How To Make a Kubb Game Set: A DIY Guide to Viking Chess

Kubb, also known as Viking Chess, is a centuries-old Swedish lawn game that combines skill, strategy, and a bit of luck. This engaging outdoor activity involves throwing wooden batons at your opponent’s pieces, and can be a perfect addition to backyard gatherings and family events.

In this video and guide, This Old House‘s Team Saturday demonstrates the step-by-step process of crafting the game pieces. Our guide also covers the fundamentals of the games, the ideal wood for your project, and tips for mastering Kubb.

How To Play Kubb

Kubb is played on a rectangular field, typically measuring 5 meters by 8 meters, where two teams compete to knock over their opponent’s wooden blocks (kubbs) using wooden batons. Each team has six batons and aims to topple the kubbs scattered along the opposing team’s baseline. The ultimate goal is to knock over the “king” piece in the center of the field, which can only be done after all of the opponent’s kubbs have been knocked down.

The game requires strategic planning and physical skill, involving precise throws and effective positioning. It provides engaging entertainment for players of all skill levels and encourages teamwork and communication, making it ideal for gatherings and friendly competitions.

Tools and Materials for a DIY Kubb Set

To create your own Kubb game set, you’ll need the following tools: 

Kubb Wood Cut List

• King: 1 piece, cut from a 4×4 to 12 inches in height
• Kubbs: 10 pieces, each cut to 6 inches in height from 2 3/4 x 2 3/4 wood blocks
• Corner stakes: 4 pieces of 3/4-inch dowel, each 12 inches long, tapered to a point
• Batons: 6 pieces of 1 1/2-inch dowel, each 12 inches long

Best Wood Types for a DIY Kubb Set 

Choosing the right wood types can enhance the durability of your Kubb set, simplify cutting, and enhance resistance to outdoor conditions. We recommend using one of the following woods for your DIY set:

• Alder: Lightweight and stable, alder is easy to handle and works well for Kubb, though it may not be as durable as some hardwoods.
• Birch: Birch offers a good balance of strength and ease of work, providing a sturdy option that is still manageable for DIY projects.
• Cedar: Lightweight and resistant to moisture and decay, cedar is ideal for outdoor use. It’s also easy to work with, which benefits DIY projects.
• Pine: A cost-effective and accessible choice that is easier to cut and shape, pine may need more frequent maintenance and care.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Your Kubb Set

Follow our guide below to create your DIY Kubb set.

Step 1: Cut King to Length

Cut a 12-inch piece from the end of the 4×4 using a miter saw. Set the remaining post length aside to be ripped for the Kubb pieces.

Step 2: Mark the King’s Crown

First, draw lines corner to corner atop the block to make an X. Then:

1. With the combination square, bisect both axes of the X, and the resulting lines will mark the centerline of each side of the post without you having to measure.
2. Using the 45-degree-angled edge on the head of the combination square, draw 45-degree lines on each side of the king-to-be, from the corners inward and from the center points outward. 
3. These lines will intersect to create two Vs on each side. Shade the Vs as the portion of the block to be cut away.

Step 3: Cut the King

Clamp the 4×4 to your work surface, then grab your saw:

1. Using a pull saw, begin by notching the front corner at the 45-degree angle, then notch into the marked angle at the corresponding back corner.
2. Level the blade of the pull saw across the top of the block, connecting the two notches with the saw blade.
3. Cut away the V-shaped channels running through the crown following the 45-degree cut lines. Turn the 4×4 a quarter turn and repeat this process on the perpendicular axis.
4. Once the cuts are complete, the intersecting V channels will create 3-dimensional triangles atop the block.

Step 4: Rip the 4×4

Clamp the remainder of 4×4 to the work surface, then:

1. Set the blade of your circular saw to the lowest depth and fit it with a fence set to rip 3/4-inch of wood from the 4×4.
2. Rip the length, letting the fence ride along the side of the 4×4. A circular saw’s blade is not large enough to cut through the entire 4×4, so you must flip the 4×4 over and cut through the remaining thickness, again letting the fence ride along the side.
3. Turn the 4×4 on the adjacent side and repeat the process to create a post that is 2 3/4 inches square.

Step 5: Measure and Cut the Kubb

Measure and mark the length of a kubb piece on a 2 3/4-inch post according to the cut list. Using a miter saw, cut the kubb pieces to length. Clamp a stop block 6 inches from the saw blade to make the cuts without measuring each piece.

Lean the uncut 2 3/4 post against the block, cut, and repeat.

Step 6: Cut the Decorative Grooves

On the king piece, measure and mark three horizontal lines ½ inch apart, starting 3 inches from the top of the crown on all four sides.

Clamp the 4×4 inside a miter box and, using a handsaw, cut grooves about ¼ inch deep along each of the lines on each side of the 4×4. On each kubb piece, draw horizontal lines 1 inch from the top and bottom on all four sides and cut the grooves along the lines in the same way.

Step 7: Measure the Dowels

The 3/4-inch dowels used for corner stakes will be cut at a 45-degree angle, so measure from the tip to the opposite end. Make sure the 1 1/4-inch dowels for the batons have straight cuts on both ends. Measure and mark the length of the first cut on each dowel.

Step 9: Stain the Pieces

Using a brush and wood stain, coat the pieces, then wipe off the excess stain using long, even strokes with a dry, lint-free rag.

Setting Up Your Kubb Game

Once you’ve crafted all the pieces, it’s time to set up your Kubb game. Here’s how to arrange the playing field:

1. Mark out a rectangular field measuring 5 meters by 8 meters using the corner stakes.
2. Place five kubb pieces evenly spaced along each baseline.
3. Position the king piece in the center of the field.
4. Distribute the throwing batons equally between the two teams.

Set up your Kubb game on a flat, even surface. Remove any debris or obstacles that might interfere with the game, and make sure to secure the corner stakes firmly to prevent any shifting.

Tips for Playing Kubb

To get the most enjoyment out of your newly crafted Kubb set, keep these tips in mind:

• Make sure that all players and spectators are aware that the game is currently in progress for safety reasons.
• Communicate and coordinate effectively with your teammates.
• Develop and execute strategies for knocking over kubbs and defending your own.
• Practice your throwing technique for improved accuracy and consistency.
• Focus on precision throws and position fallen kubbs strategically to hinder opponents.
• Coordinate closely with teammates for synchronized throws.