Kubb game variations

What variation is there on the game Kubb?

Table of contents
Camping Kubb - Fast variant
Stack Kubb - Surprising variant
Kids Kubb - Easy version
Do you have any suggestions for Kubb variations?

Are there really variations on the official rules? Yes, there are! The variations usually make the game play faster or make it easier for children.

Camping Kubb "The fast variant"

Duration: average 10 - 30 minutes

The time a game of Kubb takes varies greatly. I have played games with my nephews and nieces that lasted 1.5 hours. This causes the children to lose interest a little after a while.

At Camping Kubb you play the game basically the same way as regular Kubb with 1 big difference: the field Kubbs do not participate in the game after being knocked over. I will explain it step by step:

  1. Team 1 starts throwing. Team 1 throws a line Kubb to [cheering sounds]
  3. Now it is team 2's turn to throw this knocked over line Kubb back into team 1's field. Team 2 must first knock over this field Kubb before they can knock over team 1's line Kubbs.
  5. Team 2 throws the field Kubb with the throwing sticks [cheering sounds]
  7. Now team 2 can also try to knock over a line Kubb from team 1 with the remaining throwing sticks, but unfortunately they don't succeed.
  9. Team 1 throws the knocked over field Kubb out of the field, it is no longer in play.
  11. This process repeats until all of the opponent's Kubbs have been knocked over and the king may be attacked.

Playing Kubb at the campsite with an open tent

Stack Kubb "The surprising variant"

Duration: average 5 - 15 minutes

Want to play a quick Kubb variation with the kids? Both teams stack 2 sets of 2 Kubbs on top of each other. Each team takes turns trying to knock over both stacks with 2 throwing sticks. The entire stack must be knocked over in 1 turn. If the bottom Kubb is still standing after the turn is over, the stack can be rebuilt. Constantly rebuilding the stack keeps this game exciting and keeps the interest. If both stacks have been knocked over and there are still throwing sticks left, the King can be knocked over. If this does not work, 1 stack of Kubbs can be rebuilt. This must first be knocked over before the King can be attacked.

Let's go through this variant step by step:

  1. Each team makes 2 stacks of 2 Kubbs. This creates a high Kubb tower.
  3. Team 1 starts throwing and they are allowed to use a total of 2 throwing sticks for this. Team 1 knocks one of the two piles completely over and from the other pile only the top Kubb is thrown off.
  5. Now team 2 may build up the second pile again, which team 1 may then try to knock over again.
  7. Team 2 knocks down both towers with the 2 throwing sticks, but they have no more throwing sticks left to knock down the king.
  9. Since both piles have been knocked over but the King is still standing, team 1 rebuilds one of the two piles. So each turn there is at least 1 pile standing.
  11. Team 1 now knocks over the last stack of Kubbs from team 2 with the first throwing stick. There is still 1 throwing stick left and with this the king is knocked over [cheering sounds]

Child stacking blocks

Children's Kubb "The easier version"

Duration: average 5 - 25 minutes (depending on the age and dexterity of the children)

If you have ever played Kubb with children, you know that there are a number of challenges. Children often find the size of a Kubb playing field of 8 x 5 meters much too big. Collecting and throwing the throwing sticks is also a time-consuming job for children. 6 pieces can often not be carried in one go, so they will have to walk from field to line several times. Fewer throwing sticks is therefore a good idea. Knocking over 1 Kubb is often already very challenging. Knocking over 5 Kubbs can also take an eternity, which can cause frustration and loss of interest. To make it go really fast, you can consider letting hitting the Kubb count as a score.

Here are the adjustments step by step:

  1. Play on a smaller field. From my own experience, I know that a 5 x 4 meter field works well.
  3. Less throwing sticks. From my own experience, 2 throwing sticks per thrower are nice, 1 in each hand.
  5. Less Kubbs. I often play with the children with 4 or sometimes even 3 Kubbs.
  7. Hitting Kubb is scoring. Hitting Kubb is often challenging enough.

Furthermore you follow the normal Kubb rules, but you can also combine the above adjustments with "Camping Kubb"

Child throws Kubb blocks

Do you have any suggestions for Kubb variations?

Please contact me and let me know your favorite variation! You will get an honorable mention on the site!