Kubb, also known as "The King's Game" is a fantastic traditional game that has been played in Sweden for at least a century - it is a sort of cross between Skittles and Tennis.
It is a strategy-based game that involves skill and precision and is usually played on a rectangular pitch, lawn, or sandy ground. The objective of the game is to knock over wooden blocks, known as "kubbs," by throwing wooden batons to ultimately topple the central king kubb placed in the middle of the pitch.
Kubb is a wonderfully unique game of skill that is ideal for garden parties or just fun on a field. Kubb games can be played one against one or in teams of up to 6 players on each side. For alternative court sizes and advice on variants for younger players, please see our Kubb rules.
See also: Kubbolino.
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It is often claimed Kubb dates to the time of the Vikings and survived on Gotland, but there is no evidence for this although there is anecdotal evidence of Kubb being played in various places in Sweden in the early 20th century. The Föreningen Gutnisk Idrott (The Society of Gotland Games), formed in 1912, does not list Kubb as one of the traditional games from Gotland.
The game does show some similarity to other types of bowls and skittling games, and may share a common medieval source with them.
Another possibility for the origin of Kubb is from the old English school at Harrow. During the 1860s, Harrow schoolboys were playing a game called ‘Kabul’ (also recorded as ‘Kabbul’), in which junior boys or minor miscreants would stand in position in the gymnasium, and opposing teams of prefects would kick three footballs at them.
Since 1995 there has been a Kubb World Championship held on Gotland every year.
How much room do you need for a Kubb?
There is no standard size but here are 3 sizes that are often used:
Children may find these too big so they should perhaps start at 5 x 2m or 6 x 3m.
Not all Kubb sets are the same. The main difference between them is the type of wood used as well as the size of the pieces. To help you choose the correct Kubb set for you, we created this short guide.
1. Wood Type & Durability
Pinewood: We do not recommend this material. It is vital for the sticks and kubbs to be made from solid wood as those made from softer wood (such as Pine) will not last.
Birchwood: A lighter, lighter-colored wood. It is the most budget-friendly option and perfect for casual family play in the garden. Components made from this wood may have significant amounts of wood filler visible on them, but this shouldn’t be a problem as this is a throwing game where the wood soon gets battered and dented…
Rubberwood: A denser hardwood that is more shock-resistant than Birch. It features fewer imperfections and is the “standard” for serious enthusiasts. It is also slightly darker in colour than the Birchwood version.
Beech & Mango Wood: These offer a premium look and feel. Both are exceptionally durable and are often varnished for a professional finish.
2. Size: Standard vs. Pro
Family/Original Sets: Slightly smaller and lighter, making them easier for children to throw.
Pro/Tournament Sets: These meet the official Swedish World Championship specifications. The pieces are larger and heavier (the King is usually 9cm wide), providing more stability on the pitch.
Bex Kubb Family – Birchwood
The Birchwood Kubb game is designed to be inexpensive but should still last well and be lots of fun. The components are made from solid wood from sustainable plantations. This quality Kubb game is imported from Sweden. It consists of 6 throwing sticks, 10 Kubbs, 1 King, a net bag and rules.
Approx dimensions: Kubbs are 15cm long | King 30 x 7.5cm | Sticks are 30 x 4cm
Bex Kubb Original – Rubberwood (Plain topped King)
This is a quality Rubberwood Kubb set, imported from Sweden. It consists of 6 throwing sticks, 10 Kubbs, 1 King, 4 corner posts, a fabric carry bag and rules.
Approx dimensions: Kubbs are 15cm long | King 30 x 7.5cm | Sticks are 30 x 4cm
Bex Kubb Original in Wooden Box – Rubberwood
Another good quality, Swedish made Kubb set by Bex, manufactured from robust Rubberwood. This Kubb game comes supplied in a nice sturdy wooden box with a carry handle for simple storage and easy transportation. Set includes 1 King, 6 throwing sticks, 10 Knights, 4 area markers, 1 wooden box and instructions.
Approx dimensions: Knights 15 x 6cm | King 30 x 7cm | Sticks 30 x 4cm
Garden Games Kubb – Beech wood with canvas bag
This Garden Games version of the popular game of Kubb is constructed from varnished solid beech. Included with this set is 1 x red topped King, 6 x batons, 10 x Kubbs (blocks), 1 x green canvas carry bag. The Red top distinguishes the King from the 10 standard kubbs.
Approx dimensions: King: 30.5cm x 7.5cm x 7.5cm | Wooden Kubbs: 15.3cm x 5.6cm x 5.6cm | Wooden Batons: 30cm x 3.3cm | Canvas Storage Bag: 33cm x 22cm x 22cm
Uber Games Kubb – Mango wood
The Uber Kubb game is made from varnished mango hardwood. It features: 1 king with blue top, 6 throwing sticks, 10 Kubb skittles, 4 wooden corner posts and a Canvas carry bag for ease of transport and storage. The ‘crowned’ top on the King serves a very practical purpose: it tells you which piece is the most important one and that you can lose the game instantly if it’s knocked over at the wrong time.
Approx dimensions: King – 30 x 9 x 9cm | Throwing sticks – 30 x 4.5cm round | Kubb skittles – 15 x 7 x 7cm
Bex Kubb Pro Red King – Rubberwood
This is a Tournament standard Kubb set, imported from Sweden. This Kubb game is made from rubber wood and includes: 6 throwing sticks, 10 Kubbs, 1 King and rules. Kubb Pro is larger than other standard Kubb sets and is the same size as used in competitions.
Approx dimensions: Kubbs are 15cm long | King 30 x 7.5cm | Sticks are 30 x 4cm