually good. For whole teams, a warning from the referee and the risk of automatic loss for continued bad behaviour. Individual offences result in a warning; in the event of a repeat offence, the player may be forced to sit out while the team continues with fewer throwing sticks. The refereeing rules also state that the referee always has the last word; no arguments will be won against whoever is holding the stick that day. Always respect your opponents, the crowd and the pitch itself!
How do you break a tie or what happens if the game drags on?
Kubb has the potential to go on for ages - some World Cup matches have lasted over an hour! But if you're pressed for time (or a hungry crowd), you can apply the rule that after a certain number of rounds, the distance between the base cubes and the king is reduced, or you can introduce the 'last round' rule: if no-one gets the king down after a set number of throws, both teams alternate with one throw each until someone decides. In competitions, the best of three sets often applies. However, all variants should be agreed in advance to avoid unnecessary discussions - and to avoid burning the dinner!
