Know the game: what smart fans need to know about Bandy

At first glance, bandy could be mistaken for ice hockey, as both are played on ice with sticks, but bandy is a traditional winter sport and a highly organised team sport. It is a mix of both ice hockey and football and is a popular sport in northern Europe, especially among Nordic countries. So, what is Bandy?

The term bandy refers to a winter sport with deep historical origins in Europe, particularly in England and Russia, where it developed as a form of stick-and-ball game played on ice. Bandy shares cultural and historical ties with both football and ice skating traditions, and its evolution is closely linked to other similar games played across the continent.

Bandy belongs to the family of stick and ball games, with historical roots in northern Europe. Bandy’s popularity has fluctuated over time, but it remains the second-most popular winter sport in some regions and continues to seek wider recognition, including efforts to gain Olympic status and increase national participation.

What is the aim of the bandy team sport?

Bandy is played by two teams each consisting of eleven players. Players must pass or dribble the bandy ball amongst themselves and direct it towards the opposing team’s goal, also referred to as the other team’s goal, using a bandy stick with a curved stick design, with the aim of scoring goals.

The team that scores more goals at the game’s end is declared the winner. Should both sides have an equal amount of goals, the match is tied, and a draw is announced. Players attempt to score by directing the ball into the opposing team’s goal, overcoming the defence.

Like field hockey, bandy is played on a field; however, players have to use skates as the area is a sheet of ice. The orange ball used in the game is called a bandy ball, and the sticks are known as bandy sticks, which feature a distinctive curved stick shape.

Like football, the offside rule is applied, goals cannot be scored from a corner throw-in, and there is a goalkeeper who is the only player permitted to touch the ball with their hands, arms, and head during matches. A goal is scored when the bandy ball completely crosses the goal line. The game time consists of two 45-minute halves, similar to football.

A brief history of bandy

Bury Fen in East Anglia, England, is recognised as a key location in the early history of bandy and was the site of the first international bandy match, played in 1891 between Bury Fen and the Haarlemsche Hockey & Bandy Club from the Netherlands. The first international bandy match and subsequent international bandy matches contributed significantly to the sport’s spread during the first few decades of its history, especially among European countries. The National Bandy Association was formed in England and played a crucial role in codifying the rules and promoting international bandy.

Although similar to ice hockey, the game played in early times was part of a family of ball games and stick and ball games, with players using ice skates on natural ice surfaces. Other traditional games heavily influenced the early development of bandy, and British soldiers helped spread the sport internationally. In Russia, the sport became known as Russian hockey, and the development of the bandy rink—originally a large ice field comparable to a football pitch—was essential to the sport’s structure.

The rules and gameplay of bandy were also shaped by association football, with similarities in field size and team structure. The Soviet Union later became dominant in international bandy competitions, further raising the sport’s profile. The International Bandy Federation, established as the governing body, helped organise competitions and standardise rules, with many European countries participating in early tournaments. 

Bandy’s popularity has fluctuated over time, but it remains the second-most popular winter sport in some regions, and the development of modern bandy has brought professionalisation and global recognition. Historical variations such as time bandy also played a role in the sport’s evolution.

Even Queen Victoria’s husband Prince Albert couldn’t resist playing goalkeeper in a famous exhibition match in 1853 at Windsor Castle.

Due to its playing environment on an ice terrain, naturally, it was called ‘hockey on the ice’ until the first international match of bandy was played in Sweden in 1902. The term bandy, which has historical origins in Europe—especially in England and Russia—became the recognised name for the sport after the early 1900s. 

This traditional winter sport, involving skating and a ball, shares similarities with both ice hockey and field hockey, and its name reflects its cultural and historical ties to other stick-and-ball games and the broader traditions of football and ice skating. After its introduction at the 1905 Nordic games, the game has always been known as bandy.

Playing bandy

Like football, bandy features specific positions for bandy players, but apart from the goalkeeper, these positions are often interchangeable within bandy teams. In both club and national teams, the structure typically includes:

• Defenders − Stopping bandy players from taking shots at the goalkeepers and disrupting attacking plays.
• Midfielders − Intercepting passes, tackling players, and then moving the ball forward to the attacking players.
• Forwards − Creating attacking play and scoring goals.

Players can switch positions at any time within the team’s formation, and this flexibility is seen across both men’s and women’s teams, who play under the same rules. Women’s teams have seen significant development internationally, with Russia recognized as a leading nation in women’s bandy. Separate women’s bandy leagues have been established in countries such as Sweden, Finland, and Norway, contributing to the growth and success of women’s teams on the world stage.

Bandy is played on an ice surface about the size of a soccer field. It has eleven players per side and, like football, two 45-minute halves. The field is marked with blue lines to divide zones, similar to ice hockey. The ball used is roughly the size of a tennis ball, with a cork core and plastic coating, which distinguishes it from the flat puck used in ice hockey.

Bandy players use bandy sticks (like ice hockey sticks) to move the ball around the ice. Teams can also use other parts of their body except for their heads, hands, or arms—only goalkeepers can use these body parts. Outfield players who use these body parts intentionally risk a five-minute penalty given by the referee. A penalty shot may be awarded for more serious fouls, while free strokes are given for certain rule infringements.

Players move the ball around the ice, either by passing it to a teammate or dribbling with it using their sticks, attempting to bypass the opposition and shoot at goal. The opposition team will try to tackle or intercept the ball.

In international competitions such as the bandy world championship, the world championships, and the World Cup, national teams and participating teams from around the world compete for major trophies. Winning a gold medal in these events is a prestigious achievement, much like winning the Stanley Cup in ice hockey. Bandy teams also compete in league play within organised bandy leagues, with professional bandy representing the highest level of competition, especially in countries like Russia and Sweden. Many hockey players have transitioned to bandy, bringing their skills and experience to the sport.

Regular bandy is played outdoors on a full-sized field, while rink bandy is a variant played on a smaller, ice hockey-size rink, often indoors. The sport has also been featured in the Asian Winter Games and continues to seek inclusion in the Olympic Games as an official Olympic sport. The referee committee of the Federation of International Bandy oversees the rules and officiating to ensure fair play and consistency across all levels of competition.

Equipment and safety: what every fan should know

Bandy is a fast-paced winter sport that demands both skill and safety, making proper equipment essential for every player. At the heart of the game is the bandy stick—a specialised, curved stick crafted from wood or modern synthetic materials, designed for precise control and powerful shots. According to the International Bandy Federation, the stick must not exceed 127 centimetres in length or 7 centimetres in width, ensuring a level playing field for all.

Players glide across the ice on sturdy ice skates, which provide the agility and speed needed to keep up with the action. Safety is a top priority: helmets and mouthguards are mandatory for all players, while goalkeepers wear additional face guards for extra protection. To minimise the risk of injury from falls or collisions, bandy players also suit up with knee pads, elbow pads, and padded gloves.

The International Bandy Federation enforces strict equipment standards, and teams are regularly checked to ensure compliance. These safety measures not only protect players but also help maintain the fast, fluid style of play that makes international bandy so thrilling to watch.

Discipline in bandy

Like football, play only stops when the ball goes out of play for a goal kick, penalty kick, penalty stroke, free kick, or corner kick. A penalty shot is awarded for serious fouls committed within the penalty area, while free strokes are given for certain rule infringements such as incorrect execution of set plays or equipment violations. Physical contact is permitted, but only to the extent that no one gets injured.

The referee committee is responsible for maintaining, updating, and enforcing the bandy rules, ensuring consistency in officiating and discipline.

Football has a yellow and red card system to maintain discipline, but bandy has a blue and red one. Players receiving a blue card will face a ten-minute penalty from the game and must leave the field for a period.

Much like football, a red card shown to a player means that the player is no longer permitted to participate in the game. Players shown three blue cards in a match automatically receive a red card and sit out the remainder of the game.

Bandy playing field

A bandy rink, or ice surface, is typically 90-110 metres by 45-65 metres, making it about the same size as a soccer field and much larger than an ice hockey rink. A high border is along the field’s edge to prevent the ball from leaving the ice.

The bandy rink is marked with blue lines that divide the ice surface into zones, which are important for gameplay and offside rules. At each end, the goal line marks the boundary that the ball must cross to score a goal.

Two penalty spots are located 12 metres from the goal post, and two free-stroke spots are on the surrounding penalty line. The goal posts are 2.1 metres high at each end of the field.

Differences between bandy and ice hockey

Although there are some similarities between bandy and ice hockey, there are glaring differences too. Bandy is the forerunner of ice hockey and as such has comparisons with football, the game of the day when bandy was conceived.

• A bandy field is much larger than an ice hockey rink.
• No full-on body checking is permitted in bandy, as it is in ice hockey.
• Bandy has eleven players, ice hockey only six.
• Bandy plays with an orange ball, while modern ice hockey uses a flat puck.
• Modern ice hockey is an Olympic sport, with the Stanley Cup as its top trophy.
• Ice hockey has three 20-minute intervals. Bandy has two halves lasting 45 minutes each, like football.
• The goalposts in bandy are much larger than in ice hockey, which is why ice hockey goalkeepers sit down to block shots, while bandy goalkeepers stand upright, much like football.

Ice hockey was heavily influenced by earlier games similar to bandy, incorporating elements from sports like Irish hurling and other traditional stick-and-ball games.

International competitions: bandy on the world stage

Bandy’s appeal stretches far beyond its northern European roots, with international bandy competitions drawing teams from across the globe. The highlight of the bandy calendar is the Bandy World Championship, an annual event where over 20 national teams compete for the ultimate prize in the sport. Organised by the International Bandy Federation (FIB)—the sport’s global governing body—this tournament showcases the very best in skill, teamwork, and national pride.

The FIB, which counts 27 member countries, is dedicated to growing the sport and ensuring fair play at every level. In addition to the world championship, bandy features in other major international competitions such as the Asian Winter Games and the Winter Universiade, where it is contested on natural ice and draws enthusiastic crowds.

Northern Europe remains a stronghold for bandy, but the sport’s international competitions are helping to spread its popularity to new regions. Whether played on frozen lakes or purpose-built rinks, bandy’s global stage is set for exciting matchups and unforgettable moments.

Strategy and tactics: how the best teams win

Success in bandy isn’t just about speed on ice—it’s about smart strategy and seamless teamwork. The best bandy teams combine a rock-solid defence with a creative, high-powered offence, all while constantly communicating to outmanoeuvre their opponents. Players wield curved sticks to control the fast-moving bandy ball, using quick passes and agile skating to break through the opposing team’s lines.

A key tactical element is the offside rule, which keeps play organised and rewards teams that time their attacks perfectly. Free strokes and penalty shots are critical opportunities, and top teams practice set plays to capitalise on these moments and turn them into goals. Discipline is essential, as unnecessary fouls can hand the advantage to the other team.

Ultimately, winning in bandy comes down to a blend of tactical awareness, technical skill, and the ability to adapt quickly to the flow of the game—qualities that make every match a showcase of both athleticism and strategy.

How to bet on bandy: know the game

With this guide to bandy, you should have enough to get started watching and betting on your first bandy match. If you can follow football and ice hockey, you’ll find yourself hooked on watching this similar sport played out on the ice with football-style rules.

Now that you understand the fundamentals of bandy—from its ice-based pitch and curved sticks to the fast-paced, high-scoring format—you’re better equipped to follow the game with clarity and confidence.

Bandy betting allows you to wager on:

• match winners,
• total goals,
• goal margins, or even
• the result at half-time.

With odds often available on Swedish, Russian, and Finnish leagues, bandy presents exciting options for bettors who appreciate a blend of football-style tactics and ice hockey speed.

Smart fans don’t just bet on the team with the most goals—they look at weather conditions, player lineups, home-ice advantage, and team discipline. Recognising form, fatigue, and fixture congestion can help you make more informed betting decisions.

If you’re new to bandy, consider following trusted betting tipsters who cover winter sports and emerging betting markets. For more experienced punters, using arbitrage betting software can highlight pricing discrepancies and uncover value across bookmakers.

Whether you’re backing a Scandinavian derby or watching your first match, knowing bandy’s rules, strategy, and rhythms gives you a betting advantage.

Bandy isn’t just a cold-weather novelty—it’s a dynamic, strategic sport that rewards sharp analysis and fast thinking.