Are you looking for an entertaining outdoor game with a Nordic flair? Viking chess, also known as Kubb, is the perfect mix of strategy, skill and socializing. In this article, you can find out all about the origins, rules and equipment required for this popular throwing game.
Table of contents
The history of Viking chess: origin and spread
Viking chess game material: What you need for a game
Viking chess rules: How to play the Norse throwing game
Viking chess tactics and strategy for advanced players
Frequently asked questions about Viking chess (FAQ)
Conclusion
The history of Viking chess: origin and spread
Viking chess originally comes from Sweden, more precisely from the island of Gotland. The actual name of the game is "Kubb", which is derived from the Swedish word for "wooden block" - a fitting name considering the typical playing material.
Contrary to the name "Viking chess", there is no confirmed historical evidence that the game was actually played by the Vikings. Historians assume that Kubb in its current form only became popular in the 20th century. However, there are theories that early versions of the game were played by Swedish farmers as a pastime after the harvest.
The international spread began in the 1990s when Swedish tourists brought the game to other countries. Today, Viking chess is particularly popular in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and the USA. The Kubb World Championship, which takes place annually in Gotland, now attracts participants from over 20 countries and underlines the game's growing international fan base.
An active Kubb scene has developed in Germany, with regional and national championships as well as numerous clubs that regularly organize friendly tournaments. The German Kubb League was founded in 2011 and now comprises several regional leagues.
Viking chess playing material: what you need for a game
A complete Viking chess set consists of the following elements:
- 1 King: The central piece is a larger wooden block, about 30 cm high and 9 cm in diameter. Traditionally, it is decorated with a small crown on the top to clearly distinguish it from the other pieces.
- 10 Kubbs: The smaller wooden blocks are about 15 cm high and 7 cm in diameter. They form the "pawns" or "soldiers" in the game and are divided equally between the two teams at the start.
- 6 throwing sticks: The cylindrical sticks are about 30 cm long and have a diameter of 4-5 cm. They should be rounded at the ends to avoid injuries. The throwing sticks are also called "Knippla" or "Kastpinne".
- 4 corner sticks: These thin sticks (about 30 cm long) are used to mark the four corners of the playing field and should be conspicuous so that the boundaries of the playing field are clearly recognizable.
The playing material is traditionally made of hardwood such as birch, beech or oak. High-quality sets are treated to be weatherproof to withstand outdoor use. For beginners, there are now also affordable sets made of pine wood or even weather-resistant plastic.
If you are handy, you can also make your own Viking chess set:
- For the kubbs and the king, pieces of round wood are suitable, which are sawn to the appropriate length.
- The throwing sticks can be made from broomstick wood.
- Simple wooden dowels or even sturdy twigs are also sufficient as corner markers.
The dimensions are not strictly defined, but should fit together proportionally within a set. The advantage of a self-made set is that you can design it according to your own ideas - for example with branded patterns or colored markings to distinguish the teams.
Viking chess rules: How to play the Nordic throwing game
Setting up the playing field and preparation
The rectangular playing field usually measures around 5 × 8 meters. The corner sticks mark the four corners of this rectangle. On each of the two base lines (the short sides of the rectangle), 5 kubbs are placed evenly spaced - these are called the "base kubbs". The king is placed exactly in the middle of the playing field.
The teams position themselves behind their respective baselines. Which team gets to start is traditionally decided by a throw at the king: one player from each team throws a dart as close to the king as possible without touching it. Whoever is closer goes first.
Game procedure and aim
The aim of the game is to knock over all the opponent's kubbs first and then bring down the king. The game is played in several phases:
1st throwing phase: the starting team (Team A) throws all six throwing sticks in succession from behind its baseline. The aim is to knock over as many of the opponent's basiskubbs as possible. Important rules:
- The throwing sticks must be thrown from below (forearm throw), similar to bowling.
- The throws must be made in turn by the team members.
- A throwing stick that knocks over the king results in an immediate loss of the game.
2nd throw-in phase: After team A has thrown all six throwing sticks, team B collects all the knocked-over kubbs. These are now thrown into the opponent's field (i.e. Team A's half of the field) as "field kubbs". The following rules apply:
- The throw-in is made from behind the own baseline.
- The field kubb must land inside the opponent's half of the field.
- If a kubb lands outside the playing field, it may be thrown in a second time.
- If the second attempt also fails, the kubb is placed as a "penalty kubb": The opposing team may place it anywhere in their own square, but at least one throwing stick length away from the king and the corner sticks.
3rd set-up phase: The thrown-in field kubbs are set up in the place where they landed. If a kubb is not stable (because it is lying on uneven ground, for example), it may be turned so that it is stable, but without moving it.
4. second throwing phase: Now it is Team B's turn to throw its six throwing sticks. They must first knock over all the field kubbs in the opponent's half before they can attack the base kubbs. Important: If Team B does not manage to knock over all the field cubbs, Team A may throw from an imaginary line at the height of the foremost field cubb in the next round - this is called the "advantage line" and can represent a considerable strategic advantage.
5. further course of the game: The game now switches back and forth between the teams. Each team collects the kubbs knocked over in its turn, throws them into the opponent's field and places them there. The number of field kubbs can increase over the course of the game, making the strategy more complex.
6. end of the game: The game ends when one team has knocked over all the opponent's kubbs (both base kubbs and field kubbs) and then hits the king with a remaining throwing stick. This team wins the game.
Special rules
There are different interpretations and variations of the rules depending on the region and playing community:
- Kubb towers: If a thrown-in field kubb touches an already standing field kubb, these can be stacked to form a "tower" - this increases the strategic complexity.
- Maximum number of throws: Some game groups limit the number of throw-in attempts to two or three to make the game more fluid.
- Sweden rule: According to this variant, field kubbs that land within the first throwing wood length of the king may be moved.
- Team variant: For larger groups (more than 8 players), the number of kubbs can be increased to allow all players enough throws.
Viking chess tactics and strategies for advanced players
With increasing playing experience, many players develop sophisticated strategic approaches that go beyond simply throwing wooden blocks:
Throwing strategies
Precision over power: A common beginner's mistake is to throw with too much power. Successful players focus on the accuracy of their throws and use the rotation of the throwing stick to hit kubbs effectively.
Optimize throwing technique: There are several successful throwing techniques:
- The "drill": the throwing stick is thrown with the long side first and rotates like a drill.
- The "helicopter": The throwing stick rotates horizontally and can hit several adjacent kubbs.
- The "tumbler": The throwing stick rolls over several times and is particularly suitable for distant targets.
Set target priorities: Experienced players do not throw at kubbs at random, but plan their throws:
- First attack the field kubbs that are closest to your own baseline so as not to create too great an advantage for your opponent if you fail.
- Knock over kubbs that are close together with a well-placed throw.
Throw-in strategies
Cluster field kubbs: Try to place the field kubbs close together when throwing them in, ideally so that they touch each other. This increases the chance of hitting several with one throw.
Distance management: Experienced players throw field kubbs closer to the opponent's baseline in order to force the opponent to make longer throws.
Manipulating the advantage line: By skillfully placing field kubbs, the potential advantage line can be unfavorably influenced for the opponent.
Team coordination
Specialization: In larger teams, players can specialize in certain tasks:
- "Kubb specialists" focus on knocking over field kubbs.
- "Base kubb hunters" target the opponent's base kubbs.
- "Throw-in experts" take over the strategic placement of the field kubbs.
Communication: Successful teams discuss their strategy between throws and adapt it to the game situation.
The competition scene has strongly influenced the development of the game. At the Kubb World Championships in Gotland and national tournaments in Germany, Switzerland and the USA, you can see how top teams have perfected their tactics. There are now even specialized training videos and workshops for ambitious players.
Frequently asked questions about Viking chess (FAQ)
How many people can play Viking chess?
Viking chess is usually played in two teams of 1-6 players each. The ideal team size is 3-4 players per team, as this ensures that each player gets enough throws without having to wait too long. If there are more than 12 players, it is advisable to set up several playing fields or increase the number of kubbs.
How long does a game of Viking chess last?
An average game lasts around 30-45 minutes. However, the length of the game can vary greatly - depending on the experience of the players, tactics and also luck. Tournament games with experienced players often only last 20 minutes, while games with beginners or on uneven playing fields can take well over an hour.
What is the best surface to play Viking chess on?
A level lawn is ideal, as the kubbs stay in place and the throwing sticks don't bounce too much. However, Viking chess can also be played on sand, gravel, firm ground or even snow. You should be careful on very hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete slabs, as the throwing sticks can bounce off them and the playing material wears out more quickly.
Can Viking chess also be played indoors?
Basically yes, if there is enough space. However, special indoor versions with lighter throwing sticks and kubbs made of softer material are recommended for indoors to avoid injuries and damage to furnishings. There are now also tabletop versions of Kubb for smaller rooms.
Where can I get a good Viking chess set?
High-quality sets are available in toy stores, outdoor and sports stores and online. Prices vary between 25 and 100 euros depending on the material and workmanship. When buying, look for weather-resistant wood and neatly finished edges. Alternatively, you can also make a set yourself with a little manual skill.
Conclusion: Viking chess - more than just a game
Viking chess combines sporting activity with strategic thinking and socializing in a unique way. It is an ideal game for garden parties, family get-togethers or team events. The simple basic rules and quick introduction make it particularly attractive for newcomers, while the tactical possibilities will keep even experienced players enthusiastic in the long term.
If you are looking for a varied outdoor game that brings people together and is suitable for all age groups, you should definitely give Viking chess a try. With a little practice and the right strategies, you'll quickly become a Kubb master!
