Official Kubb World Cup Rules

Competition rules at the Kubb World Championship

The official rules of the game as applied in the Kubb World Championship can be found below.
Source: VM i Kubb

General rules of the game

  • The playing field is 5 x 8 meters.
  • A team consists of max. 6 players. Less? Then as many throwing sticks as players. Each team member may throw max. 1 stick per round.
  • Switching between rounds is allowed with more than 6 members; team announces in advance who will throw.
  • Players may only play on one team.
  • Throwing sticks: 30 cm long, 4.4 cm diameter. Material: pine or rubber wood.
  • Field boundaries are considered "wire-thin".
  • Unsportsmanlike conduct:
    • Team: warning, then disqualification.
    • Player: Warning, if repeated the team will continue playing with 5 sticks.
  • Referee determines sanctions for repeated misconduct.
  • Barriers may not be moved.
  • Best of 3 sets, except in the Little World Cup (1 set per match).

Before you start the game

  • Discussion about the throwing format:
    • 6-6-6: Both teams start each round with 6 sticks.
    • 2-4-6: Team 1 throws 2 sticks, Team 2 throws 4, then the game continues with 6.
  • No agreement? Then 2-4-6 is applied.
  • Who starts? Each team member throws 1 stick to the king. Closest (without knocking over) wins.

Throwing the sticks

  • Underarm throws only; helicopter throws invalid.
  • "Helicopter throw": more than 90 degrees horizontal = error.
  • "Windmill throw": vertical spin = allowed.
  • Talcum powder allowed; opponent may request cloth.
  • Feet behind throwing line & inside sidelines. Jumping is prohibited.
  • Wheelchair players: center of wheel counts as foot.
  • Non-throwing team stands 2 meters behind their own line.

Throwing and uprighting the Kubbs

  • All Kubbs are thrown from the baseline.
  • Kubbs that land outside the field are thrown again.
  • Kubbs that fall outside again become penalty kubbs.
  • Max. 2 rounds to throw Kubbs.
  • Underhand side throws are allowed.
  • Anyone on the team can throw.
  • Kubbs falling and turning back up = out.
  • Kubbs may not be moved to improve throwing position.
  • Penalty cubes must be placed at a distance from the king/stick (min. 1 stick length).
  • Standing up is done over 1 of the 2 corners that touch the ground.
  • "Minimum movement": use the shortest side when casting on.
  • Stacked Kubbs: first place the top one upright.
  • Kubb half inside the field = valid. Completely outside = invalid.

Overthrow the king

The king may only be knocked over once all of the opponent's field and base kubbs have been knocked over. If you do it before that, you lose immediately.

  • King may be straightened between rounds.
  • Must be hit with one throwing stick.
  • Throw invalid if throwing line is crossed.

Have fun playing!