.png)
What’s that, you ask?
First off, it’s important to know how to pronounce it. It’s “koob” to those new at learning about the unique sport.
A lawn game, the objective of kubb is to knock over wooden blocks with a baton or kastpinnar. Simplified, it’s a mix between horseshoes, bocce ball and bowling.
“Two teams of one to six players stand at opposite ends of a rectangular pitch and take turns trying to knock over their opponents’ wooden blocks (kubbs) by throwing wooden batons,” explained John Pettersson, marketing director for LA Kubb Club. “Once one team has knocked over all five of the other teams’ kubbs, they win the game by knocking over a larger block in the center of the pitch (the king.)”
Pettersson urges people to view the “How to Play Kubb” section of the organization’s website at lakubb.org for a helpful video to explain the game.
“It’s easy to learn, difficult to master, and anyone can play it regardless of age or fitness,” Pettersson, “Because of its format and focus on sportsmanship, it’s a great way to meet and get to know people.”
While legend has it that the Swedish game was invented by the Vikings 1,000 years ago as a way to entertain themselves, it’s now catching on in America, especially by a group of South Pasadenans who meet regularly throughout the year for practice sessions, and are looking forward to hosting a major event in April to further popularize it.
Some believe that the Vikings played kubb with thighbones and of their pillage victims. Participants today appreciate that wooden batons do the trick nowadays.
The 5th annual West Coast Kubb Championships will be held on Sunday, April 19 at Orange Grove Park in South Pasadena. Pettersson says the tournament is open to players of all levels and ages. Warm ups begin at 9 with competition starting at 9:30 a.m.
The website promoting the event reads: “There will be two playoff brackets so everyone is guaranteed several hours of kubbing fun…”
Early bird team registration for the South Pasadena tournament is $50 per team, and $25 per individual. This pricing is good through March 18.
Those entering as an individual, will be assigned to a team. “Day Of” registration is accepted onsite at cost of $60 per team/$30 per individual.
All teams must be pre-registered. Pre-registered South Pasadena students are free. If playing with an adult, organizers say only the individual adult is required to pay.
Want to register, learn more about the sport and put a team together. That’s easy.
“Join us for our learn-and-play kubb get-togethers in Garfield Park on the first Sunday of every month,” said Pettersson.
To be placed on the mailing list, go to at lakubb.org/connect and follow LA Kubb Club on Facebook @lakubbclub year-round.
For more information, contact john@lakubb.org
