If you’ve never heard of Kubb, it’s because you’ve never met my husband. He learned how to play through some co-workers and was immediately hooked. Also dubbed Viking Chess, Kubb (pronounced koob) is a yard game that involves some skill and strategy, but can be picked up easily by passers-by. He has taught people from WI, MN, IL, AZ, CA and even Canada how to play.
Kubb is said to have been brought to the area by Eric Anderson, who also designed and has hosted the Kubb National Tournament in Eau Claire, WI since 2007. (http://www.usakubb.org). Eric works along with a lot of friends and fellow Kubb players to promote Kubb in Eau Claire and all over the Midwest.
My husband has played in two Kubb Nationals Tournaments and a few other smaller regional tournaments. He joins other legendary players, such as Gregg Jochimsen, on Thursday nights at the Eau Claire soccer park to practice. Almost weekly, people walk by and ask, “Hey- what are you playing?” Some of them join in or even become weekly regulars.
The game itself is intriguing but what makes Kubb so neat in my mind is passing on the idea of Kubb Fellowship. It’s the notion of getting people out and moving and socializing. It’s about teaching people a new game and being part of a casual and laid-back grassroots effort to encourage friendship and camaraderie. If you’re new to the game or even if you’re just not that good at it, you are invited to play and continue. The core group of people who play are all different with various types of jobs and other interests, but what they all have in common is a friendly, welcoming attitude and a love for the game.
Today’s picture was taken at the WHYS Radio Annual Bluegrass Festival in Altoona, WI. 8-23-14
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