Meet mölkky, Finland’s favourite summer game

Playing mölkky is a beloved summer tradition for many Finns, with the game’s roots tracing back to early 1900’s Karelia, the rules being passed on via word of mouth before becoming widely commercially available in the 1990’s. Nowadays, it is common for friends and families to gather around for a round of mölkky in a park nearby or to liven up a cozy day at the summer cottage with a little light-hearted competition.

For Finnair gate agent Juha Karjalainen, however, mölkky is more than a casual way to spend a summer evening. The game has become an important hobby for him, bringing together friends and colleagues and creating many joyful and rewarding moments. Even Juha’s dog Sidney is an enthusiastic mölkky fan, although the retriever’s interest in the throwing pin can sometimes make the game a little more challenging.

What is mölkky?

Mölkky is a Finnish outdoor game that Juha playfully describes as “a cross between darts, billiards, and even a little chess”. It calls for a steady hand, a good sense of angles and just the right amount of force, as well as the ability to plan strategic moves.

How to play mölkky:

• Players take turns throwing a wooden pin, called the mölkky, at numbered skittles arranged in a cluster. 
• The goal is to knock down skittles and collect points. If one skittle falls, the player scores the number shown on that skittle. If several skittles fall, the score is the number of skittles knocked down. 
• After each turn, the skittles are returned to a standing position wherever they have fallen. 
• The aim is to reach exactly 50 points, not a single point more. If a player goes over 50 points, their score drops back to 25.

Although the game may seem at first like a simple test of throwing accuracy, Juha points out that it is not just about aim and luck: “The game is surprisingly tactical, as you constantly need to think about which number to aim for next, what you will try on your following turn, and how to avoid going over the 50-point limit.” 

“The most common mistakes beginners make are using too much force, forgetting the 50-point rule and playing without a strategy. It is not always worth trying to knock down as many skittles as possible at once. A precise hit on a single skittle is often the better choice,” Juha says.

Helsinki hosts the Mölkky World Championships in summer 2026

In recent years, mölkky has also gained popularity beyond Finland. This summer, the Mölkky World Championships will be held in Helsinki from 14 to 16 August 2026, bringing together players and fans from more than 20 countries. Juha will take part in the tournament together with the Finnair Mölkky Crew, a team he founded. 

“It will be wonderful to experience the atmosphere together with the Finnair team. It is great that the World Championships are being held in Finland – it gives the sport special recognition and is sure to attract many enthusiastic spectators. I am looking forward not only to top-level performances, but also to the relaxed and joyful spirit that makes mölkky so special,” Juha says. 

For Juha, one of the most important things about the event is the chance to enjoy it together with friends and colleagues. “At their best, the championships are not just a competition, but a meeting place where people from different backgrounds come together through a shared interest,” Juha says.

A beginner-friendly game

Mölkky is easy to try and has a low threshold for getting started. The game is sold in most supermarkets and sports shops around Finland, and the set is affordable and easy to take along. Some libraries may also have mölkky sets available to borrow. The game also makes an excellent travel activity, as it can be played in areas like public parks, beaches, or even the parking lots of hotels.

Mölkky is also well suited to first-time players. “Be brave and join the game. You do not need to know how to play mölkky beforehand – the most important thing is to give it a try and enjoy doing something together. When you join in with a relaxed mindset, the game will teach you the rest,” Juha encourages. 

“Mölkky is easy to pick up, brings people together and allows you to enjoy nature, which is what makes the game such a beloved summer pastime in Finland,” Juha reflects. And mölkky truly does belong in a Finnish summer evening. When the evenings are long and light, the game can continue late into the night. So, if you come across a mölkky set this on your trip to Finland, take Juha’s advice: pick up the pin, join the game and see where the skittles fall.