Best Kubb Sets: The Viking Game Taking Over Backyards
Kubb (pronounced “KOOB”) is a thousand-year-old Swedish throwing game that somehow managed to stay a secret from most Americans until recently. That’s changing fast. Once people play Kubb for the first time, they’re hooked — and they immediately want their own set.
Here’s why: Kubb combines the throwing satisfaction of horseshoes, the strategy of chess, and the team energy of cornhole into a game that works on any grass surface for any group size. You throw wooden batons to knock over your opponent’s wooden blocks, then eventually topple the king to win. Simple concept, endless strategic depth.
The game is also called “Viking Chess” — and honestly, if someone told you to come play Viking Chess in the backyard, wouldn’t you say yes immediately?
How to Play Kubb (Quick Version)
Equipment: 10 kubb blocks (small wooden rectangles), 1 king (tall center piece), 6 throwing batons (wooden dowels), 4 corner stakes.
Setup: The king stands in the center of the playing field. Five kubb blocks line up on each team’s baseline, spaced evenly. Corner stakes mark the playing field (roughly 16′ × 26′ for backyard play, 26′ × 33′ for regulation).
Gameplay:
- Team A throws the 6 batons underhand, trying to knock over Team B’s kubb blocks on the baseline
- Team B collects any knocked-over kubbs and throws them into Team A’s half of the field (these become “field kubbs”)
- Team B then throws batons at Team A’s kubbs, but must knock over all field kubbs before targeting baseline kubbs
- Teams alternate until one team clears all opponent kubbs
- The team that clears all kubbs then attempts to knock over the King to win
The catch: If you knock over the King before clearing all kubbs, you lose instantly. This creates incredible tension in the endgame.
Why it’s addictive: Every round reshapes the battlefield. Field kubbs land in different spots, creating new targets and new challenges. No two games play the same. The strategy comes from where you place field kubbs, which kubbs you target first, and when you risk going for the King.
What to Look For in a Kubb Set
Wood quality is the whole game. Kubb pieces take a beating — batons slam into blocks dozens of times per game. Cheap softwood splits and cracks fast. Look for hardwood (rubberwood, birch, or hevea) that’s kiln-dried and hand-sanded. Knot-free wood is important because knots are weak points that split under impact.
Size matters. Kubb comes in two sizes:
- Backyard/casual size: Smaller blocks (~6″ × 2.25″), shorter batons (~12″), plays on a smaller field. Lighter, more portable, better for younger players.
- Regulation/tournament size: Larger blocks (~6″ × 2.75″), same baton length, plays on a full-size field. Heavier, more satisfying throws, official competition specs.
For most players, backyard size is plenty. Go regulation if you want the tournament experience or plan to play competitively.
King design. The King should be visually distinct from the kubbs — taller, often with a crown, colored top, or carved design. This isn’t just aesthetic — you need to identify it instantly during gameplay to avoid accidentally knocking it over and losing.
Carrying case or crate. A full Kubb set is 21 pieces of wood. Without a bag or crate, you’ll lose a piece within a week. Canvas bags are lighter for travel. Wooden crates look great but are heavier.
Best Kubb Sets
1. GoSports Kubb Viking Clash Set
Best Overall
GoSports delivers the best all-around Kubb set on Amazon. Premium knot-free rubberwood construction that’s hand-sanded and built to withstand hundreds of games. Laser-engraved Viking graphics on the kubbs (choose between Team Ships and Team Castles) add character without affecting gameplay.
Available in both backyard and regulation sizes. The set includes 10 kubb blocks, 1 king, 6 batons, 4 corner stakes, detailed rules, and a canvas carrying case. The carrying case is well-constructed with a shoulder strap for easy transport.
The attention to detail sets GoSports apart — the edges are smooth, the wood grain is consistent, and the pieces feel balanced in your hand. If you’ve played with a cheap set where the batons feel like sticks from the yard, the difference is immediately obvious.
Wood: Knot-free rubberwood, hand-sanded Sizes Available: Backyard and Regulation What’s Included: 10 kubbs, 1 king, 6 batons, 4 corner stakes, rules, carrying case Best For: Most players, families, the best balance of quality and price
2. SWOOC Games Premium Kubb Set
Best Premium Set
SWOOC Games is known for premium outdoor game equipment, and their Kubb set is their best work. Sustainably sourced New Zealand rubberwood guaranteed not to split, crack, twist, or warp. Every purchase plants a tree through their partnership with Trees for the Future — a nice touch for environmentally conscious buyers.
The set comes in a beautiful wooden crate (not a canvas bag) that doubles as storage and display. The crate looks great sitting on a patio shelf between games. All 21 pieces are precision-cut with smooth finishes and consistent sizing.
SWOOC backs this with their standard quality guarantee. The wood quality is the best on this list — you can feel the density and smoothness the moment you pick up a piece.
Wood: New Zealand rubberwood, sustainably sourced What’s Included: 10 kubbs, 1 king, 6 batons, 4 corner stakes, wooden crate, rules Best For: Quality-conscious buyers, gift-givers, players who want premium materials
3. Grown Man Games Tournament Edition Kubb Set
Best for Competitive Play
The Grown Man Games set is designed for players who take their Kubb seriously. 100% kiln-dried hardwood with a focus on consistent weight and balance across all pieces — critical for competitive play where precision matters.
The Viking-themed King features a distinct crown design that’s easily identifiable from across the field. The set includes all 21 standard pieces plus 4 corner pegs and detailed tournament rules. A heavy-duty nylon carrying bag handles the weight without tearing.
Multiple reviewers note that this set feels more “official” than casual sets — the sizing, weight, and finish are dialed in for serious gameplay. If you’re entering Kubb tournaments (yes, they exist — the U.S. National Kubb Championship is held annually in Eau Claire, Wisconsin), this is the set to train on.
Wood: Kiln-dried hardwood What’s Included: 10 kubbs, 1 king, 6 batons, 4 corner pegs, carrying bag, tournament rules Best For: Competitive players, tournament prep, players who want consistent piece quality
4. YardGames.com Kubb Game Set
Best Value
YardGames.com produces quality backyard game equipment across multiple categories (we’ve featured their yard darts in our lawn darts guide), and their Kubb set delivers solid quality at a competitive price point.
Eco-friendly shock-absorbent hardwood construction with smooth finishing on all pieces. A canvas transport/storage bag keeps everything organized. The instruction manual is clear and beginner-friendly.
This set sits at a price point between budget options and premium sets, delivering most of the quality of higher-priced sets without the premium markup. A strong choice for players who want good quality without paying for top-shelf.
Wood: Eco-friendly hardwood, shock-absorbent What’s Included: 10 kubbs, 1 king, 6 batons, 4 corner stakes, canvas bag, instructions Best For: Value-conscious buyers, casual players who want good (not basic) quality
5. Elakai Giant Kubb Set
Best Oversized Set
Elakai’s Giant Kubb set takes the standard game and scales it up — larger blocks, heavier king, beefier batons. The premium Hevea wood construction with a natural finish looks rustic and feels substantial. Everything about this set says “premium outdoor game.”
The oversized pieces are more satisfying to throw and more dramatic when they topple. The larger king (nearly 12″ tall) is an imposing centerpiece that looks incredible standing in the middle of the field. The set comes with a drawstring carry bag.
If you want Kubb that feels like an event rather than a casual game, the giant set delivers. It’s also great for players who find standard-size batons too small for comfortable throwing.
Wood: Premium Hevea wood What’s Included: 10 oversized kubbs, 1 giant king, 6 heavy batons, carry bag Best For: Players who want a bigger, more dramatic game experience, larger hands
Kubb vs. Other Backyard Games
How does Kubb fit into your game collection?
Kubb vs. Bocce: Both are strategic, team-based games with a relaxed pace. Bocce is simpler (roll balls at a target). Kubb has more depth — the battlefield changes every round, and the King endgame adds tension that bocce doesn’t have. If you like bocce and want something with more strategic layers, Kubb is your next game.
Kubb vs. Horseshoes: Both involve throwing at targets, but Kubb is team-based and multi-target while horseshoes is a focused one-on-one pit game. Kubb accommodates more players and has more variety round to round.
Kubb vs. Cornhole: Different vibes entirely. Cornhole is social and casual — you hold a drink and chat while tossing bags. Kubb is more immersive — you’re walking the field, strategizing with teammates, and adapting to a changing battlefield. Cornhole is the game for parties. Kubb is the game for the group that wants to be fully engaged.
The ideal collection: Cornhole for casual socializing, bocce for relaxed competition, Kubb for strategic team play. Three games, three completely different experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many people can play Kubb? Kubb works with 2-12 players. The standard format is 2 teams of 1-6 players each. The game is most fun with 4-6 total players (teams of 2-3), which gives everyone enough throws to stay engaged without rounds taking too long.
How much space do you need for Kubb? A backyard-size field is roughly 16′ × 26′. Regulation is 26′ × 33′. You can adjust the field size to fit your space — smaller fields make faster, more intense games.
What surface does Kubb play best on? Short grass is ideal. Kubb also works well on sand, packed dirt, and even snow. Avoid playing on concrete or pavement — the wooden pieces will crack and chip quickly on hard surfaces.
How long does a game of Kubb take? A typical game takes 20-30 minutes with experienced players. First-time games may take 30-45 minutes as people learn the rules and strategy. Games between evenly matched teams can go longer if the battlefield gets complex.
Is Kubb hard to learn? The basic rules take about 5 minutes to explain. The concept is simple — throw batons, knock down blocks, topple the king last. The strategic depth develops over time as you learn placement strategy, baton technique, and team coordination. Most people are playing confidently within their first game.
Building your backyard game collection? Check out our Best Bocce Ball Sets, Best Horseshoe Sets, Best Croquet Sets, and Best Cornhole Sets.
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