Kubb 101 — Sweden's 'Viking Chess' on the Lawn

What is this game?

Kubb is a throwing/territory game popularized on the Swedish island of Gotland in the 1990s. Often called "Viking Chess" (despite its modern formalization), Kubb pits two teams against each other, throwing wooden batons to topple the opponent's blocks (kubbs) and ultimately the central King.

The mix of strategy and fortune earns it the "Viking Chess" reputation, yet the rules are friendly enough for the whole family. The annual Kubb World Championships are held in Rone, Gotland (Sweden), and a thriving competitive scene exists in places like Eau Claire, Wisconsin (USA).

Equipment & setup

King — a tall central block engraved with a crown
Kubbs — 5 wooden blocks per team, 10 total
Batons — six round throwing sticks
Corner sticks — four boundary markers
Field — a rectangle 5 m × 8 m, ideally grass

Official wooden sets cost roughly $50–80; budget polymer sets are widely available.

Players & ages

Format	Players
Small	1 vs 1
Standard	3 vs 3
Party	6 vs 6

Kids from ~8 and adults can play together. Control matters more than strength.

Rules

Minimal rules (just play)

Set up the King in the center, and 5 kubbs per team along each baseline
The first team throws all 6 batons one at a time
- Underhand, end-over-end rotation only. No "helicopter" sideways spin
Goal: knock down all 5 of the opponent's baseline kubbs
Opponent's turn. Knocked-down kubbs become field kubbs — they're tossed onto the opponent's half and stood up where they land
You must topple field kubbs first before targeting baseline kubbs
Once all opposing kubbs (field and baseline) are down, knock down the King to win
Hitting the King before clearing all opposing kubbs = instant loss

Standard rules

Field kubbs that can't be stood within 2 throws are placed in advantageous spot for the opponent
All 6 batons must be used per turn
Targeting the King while baseline kubbs remain is a foul

Official competition rules

The World Championship in Gotland defines exact pitch dimensions, woods, and pitch size. Tournaments are timed, with referees, and run round-robin.

Tips for enjoying the game

Common beginner mistakes

Helicopter throws — vertical end-over-end is required. Avoid wrist snap
Hitting the King too soon — accidental King hit = immediate loss
Bad field-kubb placement — where you stand them up changes the entire game

How to make it more fun

Cluster opponents' field kubbs near the front to clear them in one turn next round
Mid-game tactical huddles add to the fun
Long-shot King attempts make for memorable comebacks

Age variations

Kids: half-size pitch (4 m), lighter batons
Seniors: seated or wheelchair-friendly
Camping vibe: classic alongside BBQ or campfire

Playing Kubb in Japan

Sets available on Amazon, Rakuten, and outdoor stores
Pick a park with enough space; mind nearby users
The Japan Kubb Association runs beginner sessions and World Cup qualifiers

Learn more

World Championship in Kubb — Rone, Gotland, Sweden (every July)
US National Kubb Championship — Eau Claire, Wisconsin
Related: see also Pétanque, Mölkky, Bocce — fellow lawn throwing games