Kubb: Build your own summer game

Kubb is a Swedish outdoor game of skill in which two teams of up to six players compete against each other. It is designed to represent the battle of two opposing groups for their king. The aim is to first knock over all the opposing kubbs (wooden blocks) and then the king. You have six throwing sticks at your disposal. The concept is therefore very simple. If you can throw a stick, you can also play Kubb. You can find detailed instructions below.

But before you can start playing, you need to make something. Or you can buy the game in the shop. But where would be the challenge and the promotion of your own craftsmanship? What's more, something you've made yourself makes a much better impression on people around you. And your home-made Kubb will mean much more to you than a random one from the nearest shop. And no, you don't have to be a demigod in flannel to try your hand at this DIY project. As all the game pieces are made of wood and are fairly geometrically shaped, it doesn't require a great deal of dexterity. However, you should have a few tools if you want to try out the game this summer.

Convinced? Well then, let's get started!

A trip to the DIY store

At the very beginning, I have to go shopping. On my shopping list are:

• 10 kubbs: square timber each 57 mm × 57 mm × 150 mm
• 1 king: square timber each 80 mm × 80 mm × 300 mm
• 6 throwing sticks: round wood each 35 mm × 300 mm
• 4 field limiters: round wood 25 mm × 300 mm each
• One brush
• Colourless hard primer

The dimensions are not set in stone, your figures can also be slightly smaller or larger. For me, the dimensions mentioned above are suitable as they fit well in the hand. I opted for spruce for the wood. It is soft, which makes it easy to work with. It is also the most commonly used building and construction timber and is therefore easy to find. As soon as everything is in the shopping trolley, it's off to the checkout and then to my dad's workshop. I have the space and tools I need there.

Saws made to measure

First of all, the purchased wood has to be cut to the right length. I need a folding rule and a pencil for this, as my eye measurement isn't all that precise. I start with the kubbs and make a mark at 15 cm. Then it's off under the table saw. But my squared timber isn't sawn all the way through, it's too wide. Fortunately, the circular saw can be converted into a panel saw by turning it round. The whole thing works much better this way. Once the first piece has been cut, you can use it as a measure. It is important to always use the same piece so that all the kubbs are the same size. Next up is the king. I use exactly the same method because this piece is also too wide for the circular saw. It's easier with the logs. I can use the circular saw for this. Once through and I have a piece in the right size.

Breaking jags out of the crown

So far, my king just looks like a big Kubb. I want to change that, so I'm giving him a crown. I don't immediately realise how best to do this, but then I come to the conclusion that the jigsaw is probably the most suitable tool. I sketch out the shape. I use an angle measure and draw an angle of 45 degrees. This results in a triangle that needs to be cut out. Of course, my saw blade is too short again and I have to cut from each side. This is definitely the most tedious step, as I have to cut freehand with the jigsaw - not my strong point. Even at school, I was given extra origami and cutting out courses so that I could improve my fine motor skills. It didn't help much, but it was still fun. Anyway, the crown took a while. I had to resaw it a few times and then touch it up, especially when sanding.

Sharpen by hand

So that you can stick the field markers into the ground properly, they need to be sharpened at one end. I opted for the manual version with the chisel. As the wood is quite soft, this went surprisingly well. It is important that the log is clamped and that you keep turning it so that the point is even. As an alternative to chiselling, the point can also be sawn to size and sanded down thoroughly. Or you can use a so-called pole sharpener, which does the whole thing mechanically. However, it is only worth buying this device if you are building your own garden fence at the same time.

Creating soft edges

Now all the parts are in the right shape, but are still rough and splintery at the interfaces. The wood needs to be sanded. I do this with the power file, but it works just as well with a normal sander or by hand if you have enough patience. It takes no time at all with the power file, but I have to be careful not to sand away too much or make a hick in the wood. My own Kubb is starting to look really good. Nevertheless, I go over it again by hand for the finishing touches. Now everything is smooth as glass and ready for the next step.

Prepared for any weather

To ensure that the game can be used more than once, it needs to be weatherproofed. I use a colourless hard primer. This seals the wood quickly and reliably. If you haven't taken the greatest care when sanding, you will now notice how the pores of the wood open up. If this happens, simply rub over the already dry wood with very fine steel wool. This will be the case after about an hour.

This was the last step, you are now holding your finished Kubb in your hands. Almost too good to try it out, almost. Because the game doesn't look particularly good as a dust catcher in your home. And for me, at least, the urge to play is loud and clear. So, put it to the test and head out onto the meadow!

Don't remember exactly what the rules are or never knew? Then pay close attention now.

How to play

Kubb is an outdoor game for 2 to 12 players. The playing field measures approximately 8m × 5m and is marked out with the field markers. Five kubbs are placed at the edge of the field, with the king in the centre. Now two teams are formed, if possible with the same number of players. All preparations are made, the battle can begin.

Team A starts and tries to knock over the opponent's basic cubbies with their six throwing sticks. Team B then collects all the fallen wooden blocks and throws them into the opponent's half. Try to throw the kubbs as close to the centre line as possible. You'll see why in a moment. Team A sets up the field kubbs, as the wooden blocks in the field are now called.

It's now Team B's turn to throw. The field cubbs have to be hit first, then it's the base cubbs' turn. You can now see why the field kubbs should land just behind the centre line. They are now a lot closer to you.

All the fallen kubbs are picked up again and thrown into the opponent's half, but this time by team A. If team B has not hit all the field kubbs, this gives team A an advantage, as they can now go to the foremost field kubb and throw from there.

The game now goes back and forth until one team has knocked over all the opposing kubbs. Now it's the king's turn. As soon as it falls, the game is won. But beware, if the king is hit by a team before all the opposing kubbs have fallen, that team automatically loses. It's a bit like sinking the black ball too early in billiards.

By the way, there is a so-called "perfect game" in Kubb. This means you end the game in the first round. This has never happened to me yet and probably never will. But I'll keep practising hard. Because, as we all know, hope dies last - just like the King Kubb.