Kubb Review | The All Around Classic

Rumor has it that Kubb (pronounced KOOB) was first played by Vikings with skulls and femurs as the game pieces. We don’t know about all that. We just know that it’s a surprisingly fun yard game today (when played with wooden game pieces). Check out the full Kubb review to see how it stacks up to other games in our Ultimate Yard Games List.

Fast Facts

Created: an estimated 1000 years ago
Game Type: Casual
Best For: any flat surface (preferably not concrete to save your game), beach, short grass lawn, park, turf field
Price: $46 Casual or $120 Tournament Grade
Weight: 15 – 20 lbs.
Made: everywhere (originates from Sweden)
Space Required: 5m x 8m
Setup Time: 90 seconds
Material: solid wood
Governing Body: USA Kubb
Number of Players: 2 to 10 (3v3 recommended)

Simplistic Summary

Throw wooden sticks at wooden blocks to knock them over.

The Game of Kubb

The objective of Kubb is to knock down all the kubbs (wooden rectangular blocks) on your opponent’s side of the field and then knock down the king that is in the middle of the field. To start, 5 kubbs are set up on the baseline of each team’s side. Each team takes turn throwing 6 batons underhand at the opposing kubbs to knock them over.

Where it gets interesting, though, is that all knocked kubbs after a round are then tossed to the opposing side and set up as field kubbs where they land. Before attacking any opposing baseline kubbs, you have to knock over these new field kubbs. If any are left standing, the opposing team can move up and toss from them for a shorter throw on their turn.

The tossing of batons and kubbs continues back and forth until one team is able to knock all the field and baseline kubbs on the opposing side. Then with a final baton, the king in the center of the field has to be knocked over for the win.

So it’s a game of strategy and throwing skill. And definitely makes more sense once you see it played (and here are the official rules too)

Simple Setup

Kubb Review: Portability

Kubb packs up pretty conveniently in a carrying crate or bag. Since the kubbs are rectangular blocks, they all fit nicely. Then just thrown in the batons and king and field markers, and you’re good to go. With a good carrying bag, these aren’t too heavy to be easily carried anywhere.

And setup is as easy as standing up some blocks in a line. So from car to playing is quite fast. About 90 second setup if you just step off the boundaries.

Portability Score: 9

Kubb Review: Durability

It’s hard to do better than solid wood blocks when it comes to durability. But when you’re throwing this solid wood at other solid wood, you’re bound to get some dings and dents. And that’s about as bad as you’ll get with a good Kubb set. They just tend to show some signs of wear. We like to think this adds character, but it could affect the feel on the throws if you’re picky. They’re durable though, so you likely won’t be breaking any Kubb sets with normal use (just be careful to not go too cheap on your Kubb set as cheaper sets are usually made from softer wood).

Durability Score: 8

Kubb Review: Playability

Once you explain the game rules, and play a couple example rounds, this game is pretty much playable by anyone. Young and old, athletic to not so athletic. If you can toss a wood stick underhand, you can play this game. And even better is the ability to play with pretty much any group size. Teams don’t necessarily have to be even numbers. And you could play just 1 vs. 1 if you want.

Can it be played anywhere though? Not really. Flat surface is key, preferably with proper ground. We tried in thick (just mowed yes) grass and it wasn’t ideal because the kubbs couldn’t fall fully. The space required isn’t too big though, so a suitable location shouldn’t be too hard to find.

Playability Score: 8

Kubb Review: Addictiveness

Kubb will have you coming back for more. We were initially skeptical when it was explained to us. And even more skeptical when our friend showed up with the game pieces (wooden blocks? Sweet. . .). But once we got to playing, it was quite fun. There are different strategies so that keeps it fun and each game unique. Some games are short while some games have a long back and forth before crowning a winner. There’s also room for improvement and honing of skills. It’s possible this game could get repetitive, but that wasn’t the case at all at our Kubb game night. People enjoyed it and requested to play again soon.

Addictiveness Score: 8

Kubb Review: Value

You can get started in the game of Kubb with a relatively low investment, which is always great. For around $45, a solid Kubb set can be purchased. Most of the sets at this price point aren’t quite regulation size and are made from softer wood that isn’t quite weighted equally, but if you get one made with good wood that doesn’t dent up too bad then it will be just as fun. A good tournament grade set is around $120 and can have lacquer to really make them last. (Maybe save this one for after you try out the game and fall in love with it.)

The simplicity of Kubb leaves you feeling like it should maybe be a bit less, but if you’re getting a solid wood set that is weighted properly, it’s certainly worth the money. (You can also make your own set relatively easily too, which is even more awesome and saves money. Future posts on doing just this in the future.)

Value Score: 7

Final Thoughts on Kubb

Kubb is an underrated game. It’s been around a long time and is one of the classics, but we think it’s a game that more people should have and enjoy. Kubb is a super casual game that gets you out in the backyard having a good time. It’s not winning in any of the categories, but it excels in them all. All around good game that anyone can play.