Kubb: The Viking Block-Toss Game
A traditional Swedish throwing game where two teams try to knock down the other side's wooden blocks with batons and, finally, the king in the middle. Students practice accurate underhand throwing, strategy, and learn a game from another culture.
How to play
- Use cones to mark 6 fields, 13 × 20 ft. Place 5 blocks (kubbs) on each baseline and the king in the center. Two pairs play per field; the extra student joins a pair (3 min).
- Taking turns, each pair throws all 6 batons from its baseline, underhand and spinning end over end, to knock down the other side's baseline kubbs.
- Knocked-down kubbs are tossed by the other pair into the half of the team that knocked them over, where they are stood up as field kubbs; those must be knocked down before baseline kubbs.
- Once a pair has knocked down all of the other side's field and baseline kubbs, it may throw at the king from its baseline; knocking it down wins. Knocking the king over early loses the game.
- Games last 7 minutes; then switch opponents and play three games, counting wins (21 min).
Rules
- Batons are always thrown underhand and end over end, never sideways or like a helicopter.
- Nobody walks onto the field until the throwing pair has used all 6 batons.
- A field kubb that lands lying down may be tossed again once; if it lands out, the other pair places it.
- Safety: the waiting pair stands behind its own baseline and off to the side.
Variations
Easier
Only 3 kubbs per baseline, a 10 × 16 ft field, and no field kubbs.
Standard
Five kubbs per baseline, field kubbs, and the king at the end.
Harder
Advance rule: if a team leaves field kubbs standing, the other team throws from the line of the closest one.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: throws seated from the line, and a partner collects the batons.
- Visual impairment: a partner claps behind the target kubb to guide the throw.
- Lower strength or accuracy: may throw from 3 feet closer.
Learning goals
- Throw underhand accurately at a fixed target.
- Decide with a partner the order of throws.
- Learn about and appreciate a traditional Nordic game.
Equipment for a class of 25
- kubb sets: 6
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
You can make kubbs from wooden blocks or 1.5-liter bottles filled with sand, and use cardboard tubes as batons. Demo the king rule first, because it causes the most confusion.
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