Mölkky

A skill game from Finland where every throw can change the game!

Mölkky is a game of numbered wooden pins that is as easy to learn as it is fun to play. The idea: throw the wooden stick to knock down pins and score points based on the numbers knocked over. Precision, strategy and a bit of luck are all part of the fun!

Mölkky promotes:

• Hand-eye coordination and precision
• Mobility and throwing control
• Counting and cognitive stimulation
• Concentration and strategy
• Social interaction and team spirit

Ideal for enjoying nice days outdoors or for an activity in a large room, Mölkky is played in groups and the throwing distance is easy to adapt to participants' abilities.

Rules of the game

The aim is to knock down wooden pins with a throwing stick called the Mölkky. The pins are numbered 1 to 12. The first team to score exactly 50 points wins. At the start of the game, the pins are placed 3 to 4 m (10 to 13 ft) from the players. When a pin is knocked down, it is stood back up exactly where it landed, without moving it. As the game goes on, the pins scatter and move farther away.

Scoring: players throw the Mölkky to knock down pins. There are two ways to score: 1. if a player knocks down a single pin, they score the number written on it; 2. if a player knocks down several pins, they score the number of pins knocked down. Example: a player aims for pin no. 12 and knocks it down alone: they score 12 points. If they knock down no. 12 and no. 4, they score only 2 points. The game therefore calls for strength at times (knocking down as many pins as possible in one throw), and precision and skill at others. A small slip can cost a lot of points! Note: a pin only counts as knocked down if it has fallen completely and is not resting on another pin. The winner is the one who reaches exactly 50 points. If a player goes over, they drop back to 25.

Elimination: any player who commits three faults (a throw that scores no points, or stepping over the throwing line) is eliminated. If all players are eliminated before anyone reaches 50 points, the last one still playing wins. Next game: players play in the reverse order of the previous game's ranking.